Hi! I’m Reyhaneh, a current MSc Economics and Management student at LSE! I’d love to give you an overview of my 10-month programme, covering its courses, contact hours, assessments and cohort. If you’re thinking about applying, keep reading to find out everything you need to know ⬇️
📝 Programme structure
The programme is, without a doubt, intense and demanding compared to other Master’s programmes, as it’s over 10 months. However, it’s highly rewarding, providing substantial new knowledge and encouraging personal growth. You’ll also have access to leading faculty, cutting-edge research, and numerous networking opportunities during your time in the Department of Management at LSE.
1️⃣ Prerequisite course
- Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics (EC400): This is a compulsory module completed at the beginning of the course with examinations held before the start of the core modules – although the grade does not count towards the degree.
2️⃣ Core courses
- Firms and Markets (MG411): This module covers a significant amount of game theory and introduces concepts related to firm behaviour and market dynamics. There are weekly lectures, case study sessions, and seminars in which problem sets are solved.
- Econometric Methods (EC486): This module discusses regression models in depth. You’ll use Stata a lot and learn how to interpret different outputs, helping to solidify your understanding of the theories taught in the lectures. There are weekly lectures and seminars in which problem sets are solved.
- Corporate Finance (FM431A): This module dives into topics such as cash flow estimations, capital structures, firm valuation, trade-off theory, and hybrid financing. There are weekly lectures and seminars in which case studies are discussed.
- Extended Essay (MG417): This is a 6,000-word essay on your chosen topic to be submitted by the end of April. This opportunity allows you to delve into a topic of their choice, conducting independent research and demonstrating your analytical skills.
You’ll have the opportunity to pick elective courses from different departments, such as the Economics, Management, and Finance departments.
3️⃣ Elective courses
You’ll have the opportunity to pick elective courses from different departments, such as the Economics, Management, and Finance departments, enabling you to study what you enjoy most and what best aligns with your career interests and prospects. Examples of elective modules are: Auctions and Game Theory, Firms and Markets in Emerging Economies, and Management Accounting, Decisions and Control.
I picked Portfolio Management (FM445), which discusses topics such as The Portfolio Theory, the CAPM Model, trading, mutual funds, and hedge funds, as well as Entrepreneurial Finance (FM476), which covers unit economics, venture capital, seed financing, and deal structures through weekly guest speakers, case studies, and discussions on financing a new business.
Lecturers will have office hours outside the classroom, if you have any questions!
4️⃣ Contact hours
Generally speaking, each course has four teaching hours, consisting of a lecture and a seminar. However, this depends on how the course is structured. Some course will have case study sessions, meaning there will be a case study for you to read before the class, which will be discussed in the classroom. These allow you to gain a more practical understanding of the material learned in the lectures.
Also, lecturers will have office hours outside the classroom, if you have any questions!
5️⃣ Assessments
Assessment types will vary depending on the course. Many courses will have a single exam in January or May/June. Some courses will have an exam, but attendance and class participation will also be assessed. Some courses will have coursework, typically in the form of a group project.
📚 Cohort
This year’s MSc Economics and Management cohort consists of around 30 students, primarily with academic backgrounds in economics. There’s a roughly even split between female and male students, and its a highly diverse cohort with most students being international. One of the key benefits of studying at LSE is the strong network built through the diverse cohort and the wider LSE community. These connections often extend beyond the classroom, contributing to long-term professional growth.
💭 Top tips
- Brush up on your economics and mathematical skills before joining;
- stay organised from the beginning;
- and ask for help from professors whenever needed.
But most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey!
Learn more about LSE’s MSc Economics and Management programme.
Find out more about LSE’s Department of Management by clicking on the video below ⬇️
