Student review [#13344] for International Political Economy
at London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE

I am a MSc International Political Economy student at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I am specializing in international economics.

The distinguishing feature about the LSE is its relentless focus on cognitive flexibility. The LSE attempts to train its students in the art of acquiring knowledge from a range of disciplines. Its motto reads ‘knowing the causes of things’ and from day one, I was told this cannot be achieved through any one discipline. ( For instance, a student of economics will consider the political impact of a regulation or a management student will use behavioral economics to analyse organizational culture). As a result, I was able to add some flexibility into my course. This is why the course has exceeded my expectations.

In addition, I am surrounded by international students (70% of the student body comes from outside the UK) who think outside the box. This is what I liked the most about my experience. There are very few top-ranked Universities where international exposure is so high.

The caveat here is that the LSE is quite a challenging academic environment and what students gain from their education depends on what they put into it. My course in particular has been quite challenging but it has also been rewarding.

The LSE has successfully turned students into experts, entrepreneurs and leaders for over 100 years and it continues to do so to this day. The LSE gives you access to this network. For instance, I recently met the President of the EU Commission who is an alumnus of the LSE at an event and discussed my dissertation with her.

Based on my experience, I would definitely recommend an education at the LSE.