Why you should study the Political Economy of Europe in the World at LSE – Students@LSE

September 23rd, 2026

Why you should study the Political Economy of Europe in the World at LSE

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Is there a better time to study political economy than when trade is no longer about comparative advantage, but tariffs have become an instrument of geopolitical power? I have just finished the MSc Political Economy of Europe in the World at LSE, and here is what the year was actually like

Have you ever wondered whether political power shapes the economy, or if economic power constitutes politics? These are the questions that made my degree so intriguing, and they are the questions running through current debates in economics, politics and the media. It has been exciting to link what I read in the Financial Times each morning, like the EU Industrial Accelerator Act or Chinese financial regulation, to the theories and concepts studied on the programme.

The content is focused on Europe, which has been ideal for me as I hope to work with EU institutions, and it has helped me understand European integration and the challenges Europe faces. But as the title says “in the World”, you cannot talk about the European financial system without talking about the United States, and you cannot talk about Europe’s green transition without talking about China.

My cohort made the same point in a different way. We came from four continents, and several of my colleagues arrived wanting to understand Europe because they had worked in trade relations with European countries. I also took a course on the EU and the Global South, which engaged critically with Europe’s colonial past and pushed me to think from a different perspective

Studying political economy at the European Institute (EI) has particular advantages. The most practical is EU450 course; Engaging with Europe: Professional Skills. In this course we worked directly with practitioners. I took part in a session on EU legislative procedure in action with a legal expert from Brussels, and an investment project with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which also advertised internship positions. It helped me clarify my career direction, not only on a technical level but also by putting me in touch with professionals.

The Institute also runs an excellent events programme. I heard President of Finland Alexander Stubb speak on the shifting world order, and the EU in Practice talk series brings in experts from the field, including former Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas

Looking back, the academic work is front and centre, but the EI staff team’s reliability and support were essential to getting the most out of the year. This included organising social events like hikes, a pub quiz at Cumberland Lodge and alumni panels, which brought us all closer together

What surprised me at first is that even the economics-heavy courses, on the political economy of finance or trade, had little in common with calculating optima in neoclassical economics. There are no problem sets. There is a great deal of reading. Having done political theory and neoclassical economics as an undergraduate, I felt well prepared, but if you come from pure economics, politics, international relations or business, the degree is still a valuable way to think beyond your own discipline.

Here are my two pieces of practical advice: start thinking about your dissertation topic before you arrive, because one year is short, and if you want to try a particular method, plan ahead. The methods training is condensed

I would definitely recommend this degree, but not to everyone. If you want rigorous econometric training or a purely technical policy qualification, this is not that degree. If you want to read widely, argue precisely and understand how Europe acts in a world it no longer sets the terms of, this is what you are looking for

What I valued most was not just the content, it was learning how to approach European policy critically and constructively. That was a step outside my comfort zone, and it is the part I will hold on to. Find out more about studying at the European Institute in Iana’s blog

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Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk