Good news: I have been accepted to study for a BSc in Development and Economics with the University of London through its distance learning programme. This is an economics degree with a focus on international development and poverty eradication that is offered under the guidance of LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science.
I am excited, proud and a bit scared.
- Excited about the prospect of studying economics, a subject which I majored in at high school and in which I have never lost interest. I am mainly interested in how economics influences politics, especially in less stable regions of the world, and how economics can be used to achieve political results (e.g. if sanctions work, if developmental aid works), but due to my legal background of course also in the connection between rule of law and economic prosperity.
- Proud because I have been accepted by LSE, one of the most renowned and competitive universities in the world. LSE is among the best social science universities in the world. There are currently 18 Nobel Prize winners amongst the LSE’s alumni and current and former staff, as well as 34 past or present heads of state. LSE Economics courses receive 20 applications per place and thus have an acceptance rate of about 5 %.
- Scared because I will have to take mathematics. – More seriously, I am a bit worried because I am also studying for an MA in Philosophy at the same time and combining these two endeavours will require some rigorous discipline.
Of course, this means that I will have more posts about economics from now on. Enjoy and join the debate!
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UPDATE 2012
The fear that I would not be able to handle both an MA in Philosophy and a BSc in Economics at the same time has materialized. As I have been focusing on philosophy, I never really had sufficient time to devote to the study of economics.
I have therefore transferred to the BSc in Politics & International Relations which will be easier for me (because I already deal with these subjects regularly as readers of my blog will be painfully aware of) and it will overlap more with my final dissertation for the MA in Philosophy which will be about some subject of political philosophy.
In 2013, I will attempt exams in the following 4 subjects:
I look forward to your future posts, especially any concerning whether economic sanctions or economic engagements work better to modify the political behaviour of so-called “rogue states”, and under what conditions.
Good luck! If you ever need a proof-reader (for English, as you know my German is sporadic at best) for any of your papers, let me know and I’ll be happy to lend my assistance.
Andreas,
Congratulations.
And about the Mathematics dont be scared “Its not how much you know, But How Fast you learn what you dont know”
LEARN FAST.
Good Luck,
Aaron
Andreas,
Congratulations on your acceptance to LSE !!
We know that Mathematics is a rigid, absolute yet expanding, discipline which is good. The same cannot be said for Economics or the Social Sciences. When I graduated University in 1951 and received my first degree, Mathematics was then basically as it is today, simply put, 2+2=4.. unchangeable — yes, improved and advanced but still, the basics are the same. Incidentally, I am not a mathematician.
However the Social Sciences are varied and change from school to school and person to person.. without absolutes.
I enjoy the study of Conservative economics vs the flawed (in my opinion) theory of Keynesian Economics and similar Progressive theories.
I am curious to know, will LSE emphasize the philosophies of the more Liberal Socialist John Maynard Keynes or the proven Conservative models of Milton Friedman, Ludwig Von Mises, et al?
As Thomas Jefferson, one of our great Americans once said, “Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread.”
As you might imagine, I believe the Conservative approach is the only proven solution for elimination of poverty and fomenting world wide prosperity. In my twenties, as a business owner, I experienced, first hand, an oppressive American government, eroding my ability to earn a living. As the result, I began formulating my secular economic philosophy. I read Frédéric Bastiat’s “The Law” and was amazed to see plain, simple and logical wisdom emanating from such an intellect. It was thrilling to learn that a wise intellectual need not be an obfuscator… but, as my Bible says, (paraphrased) “speak the truth in words easy to be understood,” logical, plain and simple.
Will be following your progress.
In Jesus Christ eternally,
Jack Weaver
Hi Andreas,
Congratulations for being accepted :) I have seen your post in LSE group in LinkedIn and I decided to have a look to your blog. I like it.
It will be my first year as well. Actually, officially register in the Bsc in Economics. However, I really like the Development topic and I will try to be close enough to the policy makers in order to abolish the poverty.
Do you already know how many modules are reasonable to apply at the same time?
I will visit you to generate debate if you don’t mind.
Cheers.
I think I will only take 2 courses the first term, because I am also doing an MA in Philosophy, so I have to split my time a bit. I am dreading Mathematics the most to be honest…
Hi Andreas,
Congratulations, first of all, on being accepted! I am thinking about pursuing a distance learning degree in Economics at LSE as well. I am currently still finishing an LLM degree in Social Law and will be starting a new job in a month or so, so I do not think I will enroll before September.
I am hestitating between the B.Sc. in Economics and the B.Sc. in Development and Economics. Just like you, I am a bit afraid of the Mathematics and Statistics courses (took mathematics as a major in high-school but then went on to study Literature at University so did not have much use for it for the past 16 years or so).
I already bought the book by Anthony and Biggs and I was wondering if would be willing to share your study guide with me so I can make up my mind about which program to enroll in?
If not, would you kindly indicate which parts of the book are covered in 05a. Mathematics 1 and which parts (if any) are covered in 05b. Mathematics 2?
Many thanks in advance!
Steven
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