This course takes an open-minded and scientific approach to consider broad-ranging real world issues such as why, as economies grow richer, people are often not any happier. Economics at LSE is mathematically rigorous, and you should have aptitude for and enjoyment of mathematics, along with a strong analytical ability. This programme combines the two complementary fields of economics and government in a joint honours programme, with around half of the programme in each field. You will learn political concepts and theories, will compare political phenomena in a variety of cultures and countries, and answer broad theoretical questions about the political world. You will also gain a thorough grounding in the analytical methods of economics and will learn to apply these methods to a diverse range of problems. Government, or the study of politics, involves analysis of the ways in which individuals and groups define and interpret political issues and seek to shape government decisions. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities relating to public affairs, from elections and bureaucracies to wars and terrorism. Politics graduates have a range of skills and can fit into a variety of positions in modern life. Our former students have followed careers in business and banking, in law, in central and local government, in teaching and research, in public and university administration, and in journalism and television.