Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation London School of Economics and Political Science

Overview

The Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science provides an advanced historical analysis of the non-European world. Students examine the complex legacies of imperialism, colonialism, and the diverse forces that have shaped modern globalisation. This degree encourages a critical understanding of how trans-regional interactions have influenced contemporary global structures.

The curriculum focuses on the ideologies of empire, including notions of race, gender, and ethnicity, alongside economic development and underdevelopment. Participants engage with the latest academic research and develop their own specialist expertise through research-based term papers.

Why Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation at London School of Economics and Political Science?

The Department of International History is world-renowned for its unique perspective on the relations between states, peoples, and cultures. Students benefit from ground-breaking research and a cosmopolitan academic community in the heart of London. The university has been recognised as University of the Year 2025 and ranks first in London for its social science and management provisions.

Studying in London provides unparalleled access to world-class research libraries and archives. These include the National Archives, the British Library, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. The university’s own British Library of Political and Economic Sciences also houses extensive collections that support high-level historical enquiry and primary source analysis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 28900 per year
• National fee: GBP 18300 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Dissertation
• International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond
• Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century
• Shadow Cold War
• The Third Revolution
• Imperial Intimacies
• Post Wall, Post Square
• The Global Cold War
• Origins and Evolution of the European Union

Careers with Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation

Graduates develop highly transferable skills in data analysis, information processing, and coherent argumentation. These attributes are in high demand across various professional sectors, including the foreign service, political think tanks, and the NGO sector. Many alumni also find success in risk assessment, journalism, or the European Union.

The programme prepares students for roles that require the ability to manage complex information and communicate effectively in public settings. Beyond immediate employment in international relations and policy, many graduates choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing a research degree or PhD. The university consistently ranks highly for graduate employability and long-term earnings potential.