London School of Economics and Political Science Guide

Founded in 1895 by pioneers in economics and sociology, Beatrice and Sidney Webb, the London School of Economics was established to contribute to the “betterment of society”. From its inception, the school has been at the forefront of developing social science research and the applications of social sciences in practical ways, such as through social policy and administration. LSE is built on a culture of discovery and higher learning, with cutting-edge practical fields driving positive change in society. The university’s motto of “rerum cognoscere causas” means “to know the causes of things”, which is fitting for a pioneer in social sciences.

Summary of University

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London School of Economics and Political Science Overview

LSE was founded with the idea that it would be focused on practical disciplines. Courses in what was then commerce and industry were introduced in 1902, which is today recognised as business and management studies. Since then, the university has been known to be a specialist in social sciences. 

Located in the heart of central London, the university is ranked third in the world in QS subject rankings and third in the UK – just after Oxford and Cambridge – according to the Complete University Guide 2024.

With over 220 thousand alumni, the network of LSE alumni is vast and diverse. There are currently 18 alumni or staff who have been awarded the Nobel Prize. Notable LSE alumni include B R Ambedkar, the Architect of the Indian constitution; David Rockefeller, banker and philanthropist; and George Soros, business magnate.

London School of Economics and Political Science Courses and Programmes

LSE has 12 subjects ranked among the top ten in the UK, including Business & Management Studies, Economics, Law, Politics, History, Sociology, and more. Some of LSE’s top programmes are:

Economics

LSE’s Economics programme is a cut above the rest – it moulds its students into taking an open-minded and scientific approach to dissecting real-world global issues such as the 2008 economic crisis, gender wage gaps, widening inequalities and so on by using economic relationship models and testing hypotheses against data. Students at LSE’s economics programme are shaped into being analytical, articulate thinkers and thrive in the vibrant and diverse environment.

LSE’s Department of Economics is one of the largest in the world and has experts who are at the forefront of mainstream economics. It is among the top-ranked universities for its research in economics and econometrics. Being an economics student at LSE would mean that you will be learning from some of the best around the world.

Politics

Politics is the study of power, conflict, and ideology. More specifically, the study of politics is an analysis of the ways in which individuals and groups may define political issues and how they may influence the governance of these issues. Politics may refer to a wide range of subjects ranging from public affairs and elections to wars and terrorism.

LSE’s BSc Politics programme includes modules from a range of subfields within political sciences, such as comparative politics, political economy, public administration and policy, and political theory. Students will be taught fundamental concepts and theories such as the concept of democracy, justice, liberty, and rights.

Law

LSE’s Law programme shines where it emphasises an understanding of law within context. In other words, LSE Law students come away from the programme with a holistic view of the law and legal system and how this fits with other sociological issues and political climates. Students are encouraged to take a broad outlook on legal issues in order to understand and appreciate the place of the rule of law in politics and society. 

LSE’s Law programme prepares its students for the profession by developing a variety of intellectual skills along with creative and imaginative powers of reasoning that are valued by employers. The school offers a double degree programme with Columbia University Law School in the United States, which is open to application during a student’s second year of studies.

London School of Economics and Political Science Entry Requirements

Entry into London School of Economics is quite competitive, as it is one of the top universities in the UK. According to LSE, it received 26,000 applications for 1,700 places in 2021 which makes for a 6% chance of acceptance when you submit an application. 

You will need A*AA with an A* in Mathematics to be considered for their BSc Economics programme and AAA to be considered for their BSc International Relations programme. Its UCAS points requirements range between 136-152 points. 

London School of Economics and Political Science Entry Deadline

In the UK, all university applications (including those submitted by international students like you) go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, more commonly known as UCAS.

Most undergraduate courses will share the same deadline of 31 January of every year. Some courses such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences and universities such as Oxford and Cambridge have an earlier deadline of 16 October in the year before admission.

For more information about key dates and other UCAS deadlines, take a look at our article UCAS Deadlines 2024.

London School of Economics and Political Science Ranking

  • According to the latest 2024 The Complete University Guide league table for UK universities, LSE is ranked third in the country. LSE’s overall score was edged out by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge by just 3-4%.
  • London School of Economics and Political Science ranks 56th in the world, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings. This puts LSE on par with other world-renowned universities such as Monash University in Australia, Brown University in the US, and the University of Bristol.
  • The Complete University Guide 2024 has ranked LSE as being the number one UK university for research quality – this is a measure of the quality of research done by the university, based on the latest 2021 REF rating. For a detailed explanation about REF, check out our Guide to Choosing UK Universities – Quality Assurance here!
  • LSE has 12 subjects ranked among the top ten in the UK, including Business & Management Studies, Economics, Law, Politics, History, Sociology, and more.

London School of Economics and Political Science Fees

Undergraduate tuition fees

The tuition fees at LSE are subject to change and are fixed every year in the Spring semester. These tuition fees include registration and examination fees, lectures, supervision, membership with the Students’ Union, and any other lectures given at its intercollegiate network.

For international students enrolled in the academic year of 2024/25, the annual tuition fees are £23,330. These fees do not include accommodation, transport to campus, or any other miscellaneous fees.

London School of Economics and Political Science Accommodation

LSE provides over 4500 rooms in 17 locations near the campus in the centre of London. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may rent one of these rooms which are available as single ensuite rooms as well as shared rooms. The rooms range in cost from £117-444 weekly to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

Students may also choose from catered or self-catered accommodations. Catered accommodations include evening meals during term-time as well as snack point kitchens that are shared with the floor – these are 24-hour basic facilities that allow for light cooking.

London School of Economics and Political Science Reviews

Student, 2021 

Studying at LSE is like a dream come true. It has the best of everything, from education to social events. Even during the pandemic the department has managed to keep everyone well connected and has provided all the support needed.

Brayden – Student 

It has a global reputation for excellence in the social sciences. You’ll have access to excellent resources, including an outstanding library and world-class professors.

Joseph – Student 

A very interesting experience. You meet people from all over Europe (and beyond), and relatively few British people. LSE is also a major reference in Economics, and it’s a great university to have on your CV!

London School of Economics and Political Science Facilities

LSE is home to the British Library of Political and Economic Science, which is a major international library of the social sciences. The library offers all the resources a student would need at LSE, including over 4 million printed items, over 2,000 seats, computer labs, training sessions from librarians, including exhibitions showing unique collections available at the library. Students also have access to LSE LIFE, which is an academic, personal, and professional development centre. Students can find LSE LIFE at the library to get one-on-one advice on various aspects of their life. This area also serves as a great study space.

LSE students can also access the Information Management and Technology department to make use of its wide range of IT resources and facilities. Students can enjoy 24-hour phone support, in-person support, workshops, free antivirus and Microsoft Office, assistive technology, access to the LSE environment on- and off-campus, and more. 

At the heart of LSE is the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, which is home to the Students’ Union and the hub for student life at LSE. Here, students can find pubs, study spaces, a gym, and access a number of student-focused services. 

There are also quite a number of activities and sports for LSE students to participate in – it ranges from athletics to yoga, squash and more. Beginners and competitive athletes alike are welcome to join these activities. The university has a well-equipped gym which offers classes. There are also badminton courts in the Old Building and netball and tennis courts available in the Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Students can also hop on a short train ride to access the university’s sportsground in New Malden, which provides for outdoor sports such as football, cricket, netball, and rugby. 

London School of Economics and Political Science Student Activities and Clubs

Being at LSE places you right in the middle of London’s art scene where you can make the most of London’s museums, galleries, theatres, music venues and more. However, there’s also just as much to do on-campus.

Every student at LSE is automatically registered as a member of the LSE Students’ Union and may democratically elect student officers to represent their interests. Students have many opportunities at LSE to be involved in student life through joining societies and clubs, voting or participating in Union campaigns and more.

There is lots to do at LSE, with over 40 sports clubs at LSE, including athletics, capoeira and futsal, rowing, squash, yoga, and more. On top of that, there are some 200 over cultural and interest societies covering a wide range of topics such as United Nations, Anime and Manga, Women Leaders of Tomorrow, and African Caribbean society. Those keen on media production can also participate in the university’s newspaper, journal, radio station, TV show, and student film group.

London School of Economics and Political Science Contact

Official website: https://www.lse.ac.uk/

Phone: +44 (0)20 7405 7686 

Address: Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK.

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