London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Overview

LSE is one of the most well-known and respected social science universities in the world and its students can benefit from some of the best social science facilities available, including one of the world’s largest social science libraries and 19 research centres.

The university was founded in 1895 and is now based on one campus in the centre of London. Among its founding members were Nobel Prize and Oscar winner, George Bernard Shaw, with the university since going on to graduate at least 37 world leaders and 18 Nobel Prize winners.

During the 2020/21 academic year, LSE had over 11,500 students, just under half of which were undergraduates. With 51% of the student makeup classed as Overseas, the university has an international feel more than most.

Over 200 societies and 40 sports clubs mean LSE has plenty to offer on an extra-curricular level and it also boasts the fact that it became the UK’s first Carbon Neutral verified university.

With its location at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, LSE’s students can enjoy a cultural and lively student experience with plenty to do on their doorstep. Loads of theatres, bars, restaurants, music and arts venues and nightclubs await.

At LSE, undergraduate degree courses are focused on the social sciences. Social sciences are subjects that look at societies and the relationships of the people in those societies. Social science degrees include economics, anthropology, political science, geography and sociology, among others.

As LSE specialises in the social sciences only, there is a smaller selection of degree courses on offer than with most other universities, as prospective students can pick from around 40 courses. All options can be studied on a full-time basis only.

Most degrees at LSE let students combine subjects to make up a joint honours degree, like BSc International Relations and History. It is also possible to study one subject as a major and another as a minor, e.g. geography with economics.

Typically, undergraduate degrees at LSC take three years to study. However, you can find a few courses that last four years. These tend to either include an additional year of study or a year abroad. For example, the BSc Language, Culture and Society degree takes four years to complete and includes a year abroad in the third year.

Most degrees include optional modules, as well as core modules, meaning you can study the degree topics you’re most interested in.

As LSE is a prestigious Russell Group university, students need to get high grades to study there, regardless of the course.

Depending on the subject, most courses at LSE look at the combination of A-level subjects (or equivalent) that have been taken by a student, as well as the induvial marks achieved. The university tends to favour applicants who’ve studied a mix of traditional subjects.

Competition for places at LSE is high, so, it’s important to show a strong level of academic achievement.

Below we’ve taken a look at the UK entry requirements for a few different subject areas, to give you an idea of what’s needed.

For example, to study a business and accounting course at LSE, applicants will need to have a strong set of GCSEs, made up of mostly A* and A grades, including a grade B or higher in English and maths. Applicants will also need A-levels (or equivalent) of A*AA–AAA.

To get onto a humanities degree course, such as anthropology, sociology or philosophy, applicants will need a strong set of GCSEs, with some A and B grades, including a grade B or higher in English and maths. Required A-level grades for humanities subjects tend to range from AAA–AAB.

It should be noted that entry requirements can change so you should always confirm these with the university before applying.

LSE provides a range of shared and single accommodation options, including en-suite rooms, studio apartments and catered or self-catered halls of residence. New first-year undergraduates, who are studying on a full-time basis, receive a guaranteed offer of accommodation, as long as they meet the booking deadline.

If uni halls aren’t for you, LSE can also help you find a privately rented place in London. Additionally, short-term rooming in halls is offered over the summer.

The accommodation is located in central London, giving an excellent location for the culture and nightlife on offer, as well as the university campus itself. Halls are staffed 24/7.

Additionally, students with disabilities are prioritised for accommodation, in-line with Disability and Wellbeing Service recommendations.

Cost-wise, single-person accommodation ranges from around £180 a week to £444 a week and shared-room options are available at a cheaper price. It should be noted that the most expensive option is for studio accommodation, whereas most rooms are on a single basis and cost between £200 and £350.

LSE has a dedicated careers service that offers several services to students and graduates. For example, one-to-one appointments can be booked with careers consultants to talk about career options, practise interview techniques and get other general careers guidance.

You’ll also have the chance to attend careers events, like specific sector events, recruitment events and professional development sessions. The events can increase your skills and knowledge, as well as provide chances to meet employers and network with people who could help you get a job after you graduate.

Students can also use a number of resources designed to help search for jobs and opportunities. Various vacancy boards and internship schemes are tailored towards LSE students and graduates, including parliamentary internships. Internships often lead to full-time employment.

There’s also a wealth of information and resources available to LSE students on the careers website, covering deciding a career path, finding job opportunities, making job applications and preparing for interviews and assessment days.

The cost of living in London is higher than in most cities and LSE recognises this by giving financial support to students, in the form of scholarships and bursaries. These are on top of the financial support that is provided by the government.

For example, the LSE Bursary is available for Home fee status students and is awarded based on household income. LSE also offers the LSE Discretionary Bursary for students in exceptionally difficult financial circumstances and the LSE Accommodation Bursary is available for students from lower-income households and designed to encourage them to apply for accommodation in halls.

LSE also awards several scholarships each year. These are funded by private and business donations, so the number, value and eligibility criteria can change from year to year.

There will be certain guidelines to meet to receive any of the funding and you should check the university’s website for more details about the scholarships and bursaries on offer, as well as to help find out whether you are eligible for the funding.

You may also find that specific courses or subject areas offer funding opportunities as well.