London School of Economics and Political Science
A specialist social science university in central London: about 34,000 applicants for roughly 1,900 places.
- Students
- 12,900
- 5,790 undergraduates
- International
- 71%
- of students
- Tuition
- £30,400
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1895
About LSE
The London School of Economics and Political Science was founded in 1895 and admitted its first students that October. It is a specialist university devoted to the social sciences, with departments including Economics, Government, International Relations, Management, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Sociology and the LSE Law School, all on a compact campus around Houghton Street in central London.
LSE is one of the most competitive universities in the UK: in 2026 it received about 34,000 undergraduate applications for roughly 1,900 places, and it warns that meeting its standard offer does not guarantee an offer. BSc Economics alone had 2,885 applications for 217 places in 2025, a ratio of 13 to 1. Standard offers range from AAB to A*AA, and several programmes require an A* in Mathematics.
The School has a long record in economics and public life: 21 LSE alumni and staff have won Nobel Prizes, most recently Philippe Aghion in Economic Sciences in 2025. LSE suits students who already know they want to study economics, politics, law or another social science in depth, and who want to learn in the middle of London's government, legal and financial districts.
Rerum cognoscere causas
“To know the causes of things” — university motto
Why students choose LSE
A single-subject focus on the social sciences, with over 40 undergraduate degrees from Economics and PPE to International Relations and Data Science.
LSE's BSc Economics graduates earned a median salary of £43,000 fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2023/24).
Overseas fees are fixed for the whole degree at the rate of your year of entry.
UK students with household income up to £30,000 receive an LSE Bursary of £4,250 a year, with smaller awards up to £50,000.
Admissions
2026 entry
Selectivity
LSE reports approximately 34,000 applications for roughly 1,900 places for 2026 entry (about 18 applications per place). It does not publish an overall offer rate. Programme examples (2025): BSc Economics 2,885 applications for 217 places; LLB 3,102 applications for 193 places.
Typical entry requirements
| A-levels | AAB to A*AA depending on programme, e.g. A*AA with an A* in Mathematics for Economics and PPE, A*AA for Law |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | 37 points (666 at HL) to 39 points (766 at HL), e.g. 39 with 766 including 7 in HL Mathematics for Economics |
| English language | IELTS 7 · TOEFL iBT 100 IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each component, or TOEFL iBT 100 (Writing 27, Reading 25, Listening 24, Speaking 24); on the updated TOEFL scale (from January 2026), 5.5 overall with 5 in each section. Scores must come from one sitting within two years of 1 September of entry. |
Deadlines
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
LSE's deadline for 'on-time' applications for all programmes.
LNAT for the LLB must be taken between 1 September and 31 December 2026; TMUA applicants should follow UAT-UK's test dates. LSE sends first decisions to UCAS in November 2026, and the UCAS deadline for final decisions is 12 May 2027.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS; LSE does not accept direct applications. Selectors consider academic achievement (achieved and predicted grades), subject combinations, the personal statement, the reference and educational context. LSE makes decisions on a rolling basis from November and aims to finish before 5 May 2027.
What admissions looks for
- Excellent achieved and predicted grades, with the right subjects (for example, A* in Mathematics for Economics and PPE).
- A personal statement showing genuine interest in the social sciences, as selectors read it as part of a holistic review.
- Qualities LSE lists on programme pages, such as intellectual curiosity, the ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views, and self-motivation.
- Strong performance in the TMUA or LNAT where required; for the LLB, the LNAT multiple-choice score helps separate similarly qualified applicants.
Tips for applying to LSE
- 1 Take the TMUA if you apply for Economics or Econometrics (it is mandatory), and consider it for Mathematics and Economics and similar programmes where a good score helps.
- 2 Avoid overlapping A-level subjects (such as Economics with Business Studies) for PPE and similar programmes; LSE prefers a mix that shows analytical and writing skills.
- 3 Book your English test early: LSE requires IELTS 7.0 in every component and will not defer an offer because of a missed test.
- 4 Select LSE when you register for the LNAT so your score reaches the School in time.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
Home undergraduates receive a non-repayable LSE Bursary based on household income (£4,250 a year up to £30,000, falling to £1,250 at £40,001-£50,000), with no cap on the number of awards; there are also LSE Scholarships, an Accommodation Bursary and a Care-Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary. Overseas students can apply for philanthropically funded bursaries and scholarships, including LSE Access to Education Scholarships.
- £4,250 per year
- LSE Bursary, household income £0-£30,000
- £1,250 per year
- LSE Bursary, household income £40,001-£50,000
- At least £1,550 per month
- Recommended living budget
Academics
BSc Economics
2,885 applications for 217 places in 2025; A*AA with an A* in Mathematics and a mandatory TMUA; graduates' median salary £43,000.
BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics
A*AA with an A* in Mathematics (or A* Further Maths with A in Maths), combining analytical and essay-based study.
LLB Bachelor of Laws
3,102 applications for 193 places; LNAT required; close to London's legal district and the Inns of Court.
BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
One of two programmes where the TMUA is mandatory.
BSc Data Science
Requires HL Mathematics: analysis and approaches for IB students; overseas fee £37,500 for 2027/28.
BSc International Relations
Taught by LSE's Department of International Relations, alongside the Department of International History.
Research
- Philippe Aghion of LSE's Department of Economics and Centre for Economic Performance shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for explaining innovation-driven growth.
- Sixteen of LSE's 21 Nobel Prizes are in Economic Sciences; laureate Sir Arthur Lewis was an LSE student from 1934 to 1937 and a member of staff from 1938 to 1948.
Schools & faculties
- Department of Economics
- Department of Government
- Department of International Relations
- Department of Management
- Department of Finance
- Department of Accounting
- Department of Statistics
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
- Department of Sociology
- Department of Economic History
- LSE Law School
BSc Economics graduates had a median salary of £43,000 fifteen months after graduating, with financial and professional services and consultancy the top sectors (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24).
Student life
LSE's campus is compact and urban, centred on Houghton Street, with the glass-clad Centre Building and LSE Square and the newer Marshall Building alongside the historic Old Building. Student life runs through the Students' Union, departmental societies and events; law students, for example, have a Law Society, mooting competitions and talks from practising lawyers. LSE offers halls of residence and a private housing service, and recommends budgeting at least £1,550 a month for living costs in London.
- The Centre Building created LSE Square, a new open space on Houghton Street.
- LLB students take part in mooting competitions and events with the Inns of Court.
- LSE counts 21 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and staff.
- Economics students can join research and economic workshops alongside their degree.
Housing. New undergraduates who make LSE their firm choice and book by the booking-guarantee deadline (9 June in 2026) are guaranteed a place in LSE halls.
Location
LSE is in central London, with Houghton Street running off the Aldwych through the middle of the campus and London's historic legal district and many major law firms close by. It is an expensive place to live: LSE advises allowing at least £1,550 a month for accommodation, travel, food, study costs and personal expenses.
Nearest airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Notable alumni
- GS George SorosInvestor and philanthropist; BSc and MSc in philosophy
- BR B. R. AmbedkarArchitect of India's constitution; doctorate from LSE
- KN Kwame NkrumahFirst Prime Minister and President of Ghana; enrolled as a PhD candidate
- SM Sir Mick JaggerLead singer of the Rolling Stones; studied at LSE before leaving for music
- UV Ursula von der LeyenPresident of the European Commission
- SA Sir Arthur LewisNobel laureate in economics; studied at LSE on a scholarship
- DR David RockefellerBanker and chairman of Chase Manhattan; studied economics at LSE
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to get into LSE?
Very hard: LSE received about 34,000 applications for roughly 1,900 places for 2026 entry. For BSc Economics there were 2,885 applications for 217 places in 2025.
Does LSE require the TMUA?
Yes for BSc Economics and BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, where it is mandatory. It is recommended but optional for eight other mathematical programmes.
What grades do you need for LSE?
Standard offers range from AAB to A*AA, or 37-39 IB points; Economics and PPE require A*AA with an A* in Mathematics. Meeting the standard offer does not guarantee an offer.
What is LSE's application deadline for 2027 entry?
13 January 2027 at 6pm UK time via UCAS. LLB applicants must also sit the LNAT by 31 December 2026.
How much does LSE cost for international students?
Overseas fees for 2027/28 entrants range from £30,400 to £41,900 a year and stay fixed for the whole degree. LSE recommends at least £1,550 a month for living costs.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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