London South Bank University

London South Bank University (LSBU) is a cosmopolitan university with over 15,000 students, from over 130 countries – and a global alumni network of over 80,000. LSBU is one of London’s oldest universities; since 1892 the University has focused on providing professional opportunity for all who can benefit.

The University has strong links with business and employers in the private and public sectors, which feed into courses and help students to form useful career connections and experience.

Work placements and experience feature on many LSBU courses, and many courses are accredited by or produced with industry. 

The University is made up of seven schools offering both research and taught postgraduate courses:

• School of Applied Sciences
• School of Arts and Creative Industries
• School of The Built Environment and Architecture
• School of Business
• School of Engineering
• Institute of Health and Social Care
• School of Law and Social Sciences

Whatever your professional goals, the University promises to support and develop you. That’s why LSBU has been named University of the Year for Graduate Employment two years in a row.

Our Employability Service will support you before and after graduation - drop into our JobShop, access our online jobs board, take a workshop at the Careers Gym or visit LSBU Employment, our recruitment agency. You could get your career off the ground before you even graduate. It’s why 90% of the University’s graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating.

LSBU has the highest possible rating for the quality of their education, from the independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Courses are accredited or developed in association with leading professional bodies.

As an LSBU student, you’ll benefit from courses that are either accredited or developed in partnership with relevant industries, and learn from academics that are professionals in their chosen fields.

Many employers, including top Fortune 500 companies, send their people to study with LSBU, so students have the opportunity to build strong professional networks. Many courses include work placements and Course Directors also regularly invite outside experts to give guest lectures.

Search courses.

London South Bank University Students' Union (SU) is the centre of the student social scene and home to a number of services. The SU is home to more than 85 societies and 20 sports clubs, student media and charity fundraising.

The Students’ Union is here to represent LSBU students. We have over 700 part-time elected representatives, who are the driving force for change at LSBU, empowering students and ensuring their voices are heard. In the past, they have campaigned on issues such as the renovation of the Grads Cafe, keeping the cost of food on campus down and the reopening of the student bar.

The Union is run for the benefit of the student body and represents them from within the University. Recent LSBU graduates are voted in as student sabbatical officers to run its daily management and handle student concerns.

London South Bank University (LSBU) has four halls of residence, giving students a safe and comfortable base. Students rent directly from the University, so they can guarantee clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include: insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom, on-site laundry facilities and 24 hour security. The furthest away from the University’s Southwark campus is a 10-minute walk away. Explore residences, view 360 virtual tours and read more about the facilities on offer.

International students attending LSBU for the first time are guaranteed accommodation if they meet the allocation criteria and apply to our Accommodation Office by 1 August.

For those who prefer privately rented accommodation, the Accommodation Office can help.

The world around you has a huge impact on your learning. LSBU offers unique and exciting facilities, designed to improve your learning experience and make you industry ready.

From engineering labs and electron microscopes, to design workshops and hospital simulations, teaching at LSBU provides you with real world, cutting-edge facilities and equipment.

The Universities Learning Resources Centre (LRC) includes 400 networked workstations, Apple Macs, MS Office and specialist software packages, laptop loans, and printing, scanning and photocopying. They also offer supported training across a range of IT and digital skills, such as SPSS, NVivo, Sage Line 50 and Microsoft Programs.

LSBU’s excellent transport links mean they are minutes’ walk to the Underground and a short bus ride from some of the best places in the city, including Covent Garden, Tate Modern and the British Film Institute. Not only that, but we are minutes away from some of the most exciting cultural centres in the city like the South Bank, Borough Market and Bermondsey Street.

LSBU’s Southwark campus is in Elephant & Castle, without a doubt one of the most up-and coming areas in London; there’s so much to see and do within a short walk of the campus. Being here means you’ll have sights, attractions and nightlife on your doorstep.

Read more about the University’s location.

London South Bank University Students' Union runs clubs, societies, events and support services.

There are over 85 active Societies. Societies are groups of students who come together because of a common interest (political, social and cultural) and they hold events, socials, talks and trips based on this interest.

LSBU Sports Clubs are open to complete beginners or more experienced players. The teams offer opportunities just for fun, but also all compete in the BUCS (British Universities and College Sports) leagues, representing the University against institutions from across the UK.

With over 45 societies to choose from (including dance, cycling and architecture) there’s something for everyone. 

LSBU provides advice and support for students on a wide range of non-academic and educational needs:

• Financial advice
• Library services – and learning skills workshops
• Student employability services
• Disability and dyslexia support
• Immigration and international student advice
• Health and wellbeing support
• Student enterprise
• Sports
• Students’ Union: Societies and Clubs

• Postgraduate fees and funding information
• Research degree funding information
• International fee and funding information

For specific course fees please search Course Finder.

Considerable financial help is available for well-qualified and ambitious postgraduate (and international) students through scholarships, bursaries and other financial support. Postgraduate scholarships include: fee discounts for LSBU alumni, subject scholarships and sports scholarships. Plus there is a 5% discount for early payment of Tuition Fees.

International scholarships and discounts include: Nationality scholarships and fee-discounts for LSBU alumni. Plus there is a 5% discount for early payment of Tuition Fees.

• Building
• Accounting and Finance
• Law
• Marketing

Postgraduate students need drive, determination and usually a first degree. Admissions Tutors look for motivated and committed students. Read more about postgraduate entry requirements.

You need either a first degree (usually at least a 2:2) or a minimum three years' post-qualification experience in a relevant field to take a postgraduate degree at LSBU. 

Entry requirements vary by course; find a course in Course Finder to see the details.

As well as addressing the challenging issues faced by society today, the University’s applied research seeks to provide solutions to the business world and beyond.

Each Academic School is involved in a wide range of applied research, often with commercial partners. For example – the University’s pioneering research in foot and ankle biometrics helped develop products for global brand Fitflop, while research on cooling the London Underground has been incorporated into a £500m upgrade of the tube system. Read more about research output.

The London Doctoral Academy is home to LSBU’s postgraduate research students. The Academy supports and develops professional researchers who are driven to make a difference in the world, whether that’s by influencing government policy or changing the way industries work.

Following the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) the University emerged as one of the top three modern universities in London after 73% of its research was given the two highest ratings (4* and 3*) for 'impact' – an assessment of the reach and significance a research project has achieved.

LSBU has the highest possible rating for the quality of their education, from the independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Courses are accredited or developed in association with leading professional bodies.

Teaching at LSBU is in line with the latest industry changes and trends, taught by staff involved in their professions who act as consultants for external enterprises.

LSBU was awarded silver for teaching excellence in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework. The University was praised for its focus on personalised learning and employability skills.

There are a small number of courses offered on a distance-learning basis in arts, design and architecture, business and management, education and training as well as engineering and technology.

Since 1892, London South Bank University (LSBU) has been providing vocationally-relevant, accredited and professionally recognised education.

Postgraduate advisers can help you find the right course for you and can signpost flexible learning options. 

Open Days

Come to our next Open Day and find out why we have been voted University of the Year for Graduate Employment for an unprecedented second year in a row. We have events both on our main Southwark campus, and specialised nursing events in Havering.

Visit our Open Days page for the latest events.