London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned university specialising in the social sciences. Its campus can be found in the centre of London, a global hub for political, commercial and cultural activity.  

The university is unique in its academic focus on social science and has a wide range of postgraduate taught and research courses for students to choose from, offered across 29 different academic departments and institutes. 

LSE has been providing education in the social sciences since 1895, offering today’s learners over 125 years of expertise as a result. The university continues to invest in its campus, and in 2021 was accredited as the first carbon natural university anywhere in the UK. 

LSE has an international reputation which is supported by its continued performance in social sciences and management, and also ranks highly in UK-based university league tables – it placed 3rd in the UK in Complete University Guide's 2024 League Tables.  

The university has a history of achievement, counting 18 Nobel prize winners and 37 world leaders amongst its alumni. By choosing to study at LSE, students will be joining an expansive network of 165,000 alumni across 200 countries. 

Students at LSE will live in the heart of London during their studies. The city is a focal point for economic and research activity at national and international levels, so students will be able to access a wide range of professional and academic opportunities in the UK capital.  

Student life in London offers LSE students an almost unlimited number of cultural, entertainment and nightlife activities to choose from, which are all easily accessible from the university’s compact city campus and its nearby halls of residence. 

LSE is an institution dedicated to excellence across the social science disciplines. This focus allows the university to offer a deeper range of programmes across these subjects, ranging from master’s to doctoral postgraduate study options, as well as summer school courses and distance learning options. 

Further still, students at LSE can explore a range of ‘executive education’ options, perfect for learners at a middle or senior level in their careers who are looking to reskill or raise their expertise to the next level. 

Study abroad options, along with a range of degree and non-degree language courses, allow LSE students to prepare for academic or professional success around the world. 

LSE is one of the UK’s leading research institutions in the social sciences. Around 97% of the university’s academic staff are actively involved in research activity and take on varied roles across society, ranging from political party and policy group consultants, advisers to the Civil Service, or members of international research groups. 

Students choosing to study at LSE will be able to learn and work closely with these renowned academics, contributing to an ever-growing body of internationally significant research. 

Postgraduate programmes at LSE are subject to entry requirements, which can vary according to the level of study and course being applied to.  

Whether it’s a postgraduate diploma, master’s or PhD programme, students will need to provide evidence of a grade minimum in their previous degree(s), as well as a minimum competency in the English language. Other requirements such as qualifying examinations may be a part of some conditional admissions offers. 

Entry into LSE is competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements will not guarantee admission. Early application is recommended. Examples of graduate courses and their entry requirements include: 

MSc Development Management – a 2:1 (honours) bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Any subject background is accepted but social sciences or humanities are beneficial.  

Master's in Management – a 2:1 (honours) bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Any subject background is accepted, but applicants should be prepared for statistics, finance and accounting topics. 

Executive MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship – a 2:1 (honours) bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, such as a 3.5 or higher GPA. At least four years’ relevant, full-time work experience is needed, and five is typical. 

Entry requirements can change, so applicants should check with the university for the latest information before applying. 

LSE works continually to expand the graduate prospects of its students, supporting them in developing the skills and connections they need to succeed. 

Courses at LSE focus on addressing real-world challenges and are underpinned by cutting edge research. In combination with professional skills modules in many courses, as well as a dedicated range of professional development skills sessions that run for all students throughout the year, students leave LSE as career-ready graduates. 

The university operates a ‘career development cycle’ (CDC) approach, which allows learners to collaborate and engage with career support staff at multiple points during their studies and access a personalised career plan. 

Students at LSE will benefit from the university’s national and international links to businesses and non-corporate organisations, accessible through diverse careers fairs and industry-led workshops across each academic year. 

LSE students have ongoing access to a range of careers subscription for up to five years following their graduation, ranging across help with securing funding, preparing for interviews and finding international opportunities. 

Accommodation

LSE houses more than 4,000 students a year across its university halls, private halls and intercollegiate residences. Students will be able to choose from a range of accommodation options, with several postgraduate-only halls meaning they won’t need to worry about competing for a space or living with undergraduates. 

Students at LSE can pick from 31-, 39-, 40- or 50-week accommodation contracts depending which holiday periods they’d like to remain in halls for, if any. Within this there are catered and self-catered options, suitable for every lifestyle and budget. 

Students with additional needs or adjustments will find that they are catered for, with specific locations, room types, furniture or safety equipment available on request. 

The university is also on hand to assist students finding private accommodation around the city, while offering short-term lets in university halls over the summer. 

London is the UK largest city. It’s incredibly diverse, exciting and packed with opportunities of every kind. Its transport network is unparalleled, with buses, trains, trams, rental bikes and airports ready to take students anywhere in the city, country or world. 

The school offers postgraduate students a range of financial awards to help fund their studies. Roughly 19% of taught master’s students receive some level of financial support from LSE. 

Graduate alumni of LSE will be eligible for a 15% tuition fee discount on their first postgraduate degree programme. 

The school offers a number of awards that are issued based on financial need. These include: 

• Graduate Support Scheme 
• Master's awards 
• Anniversary Scholarships 

LSE also offers scholarships specifically for postgraduate students. Different awards are available across master’s or PhD levels and for specific subjects. Available scholarships include: 

LSE PhD Studentships on Inequalities – for students conducting research that analyses or challenges inequalities, with three studentships available covering tuition fees along with an annual £18,000 stipend for up to four years. 

Sir Siegmund Warburg Scholarship – offering one scholarship worth £30,000 to a student who is studying the MSc Human Rights programme. 

Antoine Faure-Grimaud MSc Scholarships – offering awards to students studying the MSc Finance or MSc Finance and Private Equity. The award value can vary and will cover tuition costs first. 

Students should consult the university’s website for further scholarship and bursary opportunities.