Established Year
1895
Ranking
152
Website
lse.ac.uk
Vibrant academic community
World-class faculty
Central location in London
Various Programs
London School of Economics and Political Science History
Let’s journey back in time to catch a glimpse of how the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) began. Founded in 1895 by the Fabian Society members Sidney Webb, Beatrice Webb, Graham Wallas, and George Bernard Shaw, LSE was established with a vision to bring new ideas and perspectives to the social sciences. The school was conceived as a means to address social inequality and economic understanding, aiming to improve society through academic excellence.
Over the years, LSE has cultivated a reputation for fostering an environment where liberal ideas blossom and rigorous debates are commonplace. It became a hub for thinkers and policymakers around the world. With luminaries like Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper either teaching or affiliating with the school, LSE has shaped many global intellects.
As the winds of time have carried it through the 20th century and into the 21st, LSE maintains its core mission of influencing the world for the better through critical thought and academic research. Its legacy is not just ensconced in the stately buildings of its central London campus but in the minds and works of its alumni scattered across the globe.
London School of Economics Ranking
Now, onto the brass tacks: how does LSE fare on the global stage? Globally acclaimed rankings often put LSE in an enviable position.
As of the latest available rankings, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) holds the following positions:
LSE UK Rankings
- The Complete University Guide 2024: Ranked 3rd in the UK.
- The Guardian University Guide 2024: Ranked 2nd in the UK.
LSE World Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranked 56th globally.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: Ranked 37th globally.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Ranked 7th globally for Social Sciences and Management.
LSE Acceptance Rate
So, how tough is it to get into this esteemed institution? The London School of Economics is known for its highly competitive nature. Prospective students face a rigorous selection process, with LSE’s acceptance rate hovering around an ultra-competitive 9%.
While LSE doesn’t boast jaw-dropping facilities or sprawling campuses like some other top UK universities, its allure lies in its intellectual density. The school is more interested in what you bring to the table and less about being mesmerized by your extracurricular flair. They are looking for thinkers, doers, and changemakers who can hold their own in spirited discussions and abstract thought.
The admissions process demands stellar academic performance, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for the program you’re applying to. A strong personal statement that resonates with the school’s ethos and demonstrates your ambition is crucial.
London School of Economics Courses
The range of courses at LSE is as diverse as the city it inhabits. It offers a menu of choices that cater to both the numbers-driven economist and the globetrotting diplomat. LSE has a strong focus on research-led teaching, ensuring that what you learn is at the forefront of academic discourse.
Available courses span multiple disciplines, including but not limited to economics, law, political science, sociology, international relations, and data science. Students can expect more than just lectures and seminars; LSE fosters an interactive learning environment where students are collaborators in their educational journey.
London School of Economics Undergraduate Courses
The undergraduate courses at the London School of Economics are structured to create a foundation that’s both deep and versatile, preparing students for advanced study or entry into their chosen careers.
In the following, we have prepared a list of the most popular undergraduate courses offered at LSE, spread across different departments:
Economics and Finance
- BSc Economics
- BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
- BSc Economics with Economic History
- BSc Mathematics and Economics
- BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics
Law
- LLB Bachelor of Laws
Politics and International Relations
- BSc International Relations
- BSc Politics and International Relations
- BSc Politics and Economics
- BSc Politics and History
Management
- BSc Management
- BSc Management Sciences
- BSc Accounting and Finance
- BSc Business Mathematics and Statistics
Social Policy and Sociology
- BSc Social Policy
- BSc Sociology
- BSc Social Policy and Sociology
- BSc Social Policy with Government
Geography and Environment
- BSc Environmental Policy with Economics
- BSc Geography with Economics
- BSc Environment and Development
History
- BSc Economic History
- BSc Economic History with Economics
- BSc History
Mathematics and Statistics
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics
- BSc Data Science
- BSc Mathematics with Economics
Philosophy and Logic
- BSc Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method
- BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Psychological and Behavioural Science
- BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science
Language and Culture
- BSc Language, Culture and Society
- BSc Language and Linguistics
Anthropology
- BSc Social Anthropology
- BSc Politics and Social Anthropology
Interdisciplinary Programs
- BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Other Combinations and Joint Degrees
- BSc Statistics with Finance
- BSc International Social and Public Policy
- BSc Politics with Quantitative Methods
- BSc Social Policy with Economics
- BSc Media and Communications
- BSc Economic History and Geography
- BSc Politics with Data Science
- BSc History and Politics
- BSc Sociology and Social Policy
- BSc Environmental Policy and International Development
- BSc Government and History
- BSc Government and Philosophy
- BSc Economics and Management
- BSc Statistics and Actuarial Science
These programs are designed not just to inform but to empower. LSE encourages students to think critically and be unafraid to question everything.
London School of Economics Postgraduate Courses
For those looking to dive deeper, LSE’s postgraduate courses are a veritable wonderland of opportunity. Whether you’re eyeing a master’s degree in the UK, a Ph.D., or an executive program, LSE offers research-driven, high-impact courses that cater to the movers and shakers of tomorrow.
Some notable postgraduate courses include:
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers a wide range of postgraduate programs spanning various disciplines. Below is a list of 50 notable postgraduate courses offered by LSE, showcasing the diversity of academic options available across different departments:
Economics and Finance
- MSc Economics
- MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
- MSc Finance (full-time)
- MSc Accounting and Finance
- MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance
- MSc Finance and Economics
- MSc Finance and Private Equity
- Executive MSc Finance
- MSc Risk and Finance
- MSc Financial Mathematics
Management and Business
- MSc Management
- MSc Management and Strategy
- MSc Human Resources and Organisations
- Executive Global MSc Management
- MSc Management and Economics
- MSc International Management
- MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Social Sciences
- MSc Sociology
- MSc Social Policy
- MSc Social Research Methods
- MSc Culture and Society
- MSc International Social and Public Policy
Politics and International Relations
- MSc International Relations
- MSc International Political Economy
- MSc Comparative Politics
- MSc Conflict Studies
- MSc European and International Public Policy
Law and Governance
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- MSc Human Rights
- MSc Regulation
- MSc Public Policy and Administration
Geography and Environment
- MSc Environment and Development
- MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change
- MSc Local Economic Development
Data, Statistics, and Mathematics
- MSc Statistics
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Operations Research and Analytics
Media and Communications
- MSc Media and Communications
- MSc Strategic Communications
Anthropology
- MSc Anthropology and Development
- MSc Social Anthropology
History and Economic History
- MSc Economic History
- MSc International and World History (Joint program with Columbia University)
Philosophy and Society
- MSc Philosophy of the Social Sciences
- MSc Philosophy and Public Policy
Health and Science
- MSc Health and International Development
- MSc Population and Development
Interdisciplinary and Other Programs
- MSc Gender, Peace, and Security
- MSc Inequalities and Social Science
- MSc Cities
London School of Economics MBA
One might wonder if the London School of Economics offers an MBA. Surprisingly, despite its prowess in economics and management, LSE does not have a traditional MBA program. Instead, they offer executive education programs and specialized courses tailored to senior professionals looking to enhance their strategic leadership capabilities.
They have programs like the Executive Global Master’s in Management, which captures the essence of an MBA but with the LSE spin—more research-focused and align with the school’s strengths in social sciences rather than just business administration.
The emphasis is on strategy, innovation, and leadership with a distinct global flavor catering to those ready to ascend to the upper echelons of management.
London School of Economics Requirements
When it comes to LSE’s requirements, they are more than just a checklist of grades. The school looks for students who are not only high achievers academically but also curious, critical thinkers, and dedicated to affecting societal change.
LSE Undergraduate Entry Requirements
For undergraduates, the requirements include A-levels (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, and it’s important to have good grades. The personal statement holds significant weight. LSE seeks students who have not only excelled in their studies but have also engaged in activities that reflect critical thought and social awareness.
LSE Postgraduate Entry Requirements
For postgraduate courses, a good undergraduate degree in a related field is a staple requirement. GRE/GMAT scores might also be necessary for some courses, particularly in economics or finance.
A strong personal statement or statement of academic purpose that captures your academic journey, research interests, and how LSE fits into your intellectual and career goals is crucial.
London School of Economics Address
Should you find yourself navigating the bustling streets of London, looking for the school amidst the whirl of the city, you will find the London School of Economics nestled right in the heart of London’s legal and business worlds. Its address is:
London School of Economics and Political Science
Houghton Street
London WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom
Situated near the Royal Courts of Justice and a stone’s throw from Somerset House, LSE’s location is strategic for students pursuing law, international relations, and economics, providing ample opportunities to immerse in the real-world backdrop of Britain’s political and economic landscape.
The prime location also ensures students have access to cultural and historical landmarks—the British Museum, Covent Garden, and London’s West End are all within walking distance.
FAQs
Some of the most popular postgraduate courses at LSE include the MSc Economics, MSc Finance (full-time), MSc Management, MSc International Relations, and LLM (Master of Laws). These programs are highly regarded for their rigorous academic content and global reputation.
LSE offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for postgraduate students. These include LSE-specific awards, as well as external scholarships and funding opportunities. Students are encouraged to apply early and explore various funding avenues.