LSE

Introduction to LSE: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university located in London, UK, and is part of the University of London (UoL), focusing on social science research. Founded in 1895 by members of the Fabian Society—Sidney Webb, Beatrice Webb, Graham Wallas, and George Bernard Shaw—LSE joined UoL in 1900 and offered its first degree programs in 1901. In 2008, LSE began awarding degrees in its own name, previously issuing UoL degrees, and officially became an independent university in 2022.

LSE is situated in the Camden and Westminster areas of London, near the boundaries of Covent Garden and Holborn, historically known as Clare Market. The university has over 11,000 students, approximately 70% of whom are from outside the UK, and employs around 3,300 staff. Despite the inclusion of "Economics" in its name, LSE comprises 25 academic departments and research institutes, covering a diverse range of disciplines in teaching and research.

As a member of the Russell Group, the Commonwealth Universities Association, and the European University Association, LSE is often regarded as part of the "Golden Triangle" of research universities in southeastern England. It is also a member of CIVICA, the European University of Social Sciences, which includes eight universities focused on social science research. In the 2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, LSE was ranked first in the UK and awarded the title of "University of the Year." In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), LSE achieved an average score ranking third in the UK, tied with the University of Cambridge.

Notable alumni and staff of LSE include 55 former or current national leaders and 18 Nobel laureates. As of 2017, 13 of the 49 Nobel Memorial Prizes in Economic Sciences had been awarded to LSE alumni, current faculty, or former faculty. The university’s alumni and staff have also received three Nobel Peace Prizes and two Nobel Prizes in Literature. According to a 2014 census of global dollar billionaires, LSE has produced the most billionaires (11) of any university in Europe.

LSE Ranking

LSE has a strong global academic reputation, making it a popular choice for international students. It consistently ranks high in various university rankings, particularly in fields like economics, politics, and sociology. These rankings reflect both its academic strength and research influence, as well as its significant role in the global education system.

  • QS World University Rankings 2025: 50th
  • Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025: 50th

Applying to LSE

Students intending to apply to LSE can submit their applications through the UK university admissions service, UCAS. Applications open in September each year and close on January 31. Students must submit predicted grades, a personal statement, and reference letters through the platform.

LSE Entry Requirements

As a renowned institution for social sciences, LSE attracts talented students from around the world. To maintain its high academic standards, LSE has established a series of entry qualifications and requirements aimed at selecting students with potential and capability. These requirements cover academic performance, relevant experience, language proficiency, and personal statements.

Academic Requirements

LSE has high expectations regarding applicants' academic backgrounds to ensure that students possess a solid academic foundation and exceptional learning abilities. These requirements reflect LSE's educational quality and lay a foundation for students' future academic and career development. Students can refer to the following grade equivalences:

  • AAA=At least 555 in electives, with a minimum of 5 in English and Mathematics
  • AAA, AAB=At least 555 in electives, with a minimum of 5 in English and Mathematics
  • Mathematics A*=Both required Mathematics and Further Mathematics must be 5*
  • Mathematics A=Both required Mathematics and Further Mathematics must be 5

Entry requirements vary by course; students should check the individual undergraduate degree program pages for the latest international student grade requirements: LSE Course Search.

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Entrance Exam Requirements

As part of the admissions process at LSE, students may encounter the Undergraduate Admissions Assessment (UGAA), designed to test evidence use, written communication skills, and numerical abilities for a fair evaluation of applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds. Applicants for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) are exempt from the UGAA.

The UGAA typically takes place at the end of March each year and is conducted online over three hours, divided into two parts: essay questions and mathematical problems. There are two different math papers depending on the course applied for.

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Personal Statement

The personal statement plays a crucial role in LSE's admissions process, allowing applicants to showcase their background, motivation, and future goals. Through this statement, students can highlight their academic achievements and share personal experiences and enthusiasm for their chosen field, making their application stand out among competitors. LSE values a diverse student body, and the personal statement reflects the applicant's uniqueness and adaptability, offering admissions officers deeper insights into their potential.

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Interviews

Interviews assess not only applicants' academic abilities but also their thinking processes, communication skills, and enthusiasm for their chosen field. LSE's interviews aim to evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Understanding the preparation points and common questions can help applicants perform confidently in this stage, enhancing their chances of admission.

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LSE Tuition Fees

Understanding the fee structure is crucial for prospective students. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the first-year tuition for international students at LSE ranges from £27,500 to £34,000. In addition to tuition, students should also consider living expenses and other related costs. Details on course fees can be found here: LSE Tuition Fees.

Popular Subjects at LSE

  • Law: LSE's law school is one of the top law schools globally, renowned for its teaching quality and legal research.
  • Sociology: Provides excellent education and cutting-edge, publicly oriented research on societal issues.
  • Politics: Focuses on the concepts and theories behind political issues like justice, democracy, and rights.
  • Economics: Known for its leadership in economic research and teaching across mainstream economic disciplines.

LSE Departments

LSE offers over 40 undergraduate courses and more than 140 teaching and research postgraduate courses across various social science disciplines, from accounting and law to management and social policy. The student community is one of the most international, with students applying from over 140 countries, promoting a truly global approach to knowledge exploration in an academically rich environment.

Notable Alumni

LSE boasts numerous distinguished alumni, including 53 former or current national leaders, 20 current Members of Parliament, and 46 current members of the House of Lords. Prominent figures like former UK Prime Minister Clement Attlee and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso have studied at LSE. Notable business figures include Tony Fernandes (CEO of AirAsia) and Delphine Arnault (Director of Louis Vuitton). According to a survey by Emolument.com, LSE graduates take an average of just 11.6 years to earn a starting salary exceeding £500,000, the shortest time among all UK universities.

Extended Readings

Introduction to University of Cambridge: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

Introduction to Oxford University: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

Complete Guide to Applying for HKU and CUHK Medical Schools via Non-JUPAS in 2025

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Jessie C.
Desire Subject Physiotherapy
Programme Medicine and Allied Health Professions Admissions Preparation Course
Hours Attended 20

From a young age, Jessie was passionate about sports, especially football and competitive jump roping. An injury during a jump roping competition that required physical therapy piqued her interest in the profession. Jessie chose Biology and Chemistry as her subjects, and her predicted DSE scores met the entry requirements. However, she had doubts about her suitability due to her petite stature and introverted nature, fearing these could be obstacles to becoming a physical therapist. Despite Jessie's excellent grades, her father was also concerned about her career choice, worrying that Jessie was blindly following a trend without truly considering her interests and abilities, as choosing this field would mean committing to a career as a physical therapist.

Our education consultant recommended the shadowing program by Ascent Prep, the only official preparation program recognized by AEAS, offering students clinical internship experiences and professional mentorship. Seeing it as an opportunity to resolve her doubts and increase her chances of being admitted to higher-ranking universities, her father enrolled her in the program.

During the shadowing process, she gained in-depth knowledge of a physical therapist's daily duties, including assessing patients, developing treatment plans, and guiding patients through rehabilitation exercises. Though challenging, she found the work meaningful. Throughout this period, Jessie had the opportunity to ask many questions, particularly about her concerns. After completing the shadowing program, her determination to become a physical therapist was strengthened.

When preparing her personal statement, Jessie tried writing it herself but felt it lacked persuasiveness. With her tutor's guidance, she realized many areas needed improvement. The tutor helped her reorganize her experiences volunteering in physical therapy, highlighting her passion and dedication to the field. During interview training, she learned how to showcase her strengths and effectively answer the interviewer's questions. For example, Ascent Prep tutors taught students how to answer common situational questions, such as:

  • What do you think are the basic professional ethics for a physical therapist?
  • How do you view the relationship between physical therapists and their patients?
  • How would you handle conflicts of interest with patients?

Ascent Prep tutors prepared students for these ethical questions and situational challenges to test their problem-solving abilities, such as:

  • How would you deal with a patient unwilling to cooperate with treatment?
  • How would you respond to an emergency during treatment?
  • How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Ultimately, with Ascent Prep's assistance, Jessie was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and also received offers from the University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, Brunel University, and the University of Salford in the UK. Among these options, she chose the University of Birmingham and was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding performance.

This journey highlights the value of Ascent Prep, offering practical clinical experiences and professional guidance, enabling students to not only improve academically but also to find their direction in their future career paths.

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Sophie F.
Desire Subject Architecture
Programme Portfolio Guidance
Hours Attended 10

Sophie is a high school student from Hong Kong who has been passionate about architecture since she was young. She excelled academically and actively participated in various architecture-related activities, such as architectural model competitions and visits. However, as the time for further education approached, Sophie began to feel somewhat lost, due to her very high standards for herself. She knew that to gain admission into architecture programs at prestigious universities like Cambridge or UCL, she needed not only excellent academic grades but also well-rounded abilities and creativity.

By chance, Sophie attended a lecture by Ascent Prep, where the instructors shared their experiences in helping students gain admission to top universities. Ascent Prep introduced her to a mentor who was studying architecture at Cambridge. The mentorship and classes were designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encouraged Sophie to think critically about the core of architectural studies, enriching her personal statement with diverse elements. In these classes, Sophie learned about architectural history, theory, and design. Her tutor explained complex concepts in an engaging way, making it easy for Sophie to understand.

For instance, during a mock interview, Sophie encountered a challenging question: "What do you think are the professional ethics of an architect?" She had never considered this question before, but with her tutor's guidance, she was able to articulate a well-thought-out answer, boosting her confidence for the actual interview.

The art portfolio is a critical component of university applications, and Sophie's tutor helped her create a portfolio that was both deep and creative. The tutor meticulously guided her through the selection and arrangement of her works, covering her academic research, practical experience, and personal interests. Under the tutor's guidance, Sophie revised her portfolio multiple times, resulting in an impressive collection of work.

Sophie's efforts were rewarded when she was accepted into the Architecture program at the University of Cambridge. Her portfolio showcased her unique understanding of architecture, including a sustainable design proposal that received high praise from her tutor. Moreover, Sophie performed excellently in her university interviews, demonstrating her academic abilities and personal charm.

Sophie's success story is a testament to the effectiveness of the Ascent Prep program, which is dedicated to helping students realize their potential and achieve success in their educational pursuits.

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Andy M.
Desire Subject AEAS
Programme Official AEAS Test Preparation Course
Hours Attended 30

Andy attended a local Hong Kong secondary school. Despite having average grades at school, he has always been afraid of English, to the point of hesitating to speak it. Andy is a typical slow starter; when under pressure, he easily feels overwhelmed. This became even more evident after he took the AEAS test unprepared, resulting in scores far below expectations. The AEAS report recommended Andy to undertake an English course for 20-30 weeks, and the substantial cost of attending a 30-week language course in Australia, including tuition, accommodation, and student insurance, caused considerable concern for his parents. Not only were they considering the dual factors of time and finances, but they also hoped that Andy could have more opportunities to apply to his desired schools. That's when they found us, the only official preparatory course institution recognized by AEAS. In the 1-on-1 courses at Ascent Prep, students receive meticulous instruction from teachers and consultants, improving their English skills and gradually overcoming their fear of English. To the parents' surprise, the child performed excellently in the AEAS test. By achieving good results in Hong Kong, the AEAS report reduced the required language class from 30 weeks to just 4 weeks before entering mainstream schools in Australia. This not only saved money but also allowed the child to integrate into the Australian mainstream education system sooner.

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