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
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