The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the world’s leading dedicated social science institution. Founded in 1895 it enjoys a global reputation for academic excellence and cutting edge research. In the 2008 national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the School had the highest percentage of world leading research of any university in the United Kingdom.
About LSE
All LSE’s teaching and research is undertaken from a social science perspective, giving the institution a unique approach to otherwise common fields. Many of the world’s leading experts can be found at LSE; individuals who are at the forefront of developments in the social sciences. Their expertise is called upon by governments, companies and media around the globe and they share their real-world experience with the School’s students.
69 per cent of LSE’s students, and more than 40 per cent of its academic staff, originate from outside the UK, ensuring that LSE’s education is truly international, both in and out of the classroom.
LSE’s location in the heart of London is fundamental to its identity. It enjoys an easy interchange of ideas with the external environment – Westminster, the City, the Law Courts and the media are all on the School’s doorstep.
The School has one of the most prestigious public events programmes in the world. Leading figures from all walks of life have spoken at LSE, including Nelson Mandela, Dmitry Medvedev, Bill Clinton, Angela Merkel, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.
Our graduates are in great demand and are found in senior positions around the world. LSE alumni and former staff include 15 Nobel Prize winners in Economics, Peace or Literature, and around 34 past or present Heads of State.
Graduate Study
LSE offers over 140 taught master’s of science (MSc) programmes across 30 departments or institutes. As a ‘laboratory of the social sciences’, the School’s academic profile spans a wide range of disciplines, from accounting to law, management to urbanisation. The majority are taught in a single academic year but an increasing number of two-year dual degrees provide students with the opportunity to study both at LSE and at other leading institutions around the world.
Graduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD) are offered by all LSE departments and institutes. Students are invited to submit applications that complement the academic interests of the School’s staff. A full-time research degree takes 3-4 years to complete and consists of both taught courses and primary research leading to a 100,000 word thesis.
A wide range of international qualifications are accepted but applicants should have the equivalent of at least an upper second class undergraduate degree.
Applications can be submitted online from mid-October in the year prior to entry and are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled.
Financial Support
LSE makes over £12 million of need and merit-based financial aid available to its students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses and are usually awarded to students from a certain country or region or to students on a specific degree programme.
Facilities
LSE offers a comprehensive range of services to help students succeed in their studies. These range from an academic adviser to the world-renowned British Library of Political and Economic Science, as well as the LSE Language Centre, IT Services and specialist study skills and professional development opportunities offered by the Teaching and Learning Centre.
LSE offers a variety of styles of accommodation within a choice of ten residences. In all of them there will be a varied mix of students, undergraduate and graduate, home and overseas, men and women.
Student Life
London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital.
Whether you are into art, architecture, dance, film, music or theatre, sport, shopping or even green spaces and the great outdoors, London really does have it all. Major attractions such as theatreland, the West End, the Royal Opera House and the British Library and Museum are right on the doorstep.
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