The London School of Economics and Political Science
London, United Kingdom • Founded 1895 • World Rank #499
Overview
Established in 1895, The London School of Economics and Political Science is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of London (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 129-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
LSE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for The London School of Economics and Political Science are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
The London School of Economics and Political Science's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Degrees
Below: every degree level The London School of Economics and Political Science offers. Doctoral funding varies — some are fully funded studentships, others self-funded with no stipend; the difference materially affects access.
Doctoral 16 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Anthropology
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Finance
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Accountancy (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Finance
Anthropology (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
Economic History (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economic History
Economics (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Banking
- Economics
- International Economics
- Social Policy
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Finance (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geography and Environment (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
Government (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
International History (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- International Studies
International Relations (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Peace and Disarmament
Law (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Media and Communications (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Logic
- Philosophy
Social Policy (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
- Health Administration
- Social Policy
- Social Work
- Town Planning
Sociology (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Statistics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Statistician
- Data Analyst
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Development Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
European Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- European Studies
Gender Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Gender Studies
Management (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Management
- Public Administration
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Asia (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
Economics and Finance in South Africa (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Studies
- Economics
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business History (Unit) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The London School of Economics and Political Science's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
Master of Philosophy
35 programmes
The London School of Economics and Political Science provides 35 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
MRes/PhD Management (Marketing) Marketing
MRes/PhD Management (Organisational Behaviour) Business & Management
MRes/PhD Political Science Politics & International Relations
MPhil/PhD Computational Social Science Social Sciences & Education
MPhil/PhD Data, Networks and Society
MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal) Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Economic Geography Economics
MPhil/PhD Economic History Economics
MPhil/PhD Environmental Economics Economics
MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development Environmental Sciences
MPhil/PhD European Studies European Studies
MPhil/PhD Gender Gender & Sexuality Studies
MPhil/PhD Health Policy and Health Economics Economics
MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies Business & Management
MPhil/PhD International History History
MPhil/PhD International Relations Politics & International Relations
MPhil/PhD Law Law
MPhil/PhD Management (Information Systems and Innovation) Information Systems & Technology
MPhil/PhD Mathematics Mathematics
MPhil/PhD Media and Communications Communication Studies
MPhil/PhD Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science Psychology
MPhil/PhD Regional and Urban Planning Studies Business & Management
MPhil/PhD Social Policy Public Policy
MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
MPhil/PhD Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions) Accounting
MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting) Economics
MRes/PhD Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MRes/PhD Economics Economics
MRes/PhD Economics and Management Economics
MRes/PhD Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
MRes/PhD International Development Politics & International Relations
MRes/PhD Management (Employment Relations and Human Resources) Human Resource Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
152 programmes
The London School of Economics and Political Science provides 152 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Global Master's in Management Business & Management
Accounting and Data Analytics Data Science & Analytics
Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Accounting, Organisations and Institutions Accounting
Anthropology and Development Social & Cultural Studies
Applied Social Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Behavioural Science Natural Sciences
China in Comparative Perspective
City Design and Social Science Applied Design
Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy Criminal Law & Justice
Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe Politics & International Relations
Culture and Society
Culture, Justice and Environment Law
Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Development Management (Applied Development Economics) Economics
Development Management (Political Economy) Business & Management
Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Econometrics and Mathematical Economics Economics
Economic History Economics
Economic History (Research) Economics
Economic Policy for International Development Economics
Economics Economics
Economics (2 Year Programme) Economics
Economy and Society Economics
Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation Politics & International Relations
Environment and Development Environmental Sciences
Environmental Economics and Climate Change Economics
Environmental Policy and Regulation Environmental Sciences
European and International Politics and Policy Politics & International Relations
Finance (full-time) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Finance and Economics Finance, Banking & Insurance
Finance and Private Equity Finance, Banking & Insurance
Finance and Risk Finance, Banking & Insurance
Financial History Finance, Banking & Insurance
Financial Mathematics Mathematics
Gender Gender & Sexuality Studies
Gender (Research) Gender & Sexuality Studies
Gender (Rights and Human Rights) Law
Gender (Sexuality) Gender & Sexuality Studies
Gender, Development and Globalisation Gender & Sexuality Studies
Gender, Media and Culture Media Studies & Mass Media
Gender, Peace and Security Gender & Sexuality Studies
Gender, Policy and Inequalities Gender & Sexuality Studies
Geographic Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Global Health Policy Politics & International Relations
Health and International Development Politics & International Relations
Health Data Science Data Science & Analytics
History of International Relations History
Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research) Business & Management
Human Resources and Organisations (HRM/CIPD) Human Resource Management
Human Rights Law
Human Rights and Politics Law
Inequalities and Social Science Social Sciences & Education
Innovation Policy Liberal Arts
International and Asian History History
International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies Politics & International Relations
International Health Policy Politics & International Relations
International Health Policy (Health Economics) Economics
International Migration and Public Policy Public Policy
International Political Economy Economics
International Political Economy (Research) Economics
International Relations Politics & International Relations
International Relations (Research) Politics & International Relations
International Social and Public Policy Public Policy
International Social and Public Policy (Development) Public Policy
International Social and Public Policy (Education) Education & Teaching
International Social and Public Policy (Migration) Public Policy
International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations) Public Policy
International Social and Public Policy (Research) Public Policy
Master of Laws Law
Law and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Local Economic Development Economics
Management Business & Management
Management and Strategy Business & Management
Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation Information Systems & Technology
Marketing Marketing
Mathematics and Computation Mathematics
Media and Communications Communication Studies
Media and Communications (Data and Society) Communication Studies
Media and Communications (Media and Communication Governance) Communication Studies
Media and Communications (Research) Communication Studies
Media, Communication and Development Communication Studies
Modern History Fashion Design
Operations Research and Analytics Mathematics
Organisational and Social Psychology Psychology
Philosophy and Public Policy Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy of Economics and the Social Sciences Economics
Philosophy of Science Philosophy & Ethics
Political Economy of Europe in the World Economics
Political Economy of Late Development Economics
Political Science (Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics) Politics & International Relations
Political Science (Global Politics) Politics & International Relations
Political Science (Political Behaviour) Politics & International Relations
Political Science (Political Science and Political Economy) Economics
Political Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Theory
Politics and Communication Communication Studies
Master of Public Administration Public Administration
MPA Data Science for Public Policy Data Science & Analytics
Master of Public Policy Public Policy
Public Policy and Administration Public Policy
Quantitative Methods for Risk Management Business & Management
Real Estate Economics and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Regional and Urban Planning Studies Business & Management
Regulation
Social and Cultural Psychology Psychology
Social and Public Communication Communication Studies
Social Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Anthropology (Religion in the Contemporary World) Social & Cultural Studies
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
Social Research Methods Social & Cultural Studies
Societal and Environmental Psychology Psychology
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Financial Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Financial Statistics (Research) Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Statistics (Research) Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Strategic Communications and Society Communication Studies
Theory and History of International Relations History
Urbanisation and Development
Executive Global Master's in Management Business & Management
Executive Master of Laws Law
Executive Master of Public Administration Public Administration
Executive MSc Behavioural Science (Modular) Natural Sciences
Executive MSc Cities
Executive MSc Health Economics, Outcomes and Management in Clinical Sciences Economics
Executive MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management Economics
Executive MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy Politics & International Relations
Executive MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
Finance (part-time) Finance, Banking & Insurance
LSE-Bocconi Double Degree in European and International Public Policy and Politics Public Policy
LSE-Columbia Double Master of Public Administration Public Administration
LSE-Columbia Double MSc European Politics, Conflict and Culture
LSE-Columbia Double MSc International and World History History
LSE-Fudan Double MSc Global Media and Communications Communication Studies
LSE-Fudan Double MSc Global Political Economy of China and Europe Economics
LSE-Fudan Double MSc International Social and Public Policy Public Policy
LSE-Leipzig Double Degree in Global Studies and Economic History Economics
LSE-LSHTM Double MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing Finance, Banking & Insurance
LSE-NUS Double MA Asian and International History History
LSE-NYU Double MSc Media, Culture and Global Cities Media Studies & Mass Media
LSE-PKU Double MSc Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environment and Development) Environmental Sciences
LSE-PKU Double MSc Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Economics and Climate Change) Economics
LSE-PKU Double MSc Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Policy and Regulation) Environmental Sciences
LSE-PKU Double MSc International Affairs Politics & International Relations
LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree Affaires Internationales and International Relations or International Political Economy International Business
LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree in European Studies European Studies
LSE-Sciences Po Double MPP/MPA Natural Sciences
LSE-Sciences Po Double MSc Political Economy of Development Economics
LSE-Sciences Po Double MSc Urban Policy Natural Sciences
LSE-Toronto Double MPA and Master of Global Affairs Politics & International Relations
LSE-USC Double MSc Global Media and Communications Communication Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
1 programme
The London School of Economics and Political Science provides 1 programme at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
TRIUM Global Executive MBA Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
42 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, The London School of Economics and Political Science runs 42 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Social Anthropology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Geography Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 3 years On-campus
Geography with Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics and Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
International Social and Public Policy with Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
International Social and Public Policy with Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Philosophy and Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History and Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics and Philosophy Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Laws Law 4 years On-campus
Anthropology and Law Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Finance Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Actuarial Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Data Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Accounting and Finance Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Economic History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Economic History and Geography Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
International Relations and History Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Economics and Economic History Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychological and Behavioural Science Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Environment and Sustainable Development Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Mathematics, Statistics and Business Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Mathematics with Data Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Mathematics with Economics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Mathematics and Economics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Financial Mathematics and Statistics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Philosophy, Politics and Economics Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Econometrics and Mathematical Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Economics and Data Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
International Relations Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Politics and International Relations Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
International Relations and Chinese Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Sociology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Language, Culture & Society Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
International Social and Public Policy Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to The London School of Economics and Political Science
Step-by-step guidance for applying to The London School of Economics and Political Science, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at The London School of Economics and Political Science
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. The London School of Economics and Political Science offers 230 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Each programme at The London School of Economics and Political Science has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Lodge your application
Apply directly via The London School of Economics and Political Science's online portal at www.lse.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (20) 7405 7686. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The London School of Economics and Political Science
Quick reference for The London School of Economics and Political Science: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was The London School of Economics and Political Science established?
The London School of Economics and Political Science was founded in 1895 (approximately 131 years ago).
What city is The London School of Economics and Political Science in?
The London School of Economics and Political Science operates from London, United Kingdom.
What is The London School of Economics and Political Science's control type?
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public institution.
How big is The London School of Economics and Political Science's student body?
The London School of Economics and Political Science serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
What is The London School of Economics and Political Science's ranking?
It ranks #499 globally and #32 in United Kingdom.
What programmes are available at The London School of Economics and Political Science?
The London School of Economics and Political Science offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is The London School of Economics and Political Science accredited?
Yes, The London School of Economics and Political Science is recognised by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about The London School of Economics and Political Science?
The institution's website is www.lse.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
the United Kingdom's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing The London School of Economics and Political Science's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Cross-credit recognition between European University Association (EUA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. The London School of Economics and Political Science's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near The London School of Economics and Political Science share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Economics
Choosing the right Economics programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United Kingdom cover the same discipline as The London School of Economics and Political Science from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Often Compared with The London School of Economics and Political Science
International branch campuses are common among universities at The London School of Economics and Political Science's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
