The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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# =50QS World University Rankings

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41Undergraduate programs

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186Postgraduate programs

International

8972International students

About The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers you the opportunity to study the social sciences in an institution with a worldwide academic reputation, while enjoying the cultural, social and recreational facilities of one of the world’s greatest capital cities.

The School is a place of genuine intellectual excitement and cutting-edge research. In the most recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF) LSE had the highest percentage of world-leading research of any university in the United Kingdom.

All LSE’s teaching and research is undertaken from a social science perspective, giving the institution a unique approach to otherwise common fields. LSE academics are at the forefront of developments in the social sciences and their expertise is called upon by governments, businesses and media around the globe.

The School offers over 40  undergraduate programmes and over 140 taught and research postgraduate programmes. LSE’s academic profile spans a wide range of social science disciplines, from accounting to law, management to social policy.  

The character of LSE is inseparable from its location. Situated in central London, the School is located in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe’s financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate. This is fundamental to our identity as an outward-looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. 

The student community at LSE is one of the most internationally diverse in the world, with students from over 140 countries registered each year. This mix encourages a truly international approach to intellectual discovery and academic life at LSE which cannot be matched elsewhere. 

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 Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Amartya Sen, Christine Lagarde, Bill Gates, Helen Clark and George Soros.

About The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers you the opportunity to study the social sciences in an institution with a worldwide academic reputation, while enjoying the cultural, social and recreational facilities of one of the world’s greatest capital cities.

The School is a place of genuine intellectual excitement and cutting-edge research. In the most recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF) LSE had the highest percentage of world-leading research of any university in the United Kingdom.

All LSE’s teaching and research is undertaken from a social science perspective, giving the institution a unique approach to otherwise common fields. LSE academics are at the forefront of developments in the social sciences and their expertise is called upon by governments, businesses and media around the globe.

The School offers over 40  undergraduate programmes and over 140 taught and research postgraduate programmes. LSE’s academic profile spans a wide range of social science disciplines, from accounting to law, management to social policy.  

The character of LSE is inseparable from its location. Situated in central London, the School is located in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe’s financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate. This is fundamental to our identity as an outward-looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. 

The student community at LSE is one of the most internationally diverse in the world, with students from over 140 countries registered each year. This mix encourages a truly international approach to intellectual discovery and academic life at LSE which cannot be matched elsewhere. 

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 Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Amartya Sen, Christine Lagarde, Bill Gates, Helen Clark and George Soros.

Available programs

Undergraduate study at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations. This means you’ll be taught core theory related to your programme of study alongside specialist disciplinary and research skills, and have opportunities to use those skills in real world contexts as you progress through your degree. 

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, often through teaching from the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have opportunities to participate in projects, discussions and events that are part of LSE’s daily intellectual life. 

Whichever degree programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond. This will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help equip you, professionally and personally, for whatever you do after you graduate.

Visit our Virtual Open Day to find out more.


Our degrees

Our degrees are intended to provide students with a sound intellectual background rather than professional training. LSE graduates go on to a range of careers which are rarely restricted by the choice of degree subject. Success in your degree and in your subsequent career is best achieved by choosing subjects that interest you and that you are good at.

Financial support

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. That’s one of the reasons we provide such generous funding for undergraduate students. Help isn’t limited to UK students. Our funding is available to eligible UK, EU and overseas students, such as the funding awarded by the Uggla Family Scholars Programme. You may also be able to apply for funding from your own government.

How to apply

You need to make your application through UCAS. We don’t consider applications made in any other way. Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our undergraduate programmes.

Graduate study at LSE is designed for students who want to engage critically with their chosen discipline and apply their learning to real world situations. Our postgraduate programmes are shaped to equip students, professionally and personally, for whatever they want to do afterwards.

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, and the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests in an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to the LSE community’s daily intellectual life, participating in projects, discussions and events with fellow students, academics, alumni and key contributors from across the disciplines.

Whichever programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond that will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help you develop life-long skills and knowledge.

Visit our Virtual Graduate Open Events to find out more.


Types of study

LSE has developed graduate programmes to fulfil your needs whether you intend to pursue a career in industry, business, government, NGOs or academia, and whatever your background. 

The School offers a broad selection of postgraduate degrees, including:

  • MRes, MPhil, PhD, visiting research
  • Taught master’s (including LLM)
  • Diplomas
  • Double and joint degrees
  • Executive programmes
  • MPA


Financial support

LSE offers generous financial aid to its graduate students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses.

At master’s level, the value of support given by LSE ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award. Most master's programmes are eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

At doctoral level, LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities. These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online from mid-October in the year prior to entry and most are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our postgraduate programmes.

MSc Economics

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MSc Marketing

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MSc Gender

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MSc Human Rights

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MSc Regulation

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MSc Sociology

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MSc Statistics

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University information

Undergraduate level

LSE receives all applications via UCAS. We do not consider applications made directly to the School. UCAS applications open in September for entry in September of the following year. Visit our website for the last date for the receipt of applications to LSE to qualify for full and equal consideration.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our undergraduate programmes.

Graduate level

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.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our postgraduate programmes.

LSE provides a range of resources and services to help students make the most of their studies, from support for IT and learning technology to the world-renowned British Library of Political and Economic Science, as well as the LSE Language Centre and an academic mentor. 

LSE LIFE is an academic, personal and professional development centre for undergraduate and taught master’s students. Bringing together advisers, teachers, alumni and experts in different fields, it offers one-to-one, workshop and large group learning events and courses throughout the year, and provides a space to meet students from other programmes and departments. Students will be able to come to LSE LIFE to develop academic, communication and research skills, learn languages, get advice on personal effectiveness and in making life choices, and gain insights into graduate recruitment and career paths, as well as to participate in intensive activities such as coaching events and experiential learning programmes with external organisations.

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Student life

Studying at LSE means that you'll be based in the centre of London, an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. Our compact campus is packed full of facilities and services to make sure you make the most of your time, while also giving you easy access to all that London has to offer. 

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, Trafalgar Square, the Royal Opera House and the British Library and Museum are all within walking distance of the School. 

The Saw Swee Hock Student Centre is the vibrant hub of student life at LSE and houses a number of student-facing services such as the advice and representation centre; a pub; a media centre; a fitness centre, which includes a gym and dance studio; cafes and restaurants and an interfaith prayer centre. 

The School is also able to offer undergraduate and graduate students a variety of styles of accommodation. In all of them there will be a varied mix of students, home and overseas, men and women. Each residence has an elected student committee that organises regular events, such as DVD evenings, quizzes, term parties and trips out to London landmarks.

A degree from LSE is widely recognised throughout the world. The School has produced over 37 world leaders and heads of state, 18 Nobel Prize Winners, and a host of alumni who are well known nationally and internationally

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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Rankings & ratings

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #=50 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #69
  • 2014
    #68
  • 2015
    #=71
  • 2016
    #35
  • 2017
    #=37
  • 2018
    #35
  • 2019
    #38
  • 2020
    #44
  • 2021
    #49
  • 2022
    #49
  • 2023
    #56
  • 2024
    #45
  • 2025
    #=50

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FAQs

We provide generous funding for students, whether UK or Overseas (including EU).   We offer one of the most generous bursary packages in UK higher education for Home fees status students. We offer an LSE Bursary to eligible students and LSE scholarships. Both are awarded on the basis of financial circumstances first.   For overseas fee status students, we award LSE scholarships each year, including the LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme. Awards are made on the basis of financial circumstances first. Both Home and Overseases students are eligible for the Uggla Family Scholars Programme, which provides 10 scholarships, including mentorship, every year for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These provide partial tuition fee awards and full financial support for term-time accommodation and expenses. LSE Access to Education Scholarships are also available for asylum seekers, refugees, forced migrants and people with humanitarian protection. Find out more on our website.
The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.   This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Visit the website for more information about funding support.
The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students. This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE during your year at LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Visit the website for more information about funding support.
The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students. LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities.  These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School. Visit the website for more information about funding support.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) advanced Public Very High 10 yes 8972 L 362