• #=50 QS Global World Ranking
  • PublicStatus
  • Very HighResearch Output
  • 12,571Total Students
  • 1,267Faculty
  • 8,972Int'l Students

About

Read more
Read less

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 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.



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.

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 35 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.

About

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 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.



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.

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 35 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.

University highlights

QS World University Ranking

  • 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

Student & Staff

Total students
12,571

53%
47%

International students
8,972

65%
35%

Total faculty staff
1,267

835
432

Total students
12,571

53%
47%

International students
8,972

65%
35%

Total faculty staff
1,267

432
835
QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.

Scholarships

Yes
The Scholarships above offer some form of financial aid to prospective students. Please always check the specific requirements and restrictions on scholarship availability.

Campus locations

Houghton Street, London, GB,

Houghton Street , London , London , United Kingdom , WC2A 2AE

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) advanced Public Very High 10 yes 8972 L EN