LSE

LSE is stimulating, cosmopolitan and very much part of the “real world”.

Why LSE?

We offer a unique opportunity to study the social sciences in a university institution with a worldwide academic reputation, while enjoying the cultural, social and recreational facilities of one of the world’s greatest capital cities.

We are unique in our dedication to the field of social sciences. We pioneered the study of economics, international relations and anthropology, and LSE academics continue to be leading thinkers in their fields. We strive to accomplish excellence in all of our endeavours, helping students, alumni and staff to achieve their full potential in everything they do. 

We have been named University of the Year and ranked 1st in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. LSE is also ranked 3rd in Europe and 6th in the world for Social Sciences and Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, and top university in London for the 12th year running by the Complete University Guide 2025.

We are one of the most internationally-diverse universities in the world. We are committed to building a vibrant, equitable and truly inclusive internationally- diverse environment.

Our approach is to challenge existing ways of thinking and seek to understand the causes of things in order to transform them. We help governments, NGOs and businesses tackle the world’s problems.

The heart of London

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

A world centre of research and teaching

Our research informs and constantly invigorates our teaching. Graduate students also play a valued and important role in the School’s contribution to scholarship, through the research they undertake during their studies.

LSE supports the research of its staff through academic departments and institutes, and also through a range of interdisciplinary research centres. Some 97 per cent of LSE academics are actively engaged in research. Staff are regularly sought out as advisers, consultants and commentators, becoming involved in the practical impact of the subjects they teach and research. Many past and present members of staff act as expert advisers to political parties, the Civil Service and policy pressure groups.

The School’s international reputation and London location ensure that in times of crisis it is to LSE that the media turn first for a response.

Research quality

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a UK-wide assessment of research excellence at universities undertaken by the Higher Education Funding Councils every five to seven years. Results from the 2021 REF reconfirmed LSE’s position as a world-leading research university, with the School topping or coming close to the top of a number of rankings of research excellence in the social sciences.

In addition to excellent overall results, the REF also showed a number of LSE departments leading the way in national research rankings. The departments of Economics, Anthropology, Social Policy, Health Policy and Media and Communications did particularly well, with their Units of Assessment coming top overall. Academics from the Departments of Gender Studies, Methodology and Psychological and Behavioural Science also contributed to these top scoring Units of Assessments.

More information about the REF and individual subject areas can be found at Research Excellence Framework 2021.

LSE Careers and employability

Your LSE degree will be recognised internationally for its intellectual rigour and global focus, and LSE Careers offers a range of support to help you make the most of that. They work with you throughout your time at LSE and beyond, with a range of events, appointments, resources and opportunities designed to help you build a successful and fulfilling career.

Where do LSE graduates go?

LSE graduates go on to great things in a variety of sectors around the world – from careers in NGOs and development, to roles in the public sector, banking and running their own businesses. As an LSE alum, you’ll also have access to LSE Careers for up to five years after the end of your programme.

Find out more about what LSE students have gone on to do.

How to apply

Information about applying to LSE, entry requirements, programme structure and courses, and graduate destinations can be found on our website.

Fees and funding

For up-to-date information on our fees, please visit the individual course page on our website. You may also be eligible to apply for scholarships, such as the Graduate Support Scheme, Master’s Awards, Anniversary Scholarships, LSE PhD Studentships and the LSE ESRC Studentships. Find out more