The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a specialist world-renowned university in the heart of London, focusing entirely on social sciences. It offers a diverse and international student experience with exceptional access to global institutions and career opportunities.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), founded in 1895, is a world-renowned specialist university devoted entirely to the social sciences. Located in the heart of London, LSE offers programmes spanning economics, law, sociology, political science, anthropology, and finance, drawing students from over 140 countries. Its proximity to financial markets, government, and international organisations gives students unrivalled real-world exposure. LSE consistently ranks among the world's top institutions for social science and management disciplines.
LSE offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for academic and personal growth. The Language Centre provides free English language support, including academic writing courses, workshops, and one-to-one consultations, for students whose first language is not English. LSE Careers provides extensive support, including dedicated careers consultants for specific departments like Law, offering individual appointments, skills sessions, and talks by practitioners to help students explore career paths and succeed in applications. The university encourages participation in academic journals like the LSE Undergraduate Political Review, providing platforms for publishing research and engaging in contemporary debates. Various departments, such as Sociology and Health Policy, foster strong research communities and encourage public engagement.
Some executive and professional programmes carry separate module-based fees. Scholarship and bursary support is available; check lse.ac.uk/finance for the latest figures.
LSE is a member institution of the University of London and holds QAA Quality Mark accreditation. Its accounting and finance programmes are accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS (triple-crown). The LLB is recognised by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
This research paper examines the challenges faced by prosecutors when dealing with corporate financial crimes, particularly when firms are deemed "Too Big To Jail" (TBTJ). It develops a new microeconomic model to analyze prosecutorial strategies in such scenarios. The paper argues that the TBTJ problem can reduce the deterrent effect of policies relying on large corporate fines. Furthermore, it suggests that TBTJ firms may not be incentivized to invest in internal controls and could even subsidize employee criminal activity. The research proposes that to counteract this, prosecutors should shift focus towards prosecuting individual managers, thereby increasing their personal risk for dishonest dealings.
This executive online course offers a focused, 16-hour deep dive into EU competition law. Designed for legal practitioners, civil servants, and in-house lawyers, it provides a systematic overview of core principles and recent developments. The course covers the analysis of agreements, unilateral practices, merger control, and challenges specific to digital markets, all within the framework of EU law. Participants will gain practical insights through case law discussions and strategic assessments, enhancing their understanding of legal risks and evolving doctrines.
This BSc programme offers a deep dive into fundamental philosophical questions about reality, ethics, science, and justice, alongside rigorous training in logical reasoning and argumentation. You will develop critical thinking, essay writing, and public speaking skills by engaging with complex ideas from various perspectives. The curriculum draws on interdisciplinary knowledge across social sciences and specialized expertise in the philosophy of science, moral and political philosophy, logic, decision theory, and social choice theory. Founded by Karl Popper, the department is renowned for its teaching and research in philosophy, with LSE recognized globally for this subject.
This BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) programme delves into fundamental philosophical questions, analyzes how individuals and groups define political ideas, and examines economic challenges and change. Unlike many other PPE degrees, students will study all three subjects for the entire duration of the program. In the final year, students will undertake independent research and collaborate with external organizations on an innovative Capstone project. Studying at LSE, a globally recognised social science institution, equips you with interdisciplinary skills highly valued by employers. Graduates often pursue careers in financial services, accounting, consulting, IT, tech, and government.
The Climate Change Laws of the World database provides a global overview of national-level climate change legislation and policies. It covers laws and policies related to climate change, as well as those that promote low-carbon transitions in sectors such as energy, transport, land use, and climate resilience. The Climate Change Litigation of the World database complements this by featuring climate litigation cases from various countries. These cases address legal or factual issues concerning climate science, mitigation, and adaptation efforts before official bodies. The project is a collaboration between the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full fundingOpen to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
Annual international tuition fees at LSE range from approximately £19,000 for undergraduate programmes to around £34,000 for specialist master's programmes. Some executive and professional programmes may have different module-based fees.
The estimated living costs for a full academic year in London are approximately £19,000–£22,000. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
For IELTS Academic, students typically need a score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each band, though some programmes may require higher. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 107 overall, with a minimum of 25 in writing and 22 in other sections.
Undergraduate entry typically requires A-levels AAA–AAB or the international equivalent, with a strong performance in mathematics for economics and quantitative programmes. Postgraduate entry usually requires a strong upper-second-class UK bachelor's degree or international equivalent, with quantitative backgrounds often favoured for economics and finance.
LSE is a world-renowned specialist university solely devoted to the social sciences, consistently ranking among the top global institutions in these fields. Its central London location provides unparalleled access to financial markets, government, and international organizations.