London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the University of London. It was founded in 1895 by Beatrice and Sidney Webb, members of the Fabian Society, with funding from a bequest of £20,000 from Henry Hunt Hutchinson. The School was originally intended to be a graduate institute, but it began offering undergraduate courses in 1901. LSE joined the University of London in 1900, and it was granted the power to award its degrees in 2008.
In its early years, LSE was a pioneer in the study of the social sciences, and it quickly became one of the world's leading universities in this field. LSE academics have made significant contributions to economics, politics, sociology, and other social sciences. The School has also been a training ground for many prominent figures in public life, including Nobel Prize laureates, heads of state, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
Today, LSE is a global university with over 11,000 students from over 140 countries. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the social sciences, and its research is world-leading. LSE is committed to social justice and equality, and its mission is to "contribute to the betterment of society".
LSE is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of just 8.9%. Applicants are required to have strong academic grades, as well as demonstrate a passion for the social sciences. LSE is also a very international university, with over 70% of its student body coming from outside the UK.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, London School of Economics and Political Science is positioned as the #50 top university in the world, which makes it the #8 top university in United Kingdom. The university's global rank decreased by 5 points from last year.
Institute Profile
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| 2025 Ranking | #50 #8 |
|---|---|
| University Name | London School of Economics and Political Science |
| Acronym | LSE |
| Year Established | 1895 |
| Motto | Rerum cognoscere causas |
| Motto in English | To Understand the Causes of Things |
| Governing Type | Public |
| Student Body | Co-education |
| Highest Degree | Doctorate |
| Campus Type | Urban |
| Colors | Purple, black and gold |
Location
The institute is located in London. Find the address and map of the institute below.
| Address | Houghton Street, London, United Kingdom |
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Contact
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| Phone | +44 (0)20 7405 7686 |
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| Website |
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| Click here to send email | |
| More Links |
Admission Info
LSE's admission process is highly competitive, with applicants required to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to the field of study they wish to pursue. For undergraduate programs, prospective students must submit their application via UCAS, including academic qualifications (A-levels or equivalent), a personal statement, and references. For graduate programs, applicants typically need a strong undergraduate degree, relevant work experience (in some cases), and standardized test scores (such as GRE or GMAT for certain programs). English proficiency is also required for international students, and LSE places significant emphasis on a candidate's potential for success in its rigorous academic environment.
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
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| Undergraduate Admission Info | Click here |
| Graduate Admission Info | Click here |
Scholarship and Financial Aids
LSE offers a range of scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students, including merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and fellowships. The university provides funding opportunities for international students to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. In addition to its general scholarships, LSE offers specific funding for students from underrepresented groups and those pursuing certain fields of study, such as development or international relations. The LSE Graduate Support Scheme is one of the primary financial aid programs for postgraduate students, providing support based on academic excellence and financial need. LSE’s commitment to ensuring that students can access its world-class education is reflected in the extensive scholarship options available.
| Scholarship Info | Click here |
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| More Info | Click here |
Programs and Courses
Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this institute.
| Bachelor's Degrees | Master's Degrees | Doctorate Degrees | Diplomas | |
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| Arts & Humanities | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Business & Social Sciences | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Engineering | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Language & Cultural Studies | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Medicine & Health | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Science & Technology | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.
View Course ListGlobal Ranking History
The following chart shows how the global ranking of this institute has changed over the last 5 years.
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