How much will it cost?
The details of the cost of undergraduate study at the LSE can be found here: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/moneyMatters/tableOfFees/home.aspx|
The LSE Fees and Student Finance Office provides an estimate of the cost of living in London| for prospective students.
What are the term dates?
The LSE term dates|
Where can I find information about LSE accommodation?
The undergraduate prospectus contains information about accommodation at the LSE|.
Why study Government at the LSE?
The LSE is a specialist school in the social sciences of which political science is the oldest and richest component. The full title of the School is the London School of Economics and Political Science. All students reading for Government degrees, either single honours or joint degrees are expected to follow a compulsory range of courses which ensure they have complete education in all the significant areas of political study.
The Department is one of the largest in the UK and offers students at the undergraduate level an unrivalled choice of subjects in their various degrees. In addition many of our undergraduates stay on at the School to read for one of our many graduate degrees in Politics.
Our situation in London gives students opportunities to participate in political discussion on a scale difficult to find elsewhere. There is much interest shown in politics by most of our students and LSE is a Mecca for leading politicians, public figures and visiting academics.
In both practical and theoretical terms LSE offers the student a complete experience of politics.
Why 'Department of Government' and not 'Politics Department'
It is partly a matter of tradition and usage - there are distinguished Department of Governments in various universities.
Government is wider than politics. It can refer to the entity 'the government'; an activity 'the government of .....' and the general principle of ordering, 'good government.' Politics is studied as a part of the activity of governing.
What does each degree course consist of?
Each degree course consists of 4 units per academic year which are examined at the end of each academic year. The School does not operate a module system.
The basic teaching unit is a course of lectures (one a week for two terms, in some cases two lectures a week) plus a weekly class for two terms. Students are expected to write 4 essays for each subject per year or hand in exercises in appropriate subjects.
In addition to lectures and classes each student has a personal tutor who sees the student at regular intervals, to discuss their work and progress, and to take a personal interest in them.
What are the methods of assessment?
The main method of examination and final assessment is the three hour unseen examination taken at the end of the academic year.
In the Government Degrees there is some limited scope for modifying this by the stipulation or the option of assessed course work. In some outside options there is some scope for utilizing this mode of assessment. Such assessed work components might comprise in the degree programme as a whole up to 8-10% depending upon subjects chosen.
How are the exams evaluated?
A students' degree result is based upon nine examination marks, eight being the second and third year papers, the ninth the average of the best three first year papers. Normally the degree result reflects the students' performance in their best five papers, in some cases the best four papers.
Can I study a foreign language?
It is possible to study a foreign language as an outside option for either one or three years. Students are normally required to have an A level or equivalent in the subject.
Could I study abroad during my course?
There are no arrangements in the Department of Government for students to partake of study abroad during the period of their course.
What are outside options?
An outside option is defined as a subject taught in a Department other than those which constitute the main elements of the degree.
All Departments in the School have subjects which can be taken by any student provided the course requirements are met. It is usually possible to take up a new subject by means of an introductory course at any stage of one's academic career.
What about the tutorial system?
The School attaches great importance to the pastoral care of its students and the tutorial system has always been an integral part of the arrangements made to implement that concern. Every student on joining the School is allocated to an academic advisor who is a member of the academic staff of the Department. The duties of advisors and their relations to their students are set out in the Undergraduate Handbook which is given to new students at the Induction Meeting at the beginning of the Michaelmas term.
What can I do next?
For information on careers support and career options refer to the careers page| or the School's Careers Service |Site.
What is the Schapiro Government Club?
The Schapiro Government Club is a student club that many students in the Department of Government join, although membership is extended to include students from other Departments in the School interested in politics. It organizes meetings and functions on a wide range of political issues and provides a focus for student social life in the Department, and includes both undergraduate and graduate students.
Its activities are widely advertised and very worthwhile.
How can I receive prizes and awards for my work?
Undergraduate Students in the Department are eligible for consideration for the award of the following prizes:
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The Bassett Memorial Prize
In memory of Professor Reginald Bassett, Professor of Political Science.
A prize of £30 in books is awarded to the final year student with the best performance in the BSc Government or BSc Government and History Degrees, especially in the Government of Britain section.
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The Harold Laski Scholarship
In memory of Harold J. Laski, Professor of Political Science.
A Scholarship of currently £250 is awarded to a third year student in the BSc Government with the best performance in the first and second year examinations.
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Head of Department's Prize in Government and Economics
A prize of £100 is awarded to the final year student with the best overall performance in the BSc Government and Economics degree.
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Iain & Louise Crawford Prize
Awarded to the 1st year student with the best performance in GV101.
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Kelly Black-Iwaskow Prize
A new prize of £1000 to be awarded to the student who achieves the highest mark on Gv390 the dissertation option.
These prizes are based upon academic performances in the School, all eligible students are automatically considered, applications are hence not required.