Application
Can I spend just a semester at LSE?
No. LSE offers no single semester study options. All General Course students must spend a full academic year, October-July, at the School. Students looking to spend less than a year at the School might like to investigate LSE's Summer School| programme.
What do I need to be able to apply?
Applicants to the General Course should have completed at least two years of university level study by the time they join the School and should have a GPA of 3.3 and above for acceptance to qualitative courses (anthropology, government, sociology etc.) or 3.5 and above for quantitative courses (economics, mathematics, statistics etc.). You will also be required to submit your transcripts to the end of the first semester of your sophomore year and two academic references.
Will I need to study any specific courses before joining the programme?
No. Applicants to the General Course can choose any four year-long courses, from over 250 available to them each year, without having taken any specific courses beforehand. However, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the academic background and aptitude necessary to study second and third year courses.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. The School will accept applications from any student who will have completed at least two years of university level study by the time they join the School. However, the General Course Tutor will be looking for a case to be made as to why the General Course, and not a graduate programme, has been chosen.
Can I apply on-line?
Yes. Applications for the General Course can be made both online and in hard copy. The online application form| is now available and the hard copy form can be downloaded from Apply to the General Course| or requested via an email to gc@lse.ac.uk|.
Can I track my application on-line?
No. Unfortunately there is no facility to track the progress of applications to the General Course on-line.
When is the application deadline?
The application cycle closes on 2 September 2011.
When will I receive a decision?
We begin considering applications in the February of the year of entry, and this is done on a rolling basis so the earlier you apply the earlier you will receive a decision. On average though, if you submit your application by post you should expect to receive a decision, via email, within three weeks of your application being submitted, or by the end of January if you apply before the start of that month. Applicants who apply online will usually receive a decision within seven working days. This initial email will then be followed up with an official offer letter.
Is there an application fee?
No. No charge is made for applying, and tuition fees are not due until you have arrived at the School.
How much will it cost?
See the Table of fees| web page for the tuition fees for all students on the General Course. Tuition fees are usually paid in three equal instalments at the start of each term. Please note that the tuition fee is the same for all General Course students, regardless of nationality or residence.
Is financial aid available from the School?
Yes, details of scholarships available to General Course students can be found on the Financial support for General Course Students| web page. For those that receive them, the LSE is a registered institution for most types of US and Canadian student loans. The LSE US Student Loans reference number is 006693.
Study
How many courses can I take?
Students are required to study no less than, and no more than, four full-unit courses, or the equivalent in half-units.
Can I change my course choices after applying?
Yes. We encourage General Course students to audit as many lectures as they have an interest in during the first three to four weeks of the new academic year. This will allow you to change your selection should you discover something that is more suitable/enjoyable. However, at the end of this period you are committed to the four courses chosen for the rest of the year.
Can I change my academic department after applying?
No. Unlike your course choices, the department you are allocated to during the application process is the one you will be based in throughout your time at the School. However, you need take only one course from your host department (unless you are in Economics when you must take two), thus allowing you to choose three further courses from an entirely different department(s).
How will I be taught?
Teaching in the vast majority of subjects takes the form of linked lectures and classes. Lectures are usually an hour long and, unlike classes, are not compulsory. They are attended by all those students registered on a course, together with others who are interested in the subject matter. They are delivered by a faculty member and offer little interaction between that individual and the students present, who simply take notes.
Classes are led either by a faculty member or a teaching assistant and are made up of much smaller groups of those students registered on the course. They correlate with the lectures and provide a forum for discussion and debate, which is usually led by a student presentation. Those present will be expected to contribute on the basis of their reading and their own ideas and experience etc. During the course of a term students will be required to submit at least two pieces of work for assessment, although these will not usually contribute toward the final exam grade.
Students typically receive one hour of lectures and one hour of class work per course per week. This means that many students have only 8-10 contact teaching hours each week (or 160-200 over the course of the full academic year). Consequently, independent, self-motivated study is very important.
How big will my classes be?
Around 15 students. The School aims to cap class size at this number to maintain the quality of the education and ensure that all students are able to participate and contribute.
Can I take graduate level courses?
Yes, but only one. Unlike the undergraduate courses taken by General Course students, graduate level courses will not be examined so an alternative method of assessment has to be arranged. If you would like to study a graduate level course you will need, therefore, to obtain permission to do so from the faculty member responsible for the programme, and ensure that the lack of an exam grade will not adversely affect the amount of credit you receive from your home institution.
Can I take courses at other institutions?
No. The four courses you take as a General Course student must be offered at LSE.
How long is the programme?
A full academic year of 39 weeks, beginning at the start of October and running through until July the following year. The School offers no single semester study options.
What library facilities are available?
The LSE Library (the British Library of Political and Economic Science) is world-renowned. Students use the Library a lot, especially during exam time when it is open 24-hours. Teachers do not require you to purchase course texts at the beginning of the year, instead they ask you to read books and excerpts for each class. Sometimes this can mean many students are searching for a few set texts so plan ahead and borrow your library books in good time.
Assessment
Do I have to sit exams?
Yes. All students registered for the General Course are required to sit the end-of-year exams at the School. Failure to sit these exams can lead to a loss of credit at your home institution.
Can I leave LSE early and return to my home institution to sit the exams?
No. You are required to remain on campus and sit your exams at the School. Only when your exams have finished may you legitimately leave. Those students wishing to arrange internships in their home country may wish to consider utilising remote methods of contact with potential employers, such as telephone interviews.
When will I know my exam timetable?
The dates and times of the compulsory end of year exams are not published until the end of the Lent term in the relevant academic year. Consequently, we recommend that General Course students make no plans to return home before the end of the Summer Term until this information is available.
Will I obtain a qualification?
No, but as a General Course student you will receive a transcript after the final exams detailing your class grades and your exam grades. The class grades reflect your work over the course of the year in each of the subjects you've taken and are provided only for General Course students - normal degree-seeking students only receive an exam grade.
How will I be graded?
The marking system at LSE is based upon the award of a percentage mark, which equates to a letter grade as detailed below. There has been little grade inflation at the School so your marks may initially strike you as much lower than you are used to but, with reference to both the information contained here and your class teachers, you should be able to ascertain how well you are doing in relation to LSE's standards. You might also find it helpful to inform the relevant individuals at your home institution of our grading system, as this will be useful when they calculate the credit you will receive.
When will I be able to obtain my results?
General Course students completing the current academic year will be sent their class and exam grades by email around the end of July (a specific date will be placed on the General Course website nearer the time). This will be done automatically and in alphabetical order by surname so students are requested not to contact the School for their grades beforehand. Please note that transcripts will not be issued to students or their home institutions until the middle of August.
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Degree Class equivalent
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%mark
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equivalent
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written work
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class work
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First
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79+
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A+
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A+
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A+
|
|
First
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74 - 78
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A
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A
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A
|
|
Borderline First - First
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68 - 73
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A-
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A-
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A-
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|
Upper Second
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60 - 67
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B+
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B+
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B+
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|
Lower Second
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55 - 59
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B
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B
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B
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|
Lower Second
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50 - 54
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B-
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B-
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B-
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|
Third
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45 - 49
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C+
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C+
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C+
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|
Third
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40 - 44
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C
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C
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C
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|
Fail
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39 or lower
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F
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F
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F
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How many credits will I receive?
This is left entirely at the discretion of your home institution, to whom a copy of your transcript will be sent. As policies for the transfer of credit frequently differ LSE does not involve itself in this issue. Your queries should, therefore, be directed to the relevant office at your own institution.
From where can I obtain copies of my General Course transcript?
You can obtain extra copies of your General Course transcript online via the School's website. Please see Ordering a transcript|. Please note that there is a charge of £5 per hardcopy transcript.
Alumni 2010 onwards we have now introduced a new system for issuing transcripts, known as Digitary.
This will allow you to easily share your digitally-signed online transcript with, for example, potential employers and academic institutions, 24 hours a day. The recipients of your transcript can then quickly and confidently verify the legally valid and tamper-evident document. Full on-screen instructions are provided to help users.
LSE Digitary|
Housing/pastoral care
Is university housing available?
Yes. Accepted General Course students are encouraged to enter the housing lottery for a place in LSE or University of London accommodation as they are guaranteed a place at one of the halls housing LSE students. This is done by completing and submitting the on-line application form available from the Accommodation Office| before 31 May in the year of entry. This website also provides further information on the types of accommodation available, and what help is offered to those students who do not receive university housing.
What are residential halls like?
Each residential hall is different. Because London real estate is expensive, LSE's halls are dispersed across the city. While this can be frustrating, it provides an opportunity to see other parts of London as you visit friends, and because you're living with other LSE students you have the chance to get to know non-General Course students from around the world. The Accommodation Office and Residence Life Officer help each hall build a sense of community through social events, activities and seminars.
Do I need health insurance?
Not necessarily. As a student studying in the UK for more than six months you are automatically entitled to make full use of the National Health Service (NHS). Medical care received from the NHS is free, but a charge is made for dental and optometric check-ups. If, however, it is likely you will be travelling outside the United Kingdom during your time at LSE we recommend you retain any existing health insurance you have to cover these periods.
Will I have a personal tutor?
Yes. In common with all degree-seeking students at LSE, each General Course student is allocated a personal tutor from amongst the faculty staff in their host department. This individual is required to meet with you at least twice a term to discuss your academic work and any other issues you wish to raise. Outside of this official requirement you are free to contact your personal tutor at any time. Additionally, you will also be able to meet with the Associate Dean for the General Course and, should the need arise, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
How much will it cost to live in London?
The following figures are intended only as an approximate guide; how much you spend is ultimately your own decision. London can be as expensive as your personal tastes dictate - some students are able to live on less, some need more. The important thing is that you satisfy yourself, and the relevant authorities, that you have sufficient funds to cover your entire period of study.
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Accommodation
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£ 4,800 (£120pw)
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|
Food
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£ 2,400 (£60pw)
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|
Travel
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£ 800 (£20pw)
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|
Books
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£ 400 (£10pw)
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|
Personal
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£ 1,600 (£40pw)
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|
Total
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£ 10,000 for 40 Weeks
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For more information on the cost of studying on the General Course please see the
How much will it cost?| web page.
How much does an average lunch cost on campus?
There are a number of dining venues on LSE's campus, including the 4th Floor Restaurant, the Garrick and the Wright's Bar cafe. Prices vary depending on what you eat, but a bowl of pasta and a soda will typically cost about £4-5. There are plenty of restaurants off campus in the surrounding area, where a sandwich typically costs about £3.
Miscellaneous
How international is the School?
LSE is one of the world's most international universities, with over 65% of all our students originating from countries outside the UK, and over 150 different countries represented in the student body. It is a truly cosmopolitan environment and one quite unlike the majority of other British institutions.
How many students are on the programme?
The target intake for the current academic year is 300. These students will be selected on their academic merit from universities around the world, with no quotas dictating the number of students selected from any one institution or nation.
Where do General Course students come from?
We recruit for the General Course in every country of the world but students are drawn predominantly from North American institutions. However, in the recent past we have also welcomed students from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland.
A list of the more than 300 institutions represented in the programme over the last ten years can be found at Institutions represented|.
Can I transfer to LSE to complete my degree after studying on the General Course?
This is very difficult to do and not encouraged by the School. However, if you are considering transferring to LSE after completing a year on the General Course we recommend that you discuss the possibility of transferring with the following at the earliest opportunity:
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your academic tutor;
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the Associate Dean for the General Course;
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your home institution.
How do I get involved on campus?
The best way to get involved on campus is to attend "Fresher's Fair" during the week preceding the start of the new academic year. All the Students' Union societies will be there to explain what they do and answer any questions you might have. Signing up for at least one society is a great way to get to know other LSE students. Elections for society officer positions take place in week 4 or 5 of the first term.
Will I be treated differently since I'm only attending LSE for one year?
No. Academically, you will attend classes with full-time LSE undergraduates. Your professors and tutors will treat you as any other student and will expect the same calibre of work. However, they also understand that you haven't necessarily been exposed to the British education system before and will help you if you're feeling behind. Socially, degree-seeking LSE students welcome General Course students and regard the programme highly, so joining societies and getting involved on campus is the best way to smooth the transition from your home institution.
Can I undertake paid work in the UK whilst I am studying?
Yes. The student visa you obtain to gain entry to the UK will enable you to undertake paid work, both on and off campus, up to a total of 20 hours per week in term time. However, LSE requires that you limit this to no more than 15 hours and we recommend that you don't commit to anything until you have settled in and determined how demanding your academic schedule will be.
What happens if I have to leave before the end of the academic year?
If, after joining the Course, you feel that London and/or LSE isn't right for you or you need to return home for personal reasons, you should speak firstly with your departmental personal tutor and then, if necessary, the Associate Dean for the General Course to discuss what might be done to help you. It is quite common for students to spend the first five or six weeks settling in to their new environment and the different academic regime so don't be too downhearted if everything seems a little overwhelming at this stage.
However, if you do decide that you have to leave you will need to contact both the Associate Dean for the General Course and the study abroad office at your home institution to discuss how to go about this and the credit transfer issues that it raises. Please be aware that:
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if you leave before the final exams you will not receive a full transcript for your time at the School;
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if you paid the tuition fee for the year in advance the unused portion of this will be refunded to you or your home institution on a pro rata basis.
Can I visit the School?
Yes. We actively encourage students to visit our campus any weekday between the hours of 09.30 and 17.00 when you can collect an LSExplorer leaflet from our main entrance in Houghton Street and undertake a self-guided tour. Staff from the Student Recruitment Office are also happy to meet with any prospective student who has further questions they would like to ask, and contact details for those wishing to do this can be found below.
Please see the Meet LSE| for more information on visiting LSE.
Will I have time to travel?
Yes. While LSE courses are challenging, most students find that they can make time to travel. RyanAir and EasyJet (founded by an LSE alum!) are cheap airlines that travel almost everywhere in Europe. Students take weekend trips and sometimes travel during the winter and spring breaks.
Who can I contact for further information?
All prospective students with further questions or queries regarding the General Course should contact the Student Recruitment Office:
email: gc@lse.ac.uk|,
tel: +44 (0)20 7955 6613.
If you are a General Course student currently studying at the School please contact either the Student Services Centre or the Associate Dean for the General Course.