LSE Summer School courses are based on the School's regular undergraduate programme. We are happy to accept applications from all university-level students or higher. We can also consider applications from students who will be starting full-time university study the following semester.
Generally, around two-thirds of applications come from full-time undergraduate students. The remaining third is made up of postgraduate and research students, and professionals from a wide variety of institutions and businesses.
Before submitting an application to LSE Summer School it is important to check several key criteria for eligibility. Please read the following information before submitting an application:
1. Course Levels|
2. Course Prerequisites|
3. English Proficiency|
4. Supporting evidence|
5. Academic reference|
How to Apply
Course levels
All courses are based on regular courses from the undergraduate programme at LSE, and are divided into three levels that relate to the three years of undergraduate study in the UK.
100 level courses are equivalent to introductory-level university courses. They have no specific prerequisites in their own subject but may require some mathematics or other related subjects at sixth form/high school level. The minimum requirement for taking a 100 level course is to have an offer of a place at university.
200 level courses are equivalent to intermediate-level university courses. They have prerequisites in the form of university-level introductory courses in the same, or a closely related, subject.
300 level courses are advanced and equivalent to either final-year undergraduate or first-year graduate courses. They have prerequisites of university-level intermediate courses.
Course Prerequisites
We expect all Summer School students to show grades of around GPA 3.3, or a B+ average. In some instances it is possible to accept slightly lower qualifications, depending on the strength of the application as a whole.
Each 200 and 300 course has specific prerequisites, which can be found on the relevant course page (see Courses). Prerequisites are always university-level courses, as specified.
Certain courses in international degrees are not equivalent to UK university study. For example, AP Economics is not a sufficient prerequisite for a Summer School course requiring Introductory Microeconomics.
Some courses also have a mathematics or statistics prerequisite. Applicants for quantitative courses (particularly Econometrics) should include details of their mathematical and statistical background and their use of algebra and calculus.
English Proficiency
Applicants are expected to be proficient in the use of English for academic purposes. For applicants for whom English is not a first language, a recognised qualification is required.
Required Score
TOEFL (paper-based test)
627
TOEFL (computer-based test)
263
TOEFL (internet-based test)
107(including a minimum of 25/30 in each component)
IELTS
7.0 including 7 in all components
Cambridge
Advanced Certificate or Cambridge Proficiency in English
Please note that the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), and subject specific English qualifications (e.g. ILEC) are not acceptable qualifications.
Applicants who have studied, and been assessed, in English at university level (excluding English Language classes) meet our English language requirements and need not provide any further qualifications. This must be detailed in full on the application form. Please see the Student Community| page to determine whether or not you are likely to need to provide a language qualification
Applicants with an alternative qualification, or who have studied abroad, should contact the Summer School Office for advice.
Applicants who wish to refresh their language skills may be interested to note that the LSE Language Centre offers intensive one week English language courses prior to each Summer School session.
Supporting Evidence
All applications must be accompanied by a university transcript showing courses taken, grades and dates. If the transcript is not in English, the relevant, prerequisite courses should be highlighted.
If a transcript is not included with an application, the Office will contact the applicant to send this to us. This can cause a significant delay in the application process.
Academic Reference
It is not necessary to include a letter of reference or attestation with an application. However, in some cases it is necessary for the Summer School Office to contact referees, so the contact details of someone who can provide an academic reference (e.g. tutor, academic advisor) should be provided.