Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method

Course Name

UCAS Code

Applications 2011

Places 2011

Standard A level offer

Standard IB offer

Essential Qualifications

BSc Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method

V503

92

15

AAA

38 points with 7,6,6 or 6,6,6 at HL

BSc Philosophy and Economics

LV15

267

27

AAA (to include Maths at A2)

38 points with 7,6,6 at HL (7 points for HL Maths)

A level or HL Maths

1.

What qualifications does LSE look for?

(a)

Subject combinations
The Philosophy selectors are looking for academic students with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the social and political sciences. There is no one 'ideal' subject combination, however, as with all degree programmes at LSE, at least two traditional academic subjects are preferred. Common sixth form subject choices include Economics; Government and Politics; History; English; Sociology; RE: Languages; Philosophy and Maths. Success in Critical Thinking, whilst excluded from standard A level offers, can also be an indicator of your aptitude for following lines of reasoning and argument.

If you are applying for the combined Philosophy and Economics degree programme, however, it is essential that you have studied, or are studying, Maths to A level (or equivalent). This is to ensure you are able to complete the core Economics modules at LSE for which a high standard of mathematical ability is required.

Please note:  The information regarding subject combinations given above is for guidance purposes only, except for the compulsory Maths requirement for LV15. Candidates who are taking alternative traditional subjects to those listed will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process and will not necessarily be rejected on the basis of their subject combinations. Further information about A level (or equivalent) subject combinations is available in the Entry requirements| section.

(b)

Academic profile (predicted and achieved grades)
Successful applicants for these degrees are, typically, predicted AAA in their A level examinations (or 38 and above IB points, with higher level subjects as the above list). The A level / IB Mathematics requirement for LV15, is necessary in order to ensure that you have acquired the skills and competencies to enable you to access the compulsory mathematical components of this programme. In addition, the Philosophy Department selectors are looking for applicants who have achieved a strong set of GCSE grades including a significant number at A and A*.  In terms of GCSE grades, the selectors consider not just the number of top GCSE grades that you have obtained, but also your overall GCSE subject profile.

If you are currently following an A level or IB programme but have not previously studied a GCSE curriculum, you should still list your most recent school leaving qualifications in the relevant section of the UCAS form.

Your AS grades are also taken into consideration as these give the selectors a clear indication of your ability to satisfy the minimum A level entry requirements. Thus the higher your AS grades the better chance you will have of being made an offer.

Please remember, however, that the information above relates to minimum entry standards. Applicants who are predicted AAA at A level or 38 and above points for the IB are not automatically guaranteed an offer; much will depend on other factors, such as motivation and commitment to further study, as outlined in the personal statement.

The selectors have the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to vary the standard A level or IB offer, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

2.

Which international qualifications are accepted?

A wide range of international qualifications are accepted in lieu of A levels, for example the American College Board Advanced Placement (AP), the Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC), the European Baccalaureate (EB), the French Baccalaureate (FB) and the Abitur. Canadian and Australian High School Diplomas are also accepted.

In addition strong applicants with other international qualifications may be asked to sit our LSE Entrance Examination|. This allows LSE academics to see examples of written English performed under examination conditions and is particularly useful where school certification is not based upon a standardised national curriculum. The Entrance Examination, which comprises a précis section, an essay section and a Mathematics section, can be taken at any recognised centre anywhere in the world; without any financial cost.

For more information on the qualifications that are accepted without the need to sit the Entrance Examination and those for which the Entrance Examination will be required, see the country-by-country guide.

3.

What is looked for in the Personal Statement?

The Philosophy Department at LSE does not routinely interview applicants as part of its decision making process, hence the personal statement plays a key role in the application process. General guidance on how to structure your personal statement is available on our Admissions Criteria website by following the link to the personal statement| section. You are strongly advised to make use of this information prior to submitting your application, although as with your predicted grades, simply following the guidelines will not automatically guarantee that you will be made an offer.

For Philosophy, we are looking for an original, well written and lucid statement which demonstrates your awareness of and genuine interest in exploring philosophical issues and the application of logic. Whilst we are aware that you may not have had the opportunity to develop extensive knowledge of the major philosophical ideas and theories in your education to date, we are interested in your views and opinions on questions such as morality, free will or consciousness as well as the experiences you have had which have resulted in your desire to focus on this challenging and profound field of study. Your extra-curricular activities are taken into consideration, but are deemed to be of lesser importance than your academic potential and desire to develop intellectually. Work experience is useful, particularly where it evidences commitment and motivation; however, it is not essential. The main point to remember is that the majority of your personal statement should be based around your subject interest and enthusiasm. The selectors are keen to know why you wish to study a particular degree programme, whether there are any aspects of specific interest to you, how it relates to your current academic studies and what additional reading or other activities you have undertaken which have led you to apply for this specific degree programme.

For the combined degree, an equal interest in both disciplines is expected, since you will be devoting a similar amount of time to the study of both Philosophy and Economics. It is also worth remembering that you may find that you have slightly less freedom in the specific mix of courses available to you during your studies when following a combined programme compared to a single-honours one. Above all you need to ensure that you can convince both the Philosophy and the Economics Department's selector, that you are serious about your degree choice.

If your main interest is Economics rather than Philosophy, this combined course may not be appropriate, since it is designed to allow you to develop your understanding of Economics alongside that of Philosophy thus enabling you to acquire a range of inter-linked skills. Conversely, the benefit of undertaking a combined programme is that it allows you to acquire a wider knowledge base, than that obtained by following the single subject route. As with other multi-disciplinary degree programmes at LSE, the opportunity exists to select an outside option in a third related field such as politics or history.

Personal characteristics and skills that will be useful to students in their study of Philosophy at LSE (as a single or combined course) will be those such as the abilities to think logically and independently, follow complex lines of reasoning, read extensively and evaluate and challenge conventional views.  In addition you should possess intellectual curiosity and have the motivation and capacity for hard work.

4.

What is LSE's deferred entry policy?

Applications for deferred entry are considered by the Philosophy Department. If you are unsuccessful in securing an offer for deferred entry before you have completed your A level (or equivalent) examinations, you may apply again in the following cycle once your results are known. 

If you have already planned to take a gap year you are advised to explain how you intend to spend it, how you think it will affect you and how it will benefit you specifically, as part of your personal statement.

If, after submitting your application, you subsequently decide that you wish to take a gap year and commence your course at LSE a year later than originally planned, you should contact the undergraduate admissions office with your request. However, no guarantees can be given that you will automatically be allowed to defer your entry, and the selectors reserve the right to refuse your request to be considered for a deferred entry place.

5.

Do you consider mature applicants/applicants with non-standard qualifications?

Yes we do. Applications from the above are welcome and are considered individually on their own merit.  Unlike many school leavers, mature applicants often benefit from a range of experiences which make them well suited to further study, however, it is possible that they will be asked to sit the School's Entrance Examination| and/or be invited for an interview. We recognise that it is a big commitment to return to or start an academic course of study after some time out of mainstream education and wish to satisfy ourselves that you know what will be expected of you if you were to be offered a place at LSE. 

If you apply for the combined Philosophy and Economics programme, you will be expected to answer the more demanding mathematical section of the Entrance Examination, testing your calculus ability, to ensure that you will be able to cope with the mathematical requirements of the LSE course.

6.

What should I do if my circumstances change after I've submitted my UCAS form?

We normally expect all relevant information to be provided on your UCAS form. However, we recognise that in a few cases, your family, personal or educational circumstances may change.

If you are affected by any changes such as revised predicted grades (possibly as a result of re-sits), illness (possibly requiring a period of hospitalisation), disruption to your education (possibly caused by a change in staffing or a move to a different school), you should contact the undergraduate admissions office who will be able to offer you further advice.

7.

Where can I find out more information about the course?

You can read more about the structure and content of the BSc Philosophy| or the BSc Philosophy and Economics| programmes,  here and on the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method| website.