The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a specialist social science university, founded by social reformers in 1895 for "the betterment of society". Today the School is regularly ranked both top university in London and a top university for research quality and impact.
League tables
Our founding purpose and ambition today
LSE's motto "rerum cognoscere causas" means "to know the causes of things". It was chosen to support the School's founding purpose, "for the betterment of society". LSE opened in 1895. Our founders were social reformers Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Graham Wallas and dramatist George Bernard Shaw.
Our ambition today is to be the leading social science university with the greatest global impact. Led by our President and Vice Chancellor, our strategy LSE 2030 lays out the guiding principles that will help us achieve our goals and shape the world’s future.
PhD students at the LSE Square. LSE/Nigel Stead.
International outlook
LSE is a global community of people and ideas in the heart of central London. We are committed to building a vibrant, equitable and truly inclusive environment for staff and students from all over the world.
We have partnerships with globally renowned universities spanning Europe, Africa, America and Asia including CIVICA - The European University of Social Sciences.
In the UK, we are part of the Russell Group, the Aspect social science research commercialisation network, and SHAPE – Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy.
Visitors to the LSE Festival Research Showcase try out Dr Thomas Smith's VR, learning about his research into the impact of palm oil. LSE/Maria Moore.
An LSE education
We help students prepare for bright futures in world-changing roles.
A rigourous social science education is designed to stretch students intellectually through specialist undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, executive education, distance learning and summer schools.
LSE students are members of one of the largest economic and social science libraries in the world. Initiatives such as LSE LIFE, the PhD Academy, Careers, Volunteering and Generate provide academic, personal and professional support for students too. The student-led Houghton Street Press is one of many ways LSE students engage with the world.
Students outside the Marshall Building, LSE. LSE/Maria Moore.
Research and society
LSE academics conduct social science research that makes a lasting impact on society. This means students are taught by academics that regularly advise international bodies and governments, and who are also vocal in the media on current news.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework, a national evaluation exercise, ranked LSE as a top university for research quality and impact. We're continuously expanding our research horizon to reflect and aid the changing society around us. Our current Understanding Global Politics initiative brings together LSE research to shed light on the topic.
You can find out more about how LSE research shapes the world through:
Browse our top facts and figures in LSE at a glance.