For information about tuition fees, usual standard offers and entry requirements, see the sections below.

Below we list our entry requirements in terms of GCSEs, A-Levels (the entry requirements should be read alongside our A-level subject combinations information) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK and from overseas.

GCSEs
A strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9)
Your GCSE (or equivalent) English Language and Mathematics grades should be no lower than B (or 6).
We also consider your overall GCSE subject profile

A-levels*

A*AA with an A* in Mathematics
Please also see subject combinations regarding Further Mathematics requirements.
We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades**
A*AB with an A* in Mathematics

IB Diploma
38 points overall (and above) including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.

Contextual admissions IB grades**
37 points overall including 765 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.

*Read our A-level subject combinations information below.

**Read our UG Admissions Information to learn more about contextual admissions.

A-level subject combinations

• We consider the combination of subjects you have taken, as well as the individual scores.
• We believe a broad mix of traditional academic subjects to be the best preparation for studying at LSE and expect applicants to have at least two full A-levels or equivalent in these subjects.
• For the BSc Economics we are looking for students with a strong mathematical ability, and A-level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required.
• Further Mathematics at A-level is also desirable, and is acceptable for entry in combination with Mathematics and one other A-level. In these cases we would prefer that the third A-level should be an essay-based subject. It is acceptable to take Further Mathematics to AS-level only, in which case you will be required to achieve grade A. If you take four or more full A-levels, you will be expected to achieve A* A A (with A* in Mathematics), and a pass in the fourth A-level. We understand however that not everyone has the opportunity to follow a Further Mathematics programme, and you will not be disadvantaged because of this. Therefore it is helpful if you and/or your referees can indicate whether or not your school or college offers Further Mathematics classes. 
• For programmes requiring A* in Mathematics A-level, an A* in Further Mathematics in addition to an A grade in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative.
• In addition to Mathematics, we are looking for subject combinations which indicate that you possess both analytical and writing abilities. Subjects which appear as common post-16 choices are Economics; Physics; History; Chemistry; English and Government and Politics, of which Economics, History, English and Government and Politics are good indicators of writing ability.
• Although many students on the programme have studied A-level Economics or equivalent it is not required.

Find out more about A-level subject combinations.

Additional Tests

Applicants that have taken the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) are encouraged to share the results. The test is not required, however a good performance on the test may increase the competitiveness of your application.

Competition for places at LSE

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you are predicted or if you achieve the grades that meet our usual standard offer, this will not guarantee you an offer of admission. Usual standard offers are intended only as a guide, and in some cases applicants will be asked for grades which differ from this.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background. The programme guidance below should be read alongside our general entrance requirements information.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on the UCAS application form, including your:

- academic achievement including predicted and achieved grades (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information)
- subjects and subject combinations (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information)
- personal statement (see below for programme specific information)
- teacher’s reference
- educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements page.

Personal characteristics, skills and attributes

For this programme, we are looking for students who demonstrate the following skills:

- an ability to apply logic
- quantitative aptitude and the ability to follow complex lines of mathematical reasoning
- an ability to be creative and flexible in approaching problems
- an ability to think independently
- good communication skills
- intellectual curiosity
- motivation and capacity for hard work

Personal statement

In addition to demonstrating the above personal characteristics, skills and attributes, your statement should be original, interesting and well-written and should outline your enthusiasm and motivation for the programme.

You should explain whether there are any aspects of particular interest to you, how this relates to your current academic studies and what additional reading or relevant experiences you have had which have led you to apply. We are interested to hear your own thoughts or ideas on the topics you have encountered through your exploration of the subject at school or through other activities. Some suggestions for preliminary reading can be found above in the preliminary reading section, but there is no set list of activities we look for; instead we look for students who have made the most of the opportunities available to them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their intended programme of study.

You can also mention extra-curricular activities such as sport, the arts or volunteering or any work experience you have undertaken. However, the main focus of an undergraduate degree at LSE is the in-depth academic study of a subject and we expect the majority of your personal statement to be spent discussing your academic interests.

Please also see our general guidance about writing personal statements.

Every undergraduate student is charged a fee for each year of their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees

Home students:

The 2024 tuition fee for new Home students is £9,250 per year. The Home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.

Overseas students:

The 2024 tuition fee for international students is £28,176. The overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2024 onwards.

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School. 

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships to UK, EU and overseas students. 

In addition, UK Government support, in the form of loans, is available to UK and some EU students. Some overseas governments also offer funding.

Further information on tuition fees, cost of living, loans and scholarships

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do. 

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page).

2) Go to the International Students section of our website.

3) Select your country.

4) Select ‘Undergraduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. You will also have the opportunity to apply for a year abroad at one of our global exchange partners. 

First year

In Autumn Term of the first year of the programme you will gain an essential foundation in economics and learn the necessary quantitative skills. In Winter Term you will take introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will also choose an outside option course from a rich array of courses from other departments – this can be a whole unit course or two half unit courses in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively. In addition, you will ​also take LSE100.

Autumn Term

Economic Reasoning (0.5)

Principles economics course to introduce students to traditional and topical economic questions and how both established and new economic approaches can deal with them.

Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (0.5)*

This is an introductory level course for those who wish to use mathematics seriously in finance or economics.

Elementary Statistical Theory (0.5)

The course provides a precise and accurate treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques. 

Outside option

Winter Term

Microeconomics I (0.5)

This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.

Macroeconomics I (0.5)

This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.

Econometrics I (0.5)

Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.

Outside option

*Students can opt to take Mathematical Methods (1.0) in place of Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (0.5) and the Winter Term outside option (0.5).

LSE100*
A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.

Second year

The second year of the programme builds on the Year 1 courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will develop a firm grasp of core analytical methods and apply them to a range of problems. You will also choose one outside option from another department (a whole unit or two half units in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively).

Microeconomics II (1.0)

This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.

Macroeconomics II (1.0)

This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges, and evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.

Econometrics II (1.0)

Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics, the practical problems of empirical research, and how to do empirical research themselves in a student project.

Either

Optional course (1.0)

Or

Principles of Finance (1.0)

or

The Origins of Growth (1.0)

Third year

In the third year there are specialist options in all the main fields of economic enquiry, and you can choose your courses according to your interests. One of these courses could be from an approved list of relevant courses offered outside the Department.

Four options from economics or closely related subjects

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.  

Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the Language Centre webpages.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.

Teaching

Format and contact hours: You will have around 12 hours of lectures and classes each week. In addition, we recommend that students do six hours of independent study per week for each course. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide. 

Classes in groups of around 20 students are the main form of interaction with teachers. Lectures are delivered by academic staff, while most classes are taught by Graduate Teaching Assistants, who include many of our experienced PhD students. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

Academic mentor: You will have an academic mentor who is available to offer general guidance and assistance with both academic and personal concerns on an individual basis.

Other academic support: There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

Disability and Wellbeing Service: LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Your timetable

• The standard teaching day runs from 09:00-18:00; Monday to Friday. Teaching for undergraduate students will not usually be scheduled after 12:00 on Wednesdays to allow for sports, volunteering and other extra-curricular events.
• The lecture and seminar timetable is published in mid-August and the full academic timetable (lectures/seminars and undergraduate classes) is published by mid-September and is accessible via the LSE Timetables webpages.
• Undergraduate student personal timetables are published in LSE for You (LFY). For personal timetables to appear, students must be registered at LSE, have successfully signed up for courses in LFY and ensured that their course selection does not contain unauthorised clashes. Every effort is made to minimise changes after publication, once personal timetables have been published any changes are notified via email.

Assessment

Formative unassessed coursework: All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the teaching and learning experience at the School. Class teachers must mark formative coursework and return it with feedback to you normally within two weeks of submission (when the work is submitted on time). 

Summative assessment (assessment that counts towards your final course mark and degree award): Summative assessment is largely through examinations in May-June each year (and occasionally in the January assessment period), complemented with other forms of assessment (e.g. essay, policy report, research project, class participation etc). The new curriculum will introduce greater diversity in forms of assessment, thereby enabling students to develop and be assessed in a broader array of skills. Please note that assessment on individual courses can change year to year. An indication of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small there are a range of people you can speak to and who will be happy to help.

Academic mentors – an academic member of staff who you will meet with at least once a term and who can help with any academic, administrative or personal questions you have. (See Teaching and assessment).

Academic support librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies.

Accommodation service  - they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to a specific course you are taking.

Disability and Wellbeing Service – the staff are experts in long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme, arranging exam adjustments and run groups and workshops.

IT help – support available 24 hours a day to assist with all of your technology queries.

LSE Faith Centre – home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in 9 languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­- with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your future career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights.

LSE Library - Founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and it’s a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide.

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom, offer one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision, and provide drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment).

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.

Sardinia House Dental Practice - offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.

St Philips Medical Centre - based in Pethwick-Lawrence House the centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.

The campus

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.

Life in London

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget.

Samantha Ong

BSc Economics
Former President of the LSESU Economics Society

I chose this programme because I loved learning, and I knew that LSE was the best place to challenge me intellectually. The lecturers in the Department are some of the best in the world in their field, and everyone is so dedicated and passionate about what they do, which leads to a truly excellent learning experience. There's so much support as well - you'll always have someone to go to if you need any help, whether academic or personal. But just as much as the faculty, I have learnt so much from the other students, who come from all over the world. Just being around so many different people and having lots of interesting discussions has definitely been a highlight.

Moritz Hauschulz

BSc Economics

I chose economics as it offers not only theoretical frameworks for understanding the world around us, but also highly applicable, empirical tools. At LSE I learn from experts in their fields and the Department of Economics’ lively environment gives ample opportunity to develop additional skills, ranging from coding to self-directed research. 

My outside options have allowed me to explore my interest in mathematics more thoroughly, but courses are available from a variety of related fields such as politics or philosophy.

My advice to future students would be to get involved in at least one of the many societies and clubs, as this is where you meet friends and build your network.

Dang Anh Duc Luong

BSc Economics
Vung Tau, Vietnam

I chose this programme because it offered a deep understanding of economics along with a wide range of outside options and many empirical activities such as research and economic workshops.

If you would like to gain further insight into what economists study, we suggest looking at one or more of the following popular books or others like them:

A V Banerjee and E Duflo Poor Economics: barefoot hedge-fund managers, DIY doctors and the surprising truth about life on less than $1 a day (Penguin, 2012)

D Coyle GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History (Princeton University Press, 2014)

T Harford The Undercover Economist (Abacus, 2007)

T Harford The Logic of Life (Little Brown, 2009)

P Krugman End This Depression Now! (W W Norton, 2012)

S D Levitt and S J Dubner Freakonomics (Penguin, 2007) and Superfreakonomics(Penguin, 2010)

Some of these books were launched at the LSE. Listen to the podcasts of these launches (and many other talks).

It is also a very good idea to have a look at one or more economics textbooks, to have a clear idea of what the serious university study of the subject involves, which will differ from these popular presentations. Although the texts and editions listed below are currently recommended for the first year, other editions of these books and other university-level textbooks are also entirely valid for this first investigation.

N G Mankiw Macroeconomics (9th edition, Worth Publishers, 2015)

D Acemoglu, D I Laibson and J A List, Microeconomics (2nd edition, Pearson, 2018)

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Economics

Median salary of our UG students 15 months after graduating: £45,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Accounting and Auditing
• Consultancy
• Information, Digital Technology and Data
• Government, Public Sector and Policy

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2019-20 were the third group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

This degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, but we particularly welcome students who want to learn about economics, rather than simply prepare themselves for a prosperous future.

Over the past two decades many of our graduates have chosen to pursue careers in the financial sector, which can include positions involving economics research as well as those in banking or hedge funds. Increasingly, many have also preferred to take up positions as economic or management consultants, to join central banks, their home country’s government economic service or international organisations. Some graduates from the programme pursue quite different careers, whether as professional accountants and auditors, engaging in entrepreneurial activity, marketing or law, or in entirely different fields.

A significant number choose to go on to graduate study, not just in economics but also in finance, management, development, economic history and other fields. Throughout their time at LSE we work to prepare our students who are aiming in this direction to understand the rewards of engaging in economics research and the benefits of interacting with faculty and visitors who are leading economists.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Annabell Litchfield

BSc Economics, 2010
Executive, Economic Advisory, EY

The summer after my second year at university I began working as an Economist intern at the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Whilst there, I gained an insight into working as an Economist for the civil service, enabling me to apply my studies to a high profile investigation into current account charges. In my third year, I decided to apply for Economist posts in both the public and private sector and began work at London Economics, an economic consulting firm, after graduation. After two years (and one promotion) at London Economics, I decided to move to a larger firm, EY, whose Economic Advisory practice was looking to expand rapidly.

Nikolai Dienerowitz

BSc Economics, 2010
Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman

I had no clear view of what I wanted to do before I came to LSE, so being in an environment that allows you to explore many different career opportunities has helped me a lot. Being made aware of what you need to do to be employable also helped, and sets LSE apart from other universities.

During my studies, I interned with KPMG (financial services advisory), HSBC (private banking) and McKinsey (Financial Institutions Group). This gave me a good overview of career opportunities and confirmed my decision to apply for a role in consulting. My aspirations have not changed significantly since I left LSE, although they have become more focused since I started working (or perhaps more realistic!). Fortunately, I have not encountered major setbacks so far, so have not had to change track.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from all 4 certificate level CIMA modules through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Graduates from this programme will be exempt from the following certificate level CIMA modules:

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home.

Experience LSE from home 

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home.

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE.

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits.