University Profile
London School of Economics
London School of Economics campus
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
About London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the world's leading specialist social science university. Founded in 1895 by Fabian Society members including George Bernard Shaw, LSE has shaped global economic policy, international relations and social thought for over a century.
LSE is unique among elite UK universities in its exclusive focus on the social sciences — economics, political science, law, international relations, sociology, anthropology, accounting, finance and management. This specialisation means it punches well above its weight: despite having only around 12,000 students, LSE alumni include 37 heads of state and 19 Nobel laureates.
For North American students, LSE is the closest UK equivalent to studying at a top policy school like Harvard Kennedy or Georgetown SFS, combined with a world-class economics department. Its central London location — literally on the doorstep of the Royal Courts of Justice, the City of London and Westminster — places students at the heart of global finance and governance.
Key Highlights
- 1World's leading specialist university for social sciences
- 237 former or current heads of state among its alumni
- 319 Nobel Prize winners in economics and peace
- 4Located in central London between the City and Westminster
- 5Most internationally diverse student body of any UK university (over 70% international)
- 6Highest average graduate salaries of any UK university
Campus & Student Life
LSE's compact campus is in the Clare Market area near Aldwych, sandwiched between Covent Garden and the City of London. There's no traditional 'campus' feel — it's buildings embedded in the urban fabric. Student life revolves around the Students' Union, the Houghton Street bars and the extraordinary range of student societies (over 200). The academic culture is intense and intellectually combative. Lectures feature vigorous debate, and many professors are active policy advisors to governments worldwide.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
3.8 / 4.0
SAT/ACT Accepted
Yes
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
7.0 overall (no component below 6.5)
LSE has one of the largest North American student communities of any UK university. Around 15% of its student body is from the US or Canada. The university accepts AP scores (typically 5,5,5 for most programmes), IB (38+ points) and strong Canadian provincial qualifications. LSE's graduate programmes in economics, finance and international affairs attract significant numbers of Americans and Canadians each year.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
George Soros
Investor and philanthropist
John F. Kennedy
35th President of the United States (briefly attended)
Mick Jagger
Lead singer of The Rolling Stones
Amartya Sen
Nobel Prize-winning economist
Pierre Trudeau
Former Prime Minister of Canada
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1895
- Total Students
- 12,000+
- International Students
- 72%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- £23,496 – £26,304/yr
- Campus Setting
- Urban / Central London
📍 About London
LSE's location is arguably the best of any UK university for career-focused students. The campus is a 10-minute walk from the City of London (global finance), Westminster (UK government), the Royal Courts of Justice (law) and Fleet Street (media). London's transport network means everything is accessible. Living costs are high — budget £1,200-1,500/month for accommodation — but career access and earning potential offset this for most graduates.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
Visit University Website →Check UCAS Points →