Relevant recent study
For all applicants, including mature applicants, we look for evidence of relevant, recent, study indicating the ability and the motivation to study at a demanding level. Relevant normally means academic in focus and equivalent to at least Level 3 in the Regulated Qualification Framework (A level or equivalent standard). Recent means completed within three years of your proposed programme start date (ie, for entry in September 2025, no earlier than 1 September 2022). Applicants who have performed highly in relevant study completed marginally over the three year limit may be considered with the Undergraduate Admissions Assessment.
The most appropriate pattern of study will depend on the individual situation of each applicant. We have provided some common scenarios below, however this information is for guidance only: if you are making decisions about your intended course of study in order to make an application to LSE we recommend you contact Student Marketing and Recruitment to make sure that your proposed qualifications would meet our entry requirements.
LSE receives many more applications than places available and each year we have to disappoint a large number of well-qualified applicants. While Selectors pay most attention to your most recent qualifications, when assessing your application they will consider your whole academic record in a competitive process with other, similar applicants.
GCSE requirements
We normally require a minimum of Grade B (Grade 6 for reformed GCSEs) in English and Mathematics for entry to any of our undergraduate programmes. We do not accept functional skills or alternative qualifications in lieu of a GCSE, however we may be able to waive our GCSE requirement if:
- either: more than five years have passed since your most recent attempt at GCSE English and/or Mathematics
- or: extenuating circumstances affected your most recent GCSE performance
- and: we are confident your recent study or life experience has provided you with the necessary literacy and numeracy skills.
If we are uncertain whether you have the required literacy and numeracy skills we may request you sit the Undergraduate Admissions Assessment.
Mathematics requirements
Note that we are not able to waive the requirement for A level Mathematics or Further Mathematics for those degree programmes which require it. All applicants for these programmes are required to have the equivalent of A level Mathematics (and Further Mathematics where necessary) from within the last three years.
Relevant recent study scenarios
Note: these scenarios are intended to help you research potential options for how to qualify for study at LSE. However, the information is for guidance only and we recommend you contact Student Marketing and Recruitment to make sure that your proposed qualifications would meet our entry requirements.
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Possible Scenario
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Potential qualification route
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I have no Level 3 qualifications acceptable for entry (eg, I only studied to GCSE level or I hold an international qualification that is not acceptable for entry)
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At least two traditional academic A levels
An Access to HE course
A Foundation Programme or Foundation Year
60 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level
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I have Level 3 qualifications but they do not meet LSE’s entry requirements (eg, grades too low)
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At least two traditional academic A levels (retakes may be acceptable, but we would prefer at least one new subject)
An Access to HE course
A Foundation Programme or Foundation Year
60 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level.
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I have Level 3 qualifications that meet LSE’s entry requirements but they are more than three years old
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30 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level.
We may also be able to consider professional/vocational qualifications or other academic endeavours, contact us to discuss your plans.
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I hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification which meet’s LSE’s entry requirements but is more than three years old *
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30 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level or higher.
We may also be able to consider professional/vocational qualifications or other academic endeavours, contact us to discuss your plans.
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I hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher which does not meet LSE’s entry requirements*
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60 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level or higher.
We expect to see academic progression and therefore it is not normally appropriate for students who hold a degree to study Level 3 qualifications (eg, A levels or an Access course) in order to meet our entrance requirements. The exception to this is where students who hold a non-quantitative degree need to meet our Mathematics requirement.
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*Home and EU students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher should familiarise themselves with the Equivalent or Lower Qualification rules for student finance
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To see the required grades for some common non A level qualifications please see Entry Requirements. If your qualification is not listed please contact our Student Marketing and Recruitment for advice.
Personal statement
All applicants are required to write a short personal statement as part of their application. As competition for places at LSE is intense the personal statement plays an important part in our selection process. Selectors are most interested in your current academic interests and we recommend you spend the majority of your statement discussing these, rather than providing biographical details.
More information on preparing your personal statement
Academic reference
All applicants to LSE are required to submit a reference. It is essential that your reference is provided by someone who knows your studies and/or employment record well and we normally recommend asking a teacher/tutor from your most recent academic study.
Special note for applicants from one-year courses
Students who started an Access, Foundation or other course in the academic year in which they are applying may find their referee can provide only limited information about their progress and predicted grades at the time of application. LSE gives equal consideration to all applications received by the January UCAS deadline and we encourage applicants on one year courses to consider applying later in the application window so that their referee can provide more detailed information.
If your referee would like to send a further, more detailed, report in early February we can accommodate this: please remember to quote your Personal ID number on any additional correspondence. The Admissions Selectors may also contact your referee to request further information regarding the qualification you are pursuing or your academic progress.