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
Achieve a strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9)
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*
AAA, including an A in Mathematics
We also consider your AS grades, if available

Contextual admissions A-level grades**
ABB, including an A in Mathematics 

IB Diploma
38 points overall, with 766 at higher level, including Mathematics

Contextual admissions IB grades**
36 points overall, with 665 at higher level, including 6 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 Geography with Economics we are looking for students with a strong mathematical ability, and A-level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required.
• We are also looking for academic students with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the social sciences and human behaviour. 
• There is no one ideal subject combination, however many applicants have studied or are currently studying one or more social science subjects in the sixth form, with Geography and Economics being the most common. Other frequently offered subjects include Government and Politics, Sociology, History or a natural science.  
• If you have taken Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject at A-level, this may be considered less competitive for this programme. 
• A-level Economics or equivalent is not required, and the first-year Economics course does not assume it, however many students on the programme have studied this.

Find out more about A-level subject combinations.

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
- subject 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 characteristics, skills and attributes:

- strong mathematical ability and quantitative skills
- an interest in contemporary geographical problems and their alleviation
- an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
- an ability to follow complex lines of reasoning and analyse data
- an ability to think independently and show initiative
- excellent time management skills
- intellectual curiosity
- motivation and capacity for hard work
- a proportionate interest in each subject

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 £27,192. 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 have the choice of undertaking an independent research project in your final year. Fieldwork is an important component of the programme and there is the option of an overseas fieldtrip as part of the second-year course Field Methods in Geography and Environment (see Fees and Funding section for details of costs).

First year

You will take methodology courses, a geography course, and economics courses. You will also choose one course from a choice of three. In addition, you will also take LSE100.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Microeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Macroeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Quantitiative Methods (Mathematics)*
Develops the basic mathematical tools necessary for further study in economics and related disciplines.

Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
Develops elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics.

Introduction to Geography 
This course provides students with an introduction to Geography at LSE, including human, economic and environmental geography.

Either
Contemporary Europe
Introduces students to some of the most important economic, social, and political challenges Europe faces.
Or
Sustainable Development
Examines how the natural world is affected by development decisions and how these decisions shape human development across geographical regions and socioeconomic groups.
Or
Human Geography and the City
Addresses the social, economic and political dimensions of urban geography by focusing on the intersection of people and place in London.

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

In your second year, you take several compulsory courses in geography, a compulsory course in microeconomics, choose between microeconomics and econometrics and choose further geography and environment options to the value of one unit. 

Microeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

One of the following two options:

Macroeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

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

The Economic Geography of Trade, Production and Development*
Draws on ideas from international trade, international economics, development and regional economics to examine location and spatial analysis. 

The Economics of Cities*
Focuses on urban economics, addressing the spatial form of cities and the division of national economic activity into cities. 

Quantitative Methods in Geography and GIS*
Provides students with an introduction to quantitative methods for geographical analysis, specifically regression analysis and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 

Field Methods in Geography and Environment*
Examines methods used in field-based geographical research, and helps prepare students to undertake individual research projects.

Geography and environment courses to the value of one unit

Third year

In the third year you take two compulsory half-unit courses in geography. You will then choose from a range of geography and economics options to the total value of three units, of which a maximum of two units can be from economics.

Firms and Economic Geography: Location, Technology and Innovation*
Develops theoretical and empirical understanding of spatial economic processes in order to study and evaluate a wide range of issues and policies. 

The Economics of Housing Markets and Migration* 
Course analyses how decisions made by individuals influence the distribution of economic activities across space. 

Geography and/or economics courses to the value of three units

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

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 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: For each course you will have a combination of lectures and classes (12 to 15 hours per week in the first year). Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

Independent study: You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

LSE Teaching: LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors and LSE Fellows. Lectures are normally given by academic staff while classes are normally undertaken by PhD students or LSE Fellows. Courses which focus on spatial analysis and research techniques have practical work. You will also be involved in fieldwork, some of which may be abroad. 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 will meet you at regular intervals to discuss your progress and concerns and help you to gain the most from your studies. 

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. Feedback on formative tasks will normally be returned to students within 3 weeks of the submission deadline, where students submit their work on time. 

Summative assessment (assessment that counts towards your final course mark and degree award): Most full units are assessed through coursework and/or summer term exams. Autumn term half units are mostly (but not exclusively) assessed through coursework. Winter term half units are mostly assessed through either coursework or summer term exams. You will also receive feedback on summative coursework: for assessments set during Autumn or Winter Term, individual feedback will normally be provided within 4 weeks of the date of submission; for dissertations, you will normally receive feedback within 4 weeks of the beginning of the following term (School holidays excluded).

Note, assessment methods vary by course, and therefore the above is only indicative. Information about 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.

Ajay Shah

BSc Geography with Economics, 2017
London, UK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qqmPB8GXkQ&feature=youtu.be&list=PLK4elntcUEy1sSLzI0VkhiU3IKHguGUEO

Why did you choose the course / LSE? To be honest, when I was looking at universities I went through the league tables and saw that LSE was near the top overall, and at the top for Geography. Given that I had a keen interest in Geography, it made sense to apply. I chose to do Geography with Economics because I felt that this would be more varied and also diversify myself for the future. At the open day, everyone was really friendly and I enjoyed the ‘sample’ lecture that was given, this is the point that really cemented my desire to study at LSE. 

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience? I strongly believe that 90% of what you learn at university is outside of the classroom. Sure, you have your lectures, classes and readings; but you are also learning independence and seeing what university has to offer. For me, this was the Hindu Society - being on committee for 2 years and President for one of those has definitely been my highlight, as it has given me a platform to meet new people, learn new skills and organise events I never thought I would have been capable of organising before university. 

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career? I plan to go into Technology Consulting and have a job lined up with Deloitte Digital. I think Geography has expanded my skills in reading analytically and concisely as well as writing. I think in terms of the degree contents, it is difficult to know for sure exactly how I will use this. I believe that my knowledge of the world has improved as a result of the extremely varied course and readings on offer at LSE, and I hope that this will prove useful in dealing with different consulting projects at Deloitte. 

Sum up your experience in 3 words: Independence, decisions, opportunity.

Eden Dwek

BSc Geography with Economics
Analyst, KPMG

Watch Eden's video

Geography

P Cheshire, M Nathan and H Overman Urban Economics and Urban Policy: challenging conventional policy wisdom (Edward Elgar, 2014)

E Glaeser Triumph of the City (Penguin Press, 2011)

S Chant and C McIlwaine Geographies of Development in the 21st Century: an introduction to the Global South (Edward Elgar 2009)

P Cloke, P Crang and M Goodwin (Eds) Introducing Human Geographies (3rd edition, Hodder Arnold, 2013)

P Dicken Global Shift: mapping the changing contours of the world economy (Sage Publications, 2015)

A Jones Human Geography: the basics (Routledge, 2012)

W Oates (Ed) The RFF Reader in Environmental and Resources Management (Resources for the Future, 2006)

A Pike, A Rodríguez-Pose and J Tomaney Local and Regional Development (Routledge 2016)

M Storper Keys to the City: how economics, institutions, social interaction and politics shape development (Princeton University Press, 2013)

E Moretti The new geography of jobs (Mariner, 2013)

O'Sullivan, Urban Economics (Irwin/MacGraw-Hill, 2012)

A number of academic staff have spoken at public lectures – these are available to listen again as podcasts, for example Professor Henry Overman, Professor Steve Gibbons and Professor Michael Storper.

Economics

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)

T Harford The Undercover Economist (Abacus, 2007)

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

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

It is 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 (7th edition, Worth Publishers, 2010)

W Morgan, M L Katz and H Rosen Microeconomics (2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 2009)

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Geography and Environment

Median salary of our UG students 15 months after graduating: £31,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail
• Accounting and Auditing
• Consultancy
• Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism

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.

Recent graduates from this programme have gone on to work in the areas of financial services, planning, consultancy, administration, marketing, development, teaching and further study. 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Preeya Sud

BSc Geography with Economics, 2008
Assistant Brand Manager, Procter and Gamble

I wanted a career where I would have real responsibility every day and which would mix the elements of my degree which I loved the most – analytical problem solving along with creativity and research. During my time at LSE I learned to cope with pressure, which is really helpful in my job today, where organisation and prioritisation are key. I also learnt to be proactive and to marry my numerical skills with clear, concise communication.

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. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

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.