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.

Language study at GSCE or A level or equivalent is not required, but it is desirable due to the intensive nature of the course.

GCSEs

• Applicants should have successfully completed at least a GCSE in a modern language at grade B or 6 (or equivalent).
• There is no Mandarin pre-requisite as the programme is designed for beginners or those with limited exposure to Mandarin.
• 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*
AAA 
We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades**
AAB

IB Diploma
38 points overall, including 766 at higher level

Contextual admissions IB grades**
37 points overall, including 666 at higher level

*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.
• As the programme is designed for beginners or those with limited exposure, applications from those who are studying or have studied Mandarin to A level or an equivalent qualification will not be suitable for entry to the programme.
• 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.
• We are looking for academic students with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the social sciences. 
• There is no one ideal subject combination, however, as with all degree programmes at LSE, at least two traditional academic subjects are preferred. Common sixth form subject choices include a combination of History, English, Economics, Government and Politics, Sociology, Geography, languages, Psychology and Philosophy. 
• If you have taken Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject at A-level, this may be considered less competitive for this programme.

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)
- 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 characteristics, skills and attributes:

- genuine interest in international society, its institutions, governance, rules and relationships
- views and opinions on current and public affairs
- an ability to read extensively
- an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
- good communication skills
- creativity, flexibility and initiative
- capacity to work independently
- attention to detail
- 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. The Home undergraduate fee for a study year abroad is set by the UK Office for Students at a maximum of approx. 15% of the full-time fee in the year the student starts their programme. This fee applies regardless of the year within the programme that the year abroad is taken. 

For Home undergraduates starting their programme in 2024/25, the fee for the year abroad is £1,385 (provisional).

Overseas students:

The 2024 tuition fee for international students is £26,184. 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.

For Overseas undergraduates starting their programme in 2024/25, the fee for the year abroad is £3,936.

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.

For the first, second and fourth years, the degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units, including a dissertation, plus LSE100. Half of your courses will be in International Relations, and half in Mandarin within the Language Centre.

You will spend a summer and the third year of your degree studying abroad at Fudan University (see the study abroad section).

In your fourth year, you will return to LSE and complete a dissertation and take other courses.

First year

(* denotes a half unit course) 

International Relations: Theories, Concepts and Debates

From Empire to Independence: The Extra-European World in the Twentieth Century

Or International Politics since 1914: Peace and War

Mandarin Language and Society, Beginner
Beginners to intermediate study of the Mandarin language within the framework of social sciences and culture. 

Or Mandarin Language and Society, Intermediate
Intermediate study of the Mandarin language within the framework of social sciences and culture. 

Intercultural Communication and Management
Looks at the main theories and concepts involved in inter-cultural communication to explain and analyse how they apply in real life, in business and in political communications.

Thinking Globally: Studying International Relations (un-assessed)

Helps students to acquire and develop the key skills needed to study international relations.

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

Mandarin Language and Society, Advanced
Advanced study of the Mandarin language within the framework of social sciences and culture.

Mandarin for International Relations

Two from:
International Political Theory
Combines classical theory with modern ways of explaining and understanding international relations. 
Foreign Policy Analysis 1
Analyses various theoretical perspectives on foreign policy, and the means of conduct of the main actors in the international system towards each other.
International Organisations
Examines major theoretical and empirical aspects of the role of international organisations in international politics.
International Security
Gives students a thorough introduction to the literature on international security, both theoretical and policy-oriented. 
International Political Economy
Examines the role of power and politics in international economic relations.

Third year  

Study abroad year at Fudan University, China. See the study abroad section for more details

Fourth year

In your fourth year, you will choose to either complete a dissertation, or to take courses to the value of one unit from a range of options both in International Relations, politics, and related courses in other departments. You will also take a further International Relations option and take two language focussing on International Relations and the workplace.

Academic Chinese for International Relations

Mandarin in the Global Workplace

One further course from the options from second year

Either
Dissertation
An independent research project of 10,000 words.
Or
Courses to the value of one unit from a selected list.
 

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 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.

During the summer between your first and second year, you will take part in an eight-week summer study programme at Fudan University, Shanghai. You should expect to pay approximately £2,800-£3,000.

You will also spend the third year of your programme studying abroad in China at Fudan University. During this third year, you will follow a bespoke course at Fudan, which will involve Mandarin classes, as well as opportunities to audit International Relations course lectures. You will pay a reduced tuition fee to LSE which will cover your tuition fees at Fudan University.

During this year abroad you will be expected to pay for your own flights, accommodation and subsistence.

The Fred Halliday language award is an annual fund available to students undertaking study abroad as part of their degree programme. Applications are made by individual students to the Language Centre to access the fund. Any additional information will be published online as soon as it is available.

In your fourth year, you will return to LSE and complete a dissertation and take other courses.

Indicative courses

Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy
The Political Economy of China
Debating Globalization
The Chinese Metropolis: Shanghai in Comparative Perspective 

Teaching

Format: For LSE Language Centre courses, teaching follows the "communicative method", involving students in participation and personalisation of input and skills development. This approach prioritises individual attention and planning for attainment, and enables teachers to adapt to your needs and to tailor delivery and practice opportunities. The Language Centre is also a leader at LSE in the use of learning technology, in particular with "students as producers", nominated for and winnning national awards.

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 lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research 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 will provide general guidance and assistance with both academic and personal concerns. 

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: Assessment in Language Centre courses is "progressive" with an emphasis on using continuous assessment to generate learning. 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.

Summative assessment (assessment that counts towards your final course mark and degree award): Summative assessment over the course of the three years will be assessed through a variety of means. In the first and second year, the majority of our courses rely on examinations at the end of the year. In the third year courses are assessed through a variety of means: some through end of year examinations; some through a piece of assessed coursework; and some through a combination of the two. 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). You will also receive feedback on any summative coursework you are required to submit as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on the final version of submitted dissertations). You will normally receive this feedback before the examination period.

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.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

D Crystal How Language Works (Penguin, 2005)

S Pinker The Language Instinct (Penguin, 1994)

G Yule The Study of Language (Cambridge University Press, 4^th ed, 2010)

As this is a joint degree programme you should also refer to the preliminary reading for the BSc International Relations.

The degree programme will prepare you for a career in politics and government, diplomacy of international organisations, NGO charities and international development (including multi-national corporations).

Further information on graduate destinations

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.

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.