The award-winning London School of Economics is one of the foremost social science universities in the world, with world leaders and 18 Nobel Prize winners among the school’s faculty and alumni. Founded in 1895, the LSE is as international as universities come with around 70% of its students from overseas. From the city-center campus, discover the magic of London, one of the world’s most iconic capitals.
London School of Economics Academic (The General Course) Program
About the Program
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.50
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
University-owned flat
Visa Required:
Required
Credits:
4 units
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Former SAF Scholar
I thought an urban university would be a good place to study abroad, so LSE, in the middle of London was just what I wanted.
London School of Economics SAF Alumni
About the University
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics (LSE) consistently nears the top of UK and global rankings. Since 1895, the LSE has pioneered social science research, challenged existing ways of thinking, and sought to understand the causes of things to transform them.
On a journey to global citizenship, you become part of an international community and culturally diverse population of 11,000 students, around 70% of whom join from outside the UK, representing over 140 countries. From the city-center campus, you discover London, one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and follow in the footsteps of the 18 Nobel Prize winners and many world leaders among LSE’s faculty and alumni.
Learn more at LSE's official website.
Academics
London School of Economic's Academic Approach
Teaching delivered by leading academics
LSE’s academics are at the cutting-edge of the social sciences, influencing opinion and helping shape society.
Wide range of courses and academic resources
You can choose a combination of courses from more than 300 available, covering the full range of social science subjects. You have access to resources including the world-renowned British Library of Political and Economic Science.
Central London location
LSE is on the doorstep of the city of London, Westminster and Covent Garden, providing great social and academic resources. London is both the campus and a social science laboratory.
Lifelong connection with LSE
As a fully integrated undergraduate student, you become an LSE alumnus, which will give access to a range of benefits and a lifelong association with the school. Services and benefits available to alumni include:
- 10% off LSE graduate degrees
- LSE Alumni Centre
- LSE email address
- Access to LSE Careers and Library
The prestige of LSE will continue to shine on after your program concludes via SAF Scholars’ CVs and set you apart in the competitive job market.
Scholarships opportunity
If you are accepted, you can apply for a John C. Phelan general course scholarship worth more than to £21,000. Recipients will also be considered for an International Students House Residential Scholarship, providing two students with 40 weeks of FREE housing.
As a SAF Scholar, you'll be invited to apply for scholarship after you're accepted. The esult will be released before your arrival, sometime in July. This is a needs-based scholarship (financial aid) and SAF Scholarship will be required to submit financial documents to prove your financial conditions at the time of scholarship application.
Courses
Course Load
Courses at LSE are either a full unit (1.0), or half unit (0.5). Full unit courses run across the whole year, whereas half unit courses will typically take place in one term only, either Michaelmas Term (MT) or Lent Term (LT).
General Course students must select four units’ worth of courses, which can include half units and full units. You can take no more than four half units, combined with two full units, and these should ideally be balanced between the two terms.
Course Registration
As a SAF Scholar, you can choose courses from a list of over 290, one of which must be in the host department to which you are assigned upon admission (two if in economics). The host department does not need to reflect your major interest. Course registration has three stages:
Stage 1: Expression of Course Preference for Admission
As a SAF Scholar, you submit your course preference form to SAF and SAF will be in touch over the summer months should LSE have any comments or concerns about your choices. Course choices are not guaranteed during admission. The courses SAF Scholars select at this stage will be used to allocate them to a host department at LSE.
Stage 2: Course Registration
As a SAF Scholar, you complete initial course registration during the International Student’s Orientation Program, after you arrive in London. Do read the online course descriptions carefully as many courses assume a level of aptitude in the subject, and some are only available to General Course students with the permission of the teacher.
Stage 3: Course Audit & Finalization
You're encouraged to sample a range of courses in the first weeks of the session. You should discuss your level of skill and the course expectations with lecturers and class teachers before confirming your course choices in mid-October. When making final course choices, you should consult the Undergraduate Course Catalogue and the additional guidance on course levels and economics options.
Course Levels
- 100 level courses are introductory level courses that have no specific prerequisites in the subject but may require some mathematics or other related background. General Course students normally select these courses when they have no previous study in the subject and want to gain experience in a new academic field.
- 200 level courses are intermediate level courses that have prerequisites in the form of university-level introductory courses in the same, or a closely related, subject. These courses are the equivalent of junior year courses at four-year degree institutions and, as such, are usually the most appropriate for General Course students.
- 300 level courses are advanced and equivalent to either final year undergraduate or first year graduate courses. They have prerequisites of university level intermediate courses. General Course students should ordinarily only select one of these courses when they have a minimum of three semesters background and very high grades in the relevant field.
- Most General Course students find they are sufficiently challenged by one (or, at the very most, two) 300 level courses when combined with those offered at the 200 and 100 levels. The optimum combination for a serious student is usually one 300 level and three 200 level courses.
Course & Departmental Restrictions
If you're admitted into the economics department, you are required to take at least two courses in that department. All other departments require students to take at least one course in their department.
In applying to the Economics department, you should already have completed three to four economics courses, including microeconomics and macroeconomics. You should have also completed two to three math and/or statistics courses.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
To prove your language proficiency, you can use:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall and 7.0 in each component (in one exam sitting only)
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (with a minimum of 27 in writing, 25 in reading, 24 in listening, 24 in speaking) *(in one exam sitting only)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 69 overall with 69 in each component *(in one exam sitting only)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 185 points overall and a minimum of 185 points in each component *(in one exam sitting only)
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): 185 points overall and a minimum of 185 points in each component *(in one exam sitting only)
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2024 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Late September - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
£
47,630
Housing Information
On-campus apartment
During your time at LSE, you will live in a shared intercollegiate university-managed apartment. Some apartments may have a kitchen on each floor and a catered hall.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About London
Why London
London is an urban metropolis with some of the world’s finest museums and galleries. Abundant in industry leaders, global corporates, and forward-thinking business, it's also home 75% of Fortune 500 companies, making this the perfect springboard to launch your future career.
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Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
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Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
