Urban Student

London School of Economics and Political Science

The London School of Economics and Political Science, widely known as LSE, was founded in 1895 and specialises almost entirely in the social sciences. Rather than covering the full range of academic disciplines, LSE concentrates its teaching and research on economics, politics, law, sociology, and related fields, and is regarded as one of the world’s foremost institutions in these areas. Its small size relative to other major London universities gives it a distinctive, tightly focused academic community.

Why students choose LSE

  • Deep specialisation in economics, finance, law, and political science.
  • Faculty and alumni network with strong influence in policy, government, and business.
  • A member of the University of London federation with a distinctly international outlook.
  • Central London setting close to legal, financial, and government institutions.
  • Highly selective, research-driven learning environment.

Campus and location

LSE’s compact campus sits between Covent Garden and the Strand, placing students close to London’s legal and financial districts.

What students say

Students frequently highlight LSE’s academic reputation and the chance to study alongside a genuinely global cohort of classmates as major draws. A recurring theme is that the school’s small, specialist size fosters a tight-knit community compared to larger London universities, though some reviews mention that accommodation quality and availability can be a mixed experience. Overall sentiment tends to be strongly positive about the academic side, with the intensity of the workload noted as a natural trade-off for a highly selective institution.

Locations

Courses offered