The London School of Economics (LSE) has topped the league table for the second year in a row and is our University of the Year for Academic Performance 2026, Russell Group University of the Year 2026 and University of the Year in London 2026, not to mention joint Runner-Up for University of the Year for Graduate Employment 2026.Students at Britain’s social sciences powerhouse should “expect to encounter ideas you hate, that bite, that go to your identity,” LSE’s president and vice-chancellor, Larry Kramer, has said. “If we are not doing that we are failing to prepare you for what will happen out there when you leave here.” All first-year undergraduates also take a compulsory interdisciplinary module called LSE100, which teaches students how to debate controversial issues.
Investment in its campus in the heart of London, equidistant from parliament and the City, has resulted in a spectacular turnaround in rates of student satisfaction. Our analysis of students’ feedback in successive National Student Surveys ranked LSE 112th for the broad experience as recently as six years ago — now it is 12=. A busy students’ union delivers more than 3,000 events, and more than 250 societies and sports clubs keep things lively on top of everything that the capital has to offer.
What is LSE’s reputation?
In 1895 LSE’s Fabian Society founders dreamt of an institution to get at the “concrete facts of industrial life and the actual working of economic and political relations”. Today the curriculum has more than 40 undergraduate programmes, and LSE is a global leader in social sciences and management. In the QS World University Rankings it was ranked sixth in the world for these subjects in 2025.In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 93 per cent of LSE’s submission was judged as world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it third in the UK for research in our analysis. The best results were in economics; anthropology; social policy; health policy; and media and communications.The university was also upgraded from bronze to silver in the government’s latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?
A degree in economics and data science is being introduced in 2026.
What are LSE’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Competition to study here is fierce — and global. LSE is one of the few universities not to enter clearing. Offers range from A*AA to AAB. Contextual offers, which are usually one to two grades lower than standard, are made to eligible UK applicants, such as those from deprived areas, leaving care or taking part in an LSE or Sutton Trust Pathways access programme. Applications to LSE increased by around 7 per cent in 2024, passing 28,000 for the first time.
What are the graduate prospects?
The future is bright for those armed with a degree from LSE and the university continues to innovate on employability, ranking second in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey. Fifteen months after finishing their degree, 92.5 per cent of its graduates are in highly skilled jobs. The university provides extensive career support, including an “Ask an Alum” AI tool, networking events, paid work experience, research internships, a hub for student and alumni entrepreneurship and a new on-campus Volunteering Centre.
What is LSE’s campus like?
The central London campus is a mix of historic alleyways and newly pedestrianised areas and has undergone a significant transformation with new buildings such as the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre and the Marshall Building adding a sports centre and café, academic departments, music practice rooms and study spaces on one of London’s oldest squares, the 17th-century Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The Norman Foster-designed LSE Library is one of the world’s largest devoted to economic and social sciences.
The developments prioritise sustainability, with LSE ranking 13th in People & Planet's 2024-25 league table for environmental and ethical performance.
When can I visit?
Everything you need to know about LSE’s student life and wellbeing support
The sharper focus on mental health and wellbeing support continues. Having already increased the number of counsellors, wellbeing and disability advisers, and extended 24/7 support, LSE has embedded senior student advisers in academic departments to provide another level of help to students navigating university life.
A “Report + Support” platform has been introduced — providing an anonymous pathway for students affected by harassment, bullying, discrimination or sexual misconduct.
Seven football pitches and floodlit multi-use areas at the 23-acre sportsground in New Malden, southwest London, complement the comprehensive indoor sports facilities available on campus, which include squash courts and a dance studio. Cultural life on campus includes art exhibitions in the Atrium Gallery, lunchtime concerts and photography competitions. LSE Chill is a free performance night for poets, comedians and musicians.
The Three Tuns bar at the students’ union is a popular evening hangout, and there is a programme of alcohol-free events held on Wind Down Wednesdays.
What do the students say?
“LSE is home to intellectually stimulating lectures, seminars and classes that foster lively discussions and debate, ensuring all students have a profound academic experience. To be a student at LSE is to be a part of a global community.”
Tito Molokwu, students’ union general secretary, anthropology graduate
What about student accommodation at LSE?
There are more than 3,845 university-owned or endorsed rooms, about 40 per cent of them catered, and accommodation is guaranteed to first-years who apply by the June deadline. Prices range from £137.55 a week for a bed in a triple room at Passfield Hall in Bloomsbury to £469 a week for a single studio at Urbanest Westminster Bridge.
How diverse and inclusive is LSE?
The aim is to attract the most capable students from a wide range of backgrounds and LSE has the 21st-highest level of ethnic diversity. Its number of non-selective state school students has improved from 53.4 per cent to 67.1 per cent but it has dropped a place to 101= overall in our social inclusion index.
As part of its LSE 2030 strategy the university has committed itself to diversifying its intake from underrepresented groups by enhancing widening participation programmes. These include the Pathways to Law and Pathways to Banking and Finance programmes, run in collaboration with the Sutton Trust, online LSE Explore sessions and the annual Black Achievement Conference.
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at LSE
About a quarter of the intake claim some form of financial aid. Awards include means-tested bursaries, which have increased in value from 2025-26 to range from £1,250 to £4,250 a year, awarded on a sliding scale to students with household incomes up to £50,000. Means-tested scholarships are available in specific subjects, and can vary depending on the generosity of donors.
Win a uni bundle with John Lewis
Times+ members have the chance to win one of five uni bundles including bedroom, kitchen and tech essentials courtesy of John Lewis. Enter here . T&Cs apply.
