London School of Economics

HISTORY

Founded by Fabians, Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Graham Wallas and George Bernard Shaw in 1895 to specialise in the advanced study of the social sciences. The School joined the federal University of London in 1900, and was recognised as a Faculty of Economics of the university. The University of London degrees of BSc (Econ) and DSc (Econ) were established in 1901, the first university degrees dedicated to the social sciences. Expanding rapidly over the following years, the school moved initially to the nearby 10 Adelphi Terrace, then to Clare Market and Houghton Street. The foundation stone of the Old Building, on Houghton Street, was laid by King George V in 1920; the building was opened in 1922. During World War II, the School decamped from London to the University of Cambridge, occupying buildings belonging to Peterhouse. The School’s arms, including its motto and beaver mascot, were adopted in February 1922, on the recommendation of a committee of twelve, including eight students, which was established to research the matter. The Latin motto, “Rerum cognoscere causas”, is taken from Virgil’s Georgics. Its English translation is “to Know the Causes of Things” and it was suggested by Professor Edwin Cannan. The beaver mascot was selected for its associations with “foresight, constructiveness and industrious behaviour”. Subjects pioneered at LSE include anthropology, criminology, international relations, social psychology and sociology. LSE has produced 35 world leaders and heads of state, and 16 Nobel Prize winners in economics, peace and literature. 37 past or present world leaders have studied or taught at LSE and 31 current members of the UK House of Commons and 42 members of the House of Lords have also either taught or studied at LSE.

COURSES

LSE’s research and teaching is organised into a network of independent academic departments established by the LSE Council, the School’s governing body, on the advice of the Academic Board, the School’s senior academic authority. There are currently 26 academic departments or institutes.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

LSE welcomes applications from students with the best academic potential, from around the world and irrespective of background. Excellent grades at A level (including A* for some subjects) are required in traditional academic subjects plus good GCSE grades. Their standard minimum A level entry requirements range from AAB to A*AA.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

LSE is a specialist university with an international intake and a global reach. Its research and teaching span the full breadth of the social sciences, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance. The School has one of the largest concentrations of applied economic, financial and social researchers in the world. Close partnerships with other universities include Columbia University in New York, Sciences Po in Paris, Peking University in Beijing, National University of Singapore and the University of Cape Town. LSE attracts some of the most influential figures in the world to give public lectures, including Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and former and current UK prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron, with free access for students.

TEACHING STANDARDS

The school’s most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) audit found that confidence can reasonably be placed in the school’s current and likely future management of the academic standards of its awards, and in the soundness of the School’s current and likely future management of the quality of the learning opportunities available to students. The arrangements under the school’s ‘Strategy for managing academic standards and quality’ help to maintain teaching quality. Student views influence the school’s teaching and learning policies. The school surveys its students each year, and acts on the results. In 2014–15, LSE achieved a student satisfaction rating of 86% in its internal teaching surveys and 81% in the 2015 NSS (undergraduate only).

CAREERS GUIDANCE

LSE Careers advertises and actively seeks a wide range of part-time jobs which are suitable for current students, as well as graduate positions. Opportunities are frequently advertised for paid internships. LSE Careers provides a varied and comprehensive careers guidance and employment service for students, including face-to-face appointments, seminars, employer presentations and careers fairs.

The LSE Volunteering Centre sources and advertises a wide range of part-time volunteering opportunities.