London School of Economics and Political Science

History, Affiliations and Rankings

London School of Economics and Political Science began in three rooms at 9 John Adam Street, near the Strand in downtown London, in 1895 to train students in the “scientific methods of investigation and research.” The inaugural Director was William Hewins, a 29-year-old economic historian. 300 students registered in Economics, Statistics, and Political Science classes during their first year. The School relocated to new quarters at 10 Adelphi Terrace, overlooking the Thames, in 1896. Today, LSE is a pre-eminent, global community of students, researchers and faculty who work “to know the causes of things,” which is also the University’s motto - rerum cognoscere causas. The university has academic affiliations with Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Community of European Management Schools and International Companies (CEMS), European University Association (EUA), G5, Russell Group, University of London, Universities UK and Golden Triangle. LSE is #1 in UK and Europe and #2 globally for Social Sciences and Management subjects. 

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

LSE's central London campus is close to the River Thames, Covent Garden and Theatreland, the Royal Courts of Justice, and many other London attractions. Because all of their buildings are on the same few streets, the campus has a true community atmosphere. It's easy to get to the financial centre, Westminster, and the Houses of Parliament. This is a fascinating area to study, particularly for those interested in Finance, Politics, or Law. It's not all about studying, either: Covent Garden, London's heart for theatre, dance, and cinema, is just around the block, and many other London sights, and entertainment are close by. Across the Social Sciences, LSE offers 40 Bachelor's degree programmes, over 140 taught Master's and Diploma programmes, and PhD opportunities. There are 25 Departments and Institutes, as well as 23 Research Centres, that perform teaching and research.

Accomplishments and Alumni 

The London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the foremost Social Sciences universities worldwide and one of the most competitive to get into. Academics from the LSE advise governments, serve on commissions, and are seconded to national and international bodies. Graduates hold high positions in businesses and governments all across the world. The REF 2014 ranked LSE as a top university for research quality and impact. Further, in 2021, the University became the 1st Carbon-neutral verified university in the UK. 18 Nobel Laureates in Economics, Peace, and Literature, as well as 36 former or current heads of state, are among the alumni and former personnel. LSE has an alumni network of 1,65,000+ graduates who live and work in 200 countries globally. Some of the notable alumni are Annalena Baerbock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China, B.R. Ambedkar, Indian Jurist and Economist who headed the Committee that formulated the Indian Constitution, and Tar? As?, Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

There are a total of 10,883 students enrolled at the university, out of which 5,001 are undergraduates and 5,835 are pursuing postgraduate degrees. The university has an overall population of 7,544 International students coming from over 160 nationalities. LSE graduates have access to specialized professional services, a mentorship network, events, and the Leadership Series, which features live streamed lectures from the world's most influential thinkers. Some of the top employers of university graduates are Deloitte, EY, Citi, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company and J.P. Morgan.