lse bsc finance personal statement

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Accounting and Finance Personal Statement (Hoi Lee Yang)

Hoi Lee Yang is currently studying Bsc Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is graduating in 2021. This personal statement was part of his successful application to LSE, University of Warwick, University of Bristol and Durham University for Accounting and Finance.

As a child, I was enamoured with the same questions that would have plagued any questioning child’s mind. Like any aspiring engineer or doctor or lawyer, I yearned to know more about how the world, in all its intricacy and sophistication, functioned. I savoured my opportunities to learn about the breakthroughs of physics in creating our modern comforts, and relished the study of history: of how every nascent today is inextricably linked to past events. I have been thrilled by the knowledge of anatomy, learning so intently about what I was, and how I functioned. Despite all this, the world appeared insistent in showing me that the true key to understanding its machinations lay not in any of these fields. The surest way to make sense of the world, it seemed, was in a certain field without which all human activity would not function. It manages us, as much as we try to manage it: money.

I am interested in accounting and finance due to its sheer ubiquity. I realise that every economic entity, from the big corporations and governments down to local sundry shops or even households, relies on the management of finances and planning for the best future outcome. Accounting has always been a deep-rooted industry, charting a colourful history from the clay envelopes used for bookkeeping in 5000 BC Mesopotamian temples, to the double-entry ledgers of Medieval Venice. Regardless of what general perception might contend, though, I am convinced the field of accounting is also one of growth and vibrancy. Looking to the recent proliferation of financial technology, or Fintech, I am particularly keen to follow the advances in the field as I make my journey into accounting at university.

March 2017 saw HSBC, Europe’s largest bank, partner up with an online commerce platform, Tradeshift, to offer an online alternative for financing and paperwork. This is part of a broader phenomenon of big finance companies collaborating with Fintech startups not just in the UK, but around the world. On the ground, we see the business world evolve, just as it did when manufacturing first took root in the Industrial Revolution. A KFC outlet in Beijing now accepts payment through facial recognition, and the Singapore government is working on a standardised QR code system for all monetary transactions. Bitcoin, despite price volatility and initial hostility from banks had, by the end of August 2017, octupled its market value in a year, pointing to its increasing use as a medium of transaction. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin also follow suit. At university, I am eager to refine my knowledge of the current framework of finance, and alongside a group of equally-curious peers, enrich myself with a better understanding of how the status quo will adapt to these technological advances.

I am drawn to accounting and finance due to the promise of challenge, not only arithmetically but also in tackling complex problems. A-Levels also marked my first exposure to the world of Economics, allowing me to enrich my understanding of accounting with a background context in how the business world worked. The course compelled me to pick up books such as Daron Acemoglu’s ‘Why Nations Fail’, which intrigued me with the idea that governments must strive to maintain inclusive economic activity that incentivises every party to work hard. The copious examples of failed civilisations which could not ensure a reward for parties to take risks and adopt new technologies had also sparked my interest in management, realising how similar the running of businesses are to that of entire civilisations.

I feel I am a dynamic, curious and highly-motivated student who is very excited about the prospect of studying Accounting & Finance at a first class university in the UK. I eagerly look forward to the challenges I will face on an academically rigorous and complex course. And hopefully by the end of my degree, the machinations of the world will be a little less elusive.

DISCLAIMER:  The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. There is no surefire formula to writing good personal statements.  COLLEGELAH IS STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND .  UCAS employs a plagiarism check system  that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please  DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

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Roelle Ann Santa Maria

May 25th, 2021, writing a personal statement for further studies.

0 comments | 12 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Most of us have considered pursuing further studies at some point during undergrad or in our current careers. These can be due to many reasons, including: job market uncertainty, to expand your qualifications and progress in a chosen career path, or to work in academia and fill in gaps in the research for a subject, or simply to shift from your current work or academic career and go into another direction or path.

Any application you make may require some statement of purpose, motivational statement, or personal statement. This blog aims to provide top tips and strategies to complete personal statements tailored to an institution and your chosen course of study.

Breaking down the structure

Read the guidelines provided by your institution regarding personal statements. Chances are that the admissions committee will be evaluating your statement based on a specific structure, especially so if a guideline is provided. Generally, the structure requires you to check off some of these points:

Introduction*: This section is where you introduce yourself, give your salutations, and provide an outline of what the rest of the statement will cover. It is important to state your enthusiasm about the course and motivations right away. It sets the tone for the rest of your statement.

Why this course: This refers to the academic nature of the course. Providing reasons for how and what it can build on your previous academic experience to help you in your long-term plans.

Academic experience: Talk about what you enjoyed from your previous academic experiences and what you already know to add to this masters degree.

Work experience: If there are relevant points in your career experiences that you can apply to the course, tell them about it. However, this isn’t always mandatory, for example if you are applying to a finance course, it is not necessary to have worked in a bank or corporate environment. Think about the practices and transferable skills you developed in the workplace, and how you intend to apply them to the course.

Extra-curricular: Similarly, your extra-curricular activities including clubs and societies you are involved in as well as volunteering etc., also count as experience (if you don’t have any paid work experience).

Why this university: Linked to “why this course”, but more broadly, why the department and the university reputation. Are there alumni or sector connections that motivated you to go to this university?

Career plans: Ultimately, the reason why you’re doing this is that you are situated in one place now and want to move or advance into another role or institution. Thus, how can this masters programme become a platform for your future career?

 Summary*: Synthesise all the information you just wrote and provide a clear connection between your values, experiences, and their relevance to the course. More specifically, how the amalgamation of your life experiences thus far makes you suitable for the programme or motivates you to enter the specific sector.

*do not waste too much time on these sections, sometimes it is easier to write these sections once you write the rest of your statement.

Example paragraph: Who, What, Why

What draws me to this course is its statistical approach to financial analysis. During my undergraduate degree, I’ve developed strong foundations in this, choosing modules like Financial Risk (FT332) and Econometrics (EC931), as well as a project where I undertook an OLS regression analysis of the predicted value of real estate in Wales after the UK’s exit from the EU. In this experience, I was able to learn about modelling stochastic time-series and being able to study this further in module ST444 in the MSc would enable me to develop in-depth statistical knowledge I can take forward and apply in the future, as I aim to work as a risk analyst in energy trading. Whilst this is an industry I’ve already gained practical insights into working as a data intern for a clean energy start up – producing reports on key investment trends by national government – being able to write a dissertation relating to the industry and build on this understanding using the advanced quantitative techniques (such as the variants on the Black-Scholes model taught in ST270) is a key motivation for me to undertake this master’s programme.

Source: LSE Careers event

Advice from the admissions team

1) Your statement should explain your motivation for undertaking the programme(s). These include:

• Stating the origin of your interest in this subject/area. Is there a specific undergraduate module or dissertation/project or experience?
• Why have you chosen your particular programme(s)? Are you attracted to the programme’s particular approach, specific modules on the programme?

2) Your statement should describe your academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the programme(s). These include:

• Specific undergraduate modules or dissertation/project work
• Broader academic skills developed in the context of undergraduate study
• Academically relevant extra-curricular activities
• What academic contribution can you make to the cohort?

If you need any support for your personal statement, it is worthwhile to speak with our career consultants here at LSE Careers. Book in to speak to one of us on CareerHub .

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READ THIS BEFORE YOU START WRITING YOUR LSE PERSONAL STATEMENT

The few opportunities in LSE’s programmes get thousands of applications. They are logistically unable to properly review every application and read every person’s personal statement. As a result, an initial selection factor is utilised to decide whether to continue evaluating a candidate or to reject them outright.

The grades you received in your ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades together make up this initial selection factor (if 12th grade scores are available, then those are considered as well). An email is sent to the applicant rejecting admission if they don’t make the cut based on this preliminary assessment.

Now, LSE cannot claim that the applicant’s grades are insufficient because many applications do fulfil their fundamental entrance requirements. Consequently, the school informs the applicants that their “personal statement is not convincing enough.” Although it may not seem fair, LSE is forced to do this because of the overwhelming number of applications they get. You should be aware that your statement of purpose considerably influences your chances of decision. On that note, let’s take a look at how to write a proper personal LSE statement in this blog.

About LSE Before we get into the specifics of drafting your individual LSE application, it’s critical that you brush up on your knowledge regarding the institution to which you are applying so that you can adjust your SOP to meet its requirements.

An English public research university in London, the London School of Economics and Political Science is a constituent institution of the Federal Institute of London. It is ranked second in the world for social sciences and management and is acknowledged as a hub of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Unlike any other university in the UK, 50% of all LSE research was placed in the top 4 in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

We are all aware of the low admission rate for international students at LSE; therefore, your ability to craft a compelling SOP will set you apart from the competition. Students should take into account the \ UCAS’ guidelines as they get ready to complete this portion of their application.

Please be aware that completing the personal statement writing guidelines does not ensure approval. There is stiff competition for admission to the LSE, and personal statements are assessed in comparison. The institution does not accept additional personal statements. Only the personal statement provided via UCAS is taken into consideration.

Writing your LSE personal statement When assessing your application, the selection committee will take into account how well your academic interests align with the LSE program. Here’s where research can be useful. Since the LSE doesn’t offer any sections on ancient history, a personal LSE statement that emphasises a strong interest in contemporary international history (with an emphasis on the LSE International History course) is more likely to offer you a competitive advantage.

In order for your personal statement to reflect on each of your UCAS choices, if you are applying for several different courses, it is good to draw attention to the areas where they overlap. Note that the LSE does not accept substitute or supplemental personal statements. Make sure your personal statement is well-organised, concise, and that you utilise all of the UCAS-provided space. Make a rough draft of your personal statement, then go back and double-check the grammar, punctuation, and spelling to make sure it makes sense. You should always give new English terms a try, but be careful not to let them overshadow the important points of your LSE personal statement.

Elements to include in your personal statement

The focus of your personal statement should be on your intellectual enthusiasm for the field you plan to study. Looking at what the LSE expects from undergraduate students can be one method to approach the personal statement:

• LSE students are expected to read up on subjects relating to their class or engage in other experiences, and then write essays in which they explain the ideas they learned.
• The university looks for this skill in personal statements, so it is advised that you spend at least 80% of your statement on this kind of intellectual discussion.

How you demonstrate a broader interest in your subject is entirely up to you. The institution is not searching for students who have had the most opportunities, but rather those who can best reflect on the experiences and intellectual ideas they have encountered as a result of the opportunities made available to them. If you’re unsure of where to begin, you might check out the newsletter for suggested reading selections or listen to the recordings of LSE public events. Keep in mind that the institution wants to see proof that you have thought deeply about academic ideas, not merely a list of what you have read or done.

You can address these questions in your SOP When writing your LSE personal statement, think about the following questions:

• Why did you pick this particular course?
• What aspects of the subject have you found compelling enough to pursue a degree in it?
• What are your top priorities and areas of interest?
• Do you have a passion for a subject unrelated to your studies?
• What are the readings or lectures that piqued your interest, and what are your thoughts on the aspects covered?
• Did you have the chance to have any work experience that might be useful for your application? Have you taken part in any LSE projects or activities, such as Saturday Schools, Summer Schools, LSE Choice, etc.?

How can Rostrum help? We acknowledge and understand that writing a personal statement is a challenging task. Don’t worry. Rostrum Education has your back. Our counsellors can help you write the ideal personal statement because they are acquainted with the application process. We can connect you to current students studying at LSE so that you get an idea regarding what it takes to get into LSE. Contact us right away to schedule a free counselling session!

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BSc Economics

• Department of Economics
• UCAS code L101
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

What caused the 2008 economic crisis and what was the right policy response? How can we design policies to tackle the widening inequalities observed within and across countries, or the challenge of climate change? Why does a gender pay gap persist? Why, as economies grow richer, are people often not any happier? Economics considers broad-ranging real-world issues such as these. In this programme, you will take an open-minded and scientific approach to issues like these, using formal modelling of economic relationships, and testing hypotheses against data.

Our new LSE economics undergraduate curriculum is designed specifically for students on economics programmes.   You will develop a thorough grounding in analytical methods and apply them to a diverse range of problems, addressing important social issues and policy questions. You will also learn to construct complex arguments and to communicate these effectively, developing wider employability skills within a lively, diverse community.

The LSE Department of Economics is one of the largest in the world, with expertise at the cutting edge of developments across the spectrum of mainstream economics. It is regularly ranked number one outside of the USA for its published research in economics and econometrics and as an undergraduate student you will have the chance to learn from economists at the cutting edge of their field.

Programme details

For information about tuition fees, usual standard offers and entry requirements, see the sections below.

Entry requirements

Below we list our entry requirements in terms of GCSEs, A-Levels (the entry requirements should be read alongside our A-level subject combinations information) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We accept a wide range of other  qualifications from the UK  and from  overseas .

GCSEs A strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9) Your GCSE (or equivalent) English Language and Mathematics grades should be no lower than B (or 6). We also consider your overall GCSE subject profile

A*AA with an A* in Mathematics Please also see subject combinations regarding Further Mathematics requirements. We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades** A*AB with an A* in Mathematics

IB Diploma 38 points overall (and above) including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.

Contextual admissions IB grades** 37 points overall including 765 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.

*Read our A-level subject combinations information below.

**Read our  UG Admissions Information  to learn more about contextual admissions.

A-level subject combinations

• We consider the combination of subjects you have taken, as well as the individual scores.
• We believe a broad mix of traditional academic subjects to be the best preparation for studying at LSE and expect applicants to have at least two full A-levels or equivalent in these subjects.
• For the BSc Economics we are looking for students with a strong mathematical ability, and A-level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required.
• Further Mathematics at A-level is also desirable, and is acceptable for entry in combination with Mathematics and one other A-level. In these cases we would prefer that the third A-level should be an essay-based subject. It is acceptable to take Further Mathematics to AS-level only, in which case you will be required to achieve grade A. If you take four or more full A-levels, you will be expected to achieve A* A A (with A* in Mathematics), and a pass in the fourth A-level. We understand however that not everyone has the opportunity to follow a Further Mathematics programme, and you will not be disadvantaged because of this. Therefore it is helpful if you and/or your referees can indicate whether or not your school or college offers Further Mathematics classes. 
• For programmes requiring A* in Mathematics A-level, an A* in Further Mathematics in addition to an A grade in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative.
• In addition to Mathematics, we are looking for subject combinations which indicate that you possess both analytical and writing abilities. Subjects which appear as common post-16 choices are Economics; Physics; History; Chemistry; English and Government and Politics, of which Economics, History, English and Government and Politics are good indicators of writing ability.
• Although many students on the programme have studied A-level Economics or equivalent it is not required.

Find out more about A-level subject combinations .

Additional Tests

Applicants that have taken the  Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)  are encouraged to share the results. The test is not required, however a good performance on the test may increase the competitiveness of your application.

Competition for places at LSE

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you are predicted or if you achieve the grades that meet our usual standard offer, this will not guarantee you an offer of admission. Usual standard offers are intended only as a guide, and in some cases applicants will be asked for grades which differ from this.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background. The programme guidance below should be read alongside our general  entrance requirements   information.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on the UCAS application form, including your:

- academic achievement  including predicted and achieved grades (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information) - subjects and subject combinations  (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information) - personal statement  (see below for programme specific information) - teacher’s reference - educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.  See our English language requirements page .

Personal characteristics, skills and attributes

For this programme, we are looking for students who demonstrate the following skills:

- an ability to apply logic - quantitative aptitude and the ability to follow complex lines of mathematical reasoning - an ability to be creative and flexible in approaching problems - an ability to think independently - good communication skills - intellectual curiosity - motivation and capacity for hard work

Personal statement

In addition to demonstrating the above personal characteristics, skills and attributes, your statement should be original, interesting and well-written and should outline your enthusiasm and motivation for the programme.

You should explain whether there are any aspects of particular interest to you, how this relates to your current academic studies and what additional reading or relevant experiences you have had which have led you to apply. We are interested to hear your own thoughts or ideas on the topics you have encountered through your exploration of the subject at school or through other activities. Some suggestions for preliminary reading can be found above in the preliminary reading section, but there is no set list of activities we look for; instead we look for students who have made the most of the opportunities available to them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their intended programme of study.

You can also mention extra-curricular activities such as sport, the arts or volunteering or any work experience you have undertaken. However, the main focus of an undergraduate degree at LSE is the in-depth academic study of a subject and we expect the majority of your personal statement to be spent discussing your academic interests.

Please also see our general guidance about writing personal statements.

Fees and funding

Every undergraduate student is charged a fee for each year of their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees

Home students: The 2024 tuition fee for new Home students is £9,250 per year. The Home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.

Overseas students:

The 2024 tuition fee for international students is £28,176. The overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2024 onwards.

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School. 

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships to UK, EU and overseas students. 

In addition, UK Government support, in the form of loans, is available to UK and some EU students. Some overseas governments also offer funding.

Further information on tuition fees, cost of living, loans and scholarships

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do. 

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students .

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page).

2) Go to the International Students section of our website.

3) Select your country.

4) Select ‘Undergraduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. You will also have the opportunity to apply for a year abroad at one of our global exchange partners. 

In Autumn Term of the first year of the programme you will gain an essential foundation in economics and learn the necessary quantitative skills. In Winter Term you will take introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will also choose an outside option course from a rich array of courses from other departments – this can be a whole unit course or two half unit courses in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively. In addition, you will ​also take LSE100.

Autumn Term

Economic Reasoning  (0.5)

Principles economics course to introduce students to traditional and topical economic questions and how both established and new economic approaches can deal with them.

Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra  (0.5)*

This is an introductory level course for those who wish to use mathematics seriously in finance or economics.

Elementary Statistical Theory  (0.5)

The course provides a precise and accurate treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques. 

Outside option

Winter Term

Microeconomics I  (0.5)

This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.

Macroeconomics I  (0.5)

This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.

Econometrics I  (0.5)

Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.

*Students can opt to take  Mathematical Methods  (1.0) in place of Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (0.5) and the Winter Term outside option (0.5).

LSE100 * A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.

Second year

The second year of the programme builds on the Year 1 courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will develop a firm grasp of core analytical methods and apply them to a range of problems. You will also choose one outside option from another department (a whole unit or two half units in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively).

Microeconomics II  (1.0)

This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.

Macroeconomics II  (1.0)

This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges, and evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.

Econometrics II  (1.0)

Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics, the practical problems of empirical research, and how to do empirical research themselves in a student project.

Optional course  (1.0)

Principles of Finance (1.0)

The Origins of Growth (1.0)

In the third year there are specialist options in all the main fields of economic enquiry, and you can choose your courses according to your interests. One of these courses could be from an approved list of relevant courses offered outside the Department.

Four options from economics or closely related subjects

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant  School Calendar page .  

Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the  Language Centre webpages .

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated undergraduate course and programme information page .

Teaching and assessment

Format and contact hours:  You will have around 12 hours of lectures and classes each week. In addition, we recommend that students do six hours of independent study per week for each course. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the  Calendar  within the Teaching section of each  course guide . 

Classes in groups of around 20 students are the main form of interaction with teachers. Lectures are delivered by academic staff, while most classes are taught by Graduate Teaching Assistants, who include many of our experienced PhD students. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide .

Academic support

Academic mentor:  You will have an academic mentor who is available to offer general guidance and assistance with both academic and personal concerns on an individual basis.

Other academic support:  There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

Disability and Wellbeing Service:  LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Your timetable

• The standard teaching day runs from 09:00-18:00; Monday to Friday. Teaching for undergraduate students will not usually be scheduled after 12:00 on Wednesdays to allow for sports, volunteering and other extra-curricular events.
• The lecture and seminar timetable is published in mid-August and the full academic timetable (lectures/seminars and undergraduate classes) is published by mid-September and is accessible via the  LSE Timetables webpages .
• Undergraduate student personal timetables are published in LSE for You (LFY). For personal timetables to appear, students must be registered at LSE, have successfully signed up for courses in LFY and ensured that their course selection does not contain unauthorised clashes. Every effort is made to minimise changes after publication, once personal timetables have been published any changes are notified via email.

Formative unassessed coursework:  All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the teaching and learning experience at the School. Class teachers must mark formative coursework and return it with feedback to you normally within two weeks of submission (when the work is submitted on time). 

Summative assessment (assessment that counts towards your final course mark and degree award):  Summative assessment is largely through examinations in May-June each year (and occasionally in the January assessment period), complemented with other forms of assessment (e.g. essay, policy report, research project, class participation etc). The new curriculum will introduce greater diversity in forms of assessment, thereby enabling students to develop and be assessed in a broader array of skills. Please note that assessment on individual courses can change year to year. An indication of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant   course guide .

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small there are a range of people you can speak to and who will be happy to help.

Academic mentors  – an academic member of staff who you will meet with at least once a term and who can help with any academic, administrative or personal questions you have. (See Teaching and assessment).

Academic support librarians  – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies.

Accommodation service   - they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to a specific course you are taking.

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – the staff are experts in long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme,  arranging  exam adjustments  and run groups and workshops.

IT help   – support available 24 hours a day to assist with all of your technology queries.

LSE Faith Centre  – home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre   – the centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in 9 languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ - with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your future career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights.

LSE Library   -   Founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and it’s a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide.

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom, offer one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision, and provide drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment).

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.

Sardinia House Dental Practice   -   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.

St Philips Medical Centre   -   based in Pethwick-Lawrence House the centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.

Life in London

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget .

Student stories

Samantha ong.

BSc Economics Former President of the LSESU Economics Society

I chose this programme because I loved learning, and I knew that LSE was the best place to challenge me intellectually. The lecturers in the Department are some of the best in the world in their field, and everyone is so dedicated and passionate about what they do, which leads to a truly excellent learning experience. There's so much support as well - you'll always have someone to go to if you need any help, whether academic or personal. But just as much as the faculty, I have learnt so much from the other students, who come from all over the world. Just being around so many different people and having lots of interesting discussions has definitely been a highlight.

Moritz Hauschulz

I chose economics as it offers not only theoretical frameworks for understanding the world around us, but also highly applicable, empirical tools. At LSE I learn from experts in their fields and the Department of Economics’ lively environment gives ample opportunity to develop additional skills, ranging from coding to self-directed research. 

My outside options have allowed me to explore my interest in mathematics more thoroughly, but courses are available from a variety of related fields such as politics or philosophy.

My advice to future students would be to get involved in at least one of the many societies and clubs, as this is where you meet friends and build your network.

Dang Anh Duc Luong

BSc Economics Vung Tau, Vietnam

I chose this programme because it offered a deep understanding of economics along with a wide range of outside options and many empirical activities such as research and economic workshops.

Preliminary reading

If you would like to gain further insight into what economists study, we suggest looking at one or more of the following popular books or others like them:

A V Banerjee and E Duflo  Poor Economics: barefoot hedge-fund managers, DIY doctors and the surprising truth about life on less than $1 a day  (Penguin, 2012)

D Coyle GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History (Princeton University Press, 2014)

T Harford  The Undercover Economist  (Abacus, 2007)

T Harford  The Logic of Life  (Little Brown, 2009)

P Krugman  End This Depression Now!  (W W Norton, 2012)

S D Levitt and S J Dubner  Freakonomics  (Penguin, 2007) and  Superfreakonomics (Penguin, 2010)

Some of these books were launched at the LSE. Listen to the podcasts of these launches (and many other talks) .

It is also a very good idea to have a look at one or more economics textbooks, to have a clear idea of what the serious university study of the subject involves, which will differ from these popular presentations. Although the texts and editions listed below are currently recommended for the first year, other editions of these books and other university-level textbooks are also entirely valid for this first investigation.

N G Mankiw  Macroeconomics  (9th edition, Worth Publishers, 2015)

D Acemoglu, D I Laibson and J A List,  Microeconomics  (2nd edition, Pearson, 2018)

Quick Careers Fa cts for the Department of Economics

Median salary of our UG students  15 months after graduating: £45,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Accounting and Auditing
• Consultancy
• Information, Digital Technology and Data
• Government, Public Sector and Policy

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2019-20 were the third group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

This degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, but we particularly welcome students who want to learn about economics, rather than simply prepare themselves for a prosperous future.

Over the past two decades many of our graduates have chosen to pursue careers in the financial sector, which can include positions involving economics research as well as those in banking or hedge funds. Increasingly, many have also preferred to take up positions as economic or management consultants, to join central banks, their home country’s government economic service or international organisations. Some graduates from the programme pursue quite different careers, whether as professional accountants and auditors, engaging in entrepreneurial activity, marketing or law, or in entirely different fields.

A significant number choose to go on to graduate study, not just in economics but also in finance, management, development, economic history and other fields. Throughout their time at LSE we work to prepare our students who are aiming in this direction to understand the rewards of engaging in economics research and the benefits of interacting with faculty and visitors who are leading economists.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Annabell Litchfield

BSc Economics, 2010 Executive, Economic Advisory, EY

The summer after my second year at university I began working as an Economist intern at the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Whilst there, I gained an insight into working as an Economist for the civil service, enabling me to apply my studies to a high profile investigation into current account charges. In my third year, I decided to apply for Economist posts in both the public and private sector and began work at London Economics, an economic consulting firm, after graduation. After two years (and one promotion) at London Economics, I decided to move to a larger firm, EY, whose Economic Advisory practice was looking to expand rapidly.

Nikolai Dienerowitz

BSc Economics, 2010 Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman

I had no clear view of what I wanted to do before I came to LSE, so being in an environment that allows you to explore many different career opportunities has helped me a lot. Being made aware of what you need to do to be employable also helped, and sets LSE apart from other universities.

During my studies, I interned with KPMG (financial services advisory), HSBC (private banking) and McKinsey (Financial Institutions Group). This gave me a good overview of career opportunities and confirmed my decision to apply for a role in consulting. My aspirations have not changed significantly since I left LSE, although they have become more focused since I started working (or perhaps more realistic!). Fortunately, I have not encountered major setbacks so far, so have not had to change track.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and  LSE Careers  has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.

Accreditations

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from all 4 certificate level CIMA modules through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Graduates from this programme will be exempt from the following certificate level CIMA modules :

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home.

Experience LSE from home 

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home .

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE .

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits .

Discover Uni data

Every undergraduate programme of more than one year duration will have Discover Uni data. The data allows you to compare information about individual programmes at different higher education institutions.

Please note that programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you are interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.

How to apply

Undergraduate Virtual Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, bsc finance.

Code(s) N300

BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics

Code(s) L140

BSc Geography with Economics

Code(s) L7L1

BSc Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics

Code(s) F9L1

BSc Politics and Economics

Code(s) LL12

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BSc Data Science

Introduction

Preliminary readings.

Our BSc Data Science brings together the study of data science, machine learning, statistics and mathematics – with an emphasis on their real-world applications and impact on economics and society.

The programme has a strong mathematical focus. You’ll learn about the properties of data, how to extract insights from data, and how to report the results. As you progress, you’ll build your understanding of classical and modern data analytics techniques, modelling, statistical machine learning, and AI. You’ll learn how to carry out typical workflows in data analytics, make inferences based on statistical data and become proficient in computer programming for data science.

Data scientists are in high demand in the private and public sectors. By the time you graduate, you’ll have all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to progress to a career in areas such as banking, financial services and healthcare.

• J.Zelle, Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science, 3rd Edition, Franklin, Beedle & Associates, 2016
• M. Lutz, Learning Python, 5th Edition, O’Reilly Media, 2013
• R. Ramakrishnan and J. Gerhke, Database Management Sytems, McGraw-Hill, 2002
• J. Hellerstein and M.Stonebraker, readings in Database Systems, 4th Edition, 2005
• W. Mckinney, Python for Data Analysis, 2nd Edition, O’Reilly 2017
• H. Wickham, Ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data Analysis, Springer, 2009
• Larsen R.J. and M.L. Marx (2013) Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and Its Applications (fifth edition), Pearson (earlier editions are also acceptable)
• A. C. Muller and S. Guido, Introduction to Machine Learning with Python, O’Reilly, 2016
• A. Geron, Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn & TensorFlow, O’Reilly, 2017
• M. Wooldridge, An Introduction to MultiAgent Systems, 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2009
• L. Deng and D. Yu, Deep Learning: Methods and Applications, Now Publishers Inc, 2014
• F. Chollet, Deep Learning with Python, Manning, 2018
• A. Geron, Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn and Tensorflow, O'Reilly, 2017

Entry requirements

Here, you can check our entry requirements for GCSEs, A-levels (please read them alongside our information about subject combinations) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We also consider applications from students with a range of other UK qualifications and from overseas. Please select the overseas button below and choose your country from the dropdown list to find the equivalency to A-levels of your qualification.

Additional tests

For GCSEs, you’ll need a strong pre-16 academic profile such as several GCSE grades of A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9).

We also ask for a good set of GCSE grades or equivalent across a broad range of subjects, with a minimum of grade B (or 6) in GCSE English and Mathematics.

A*AA, with an A* in Mathematics

Where it's offered by your school or college, AS- or A-level Further Mathematics is expected to be taken and a grade A achieved.

We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades

AAA with an A in Mathematics (although we prefer A*AB with an A* in Mathematics if possible)

Read our undergraduate admissions information to learn more about contextual admissions.

A-level subject combinations

• Mathematics at A-level or equivalent is required. Further Mathematics is highly desirable.
• The programme requires excellent quantitative skills. So, quantitatively oriented A-level courses such as Physics or Chemistry provide excellent preparation, although these subjects are not mandatory.
• Good marks in any quantitative courses at GCSE level are also desirable.

Find out more about A-level subject combinations .

38 points overall, including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in "Mathematics: analysis and approaches"

Contextual admissions IB grades

37 points overall, including 765 in higher level subjects, with 7 in "Mathematics: analysis and approaches"

Applicants are encouraged to take the  Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) . The test is not mandatory, however a good performance on the test may make an application more competitive.

We welcome students from all walks of life at LSE. We want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation. So, whatever your background, please do apply. Get all the details on our general  entry requirements .

Competition for places at LSE is high. We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you’re predicted or achieve our standard entry requirements.

Our standard offer requirements are intended only as a guide and, in some cases, you’ll be asked for different grades.

Programme content

Why study with us.

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Statistics at LSE is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the UK.

The department has an international reputation for the development of statistical methodology and a long history of pioneering contributions to research and teaching. Many of the world’s most famous and innovative statisticians have been associated with LSE.

Our research spans four main areas – data science, probability in finance and insurance, social statistics and time series, and statistical learning. The department has close links with the Data Science Institute at LSE – an interdisciplinary institute that fosters the study of data science, with a particular emphasis on the social, economic and political contexts.

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Mathematics .

The department’s research strengths are reflected in our teaching curriculum. We have a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and doctoral research opportunities – hosted in a vibrant department with a supportive and friendly community of staff and students.

Our alumni enjoy successful careers in diverse areas, such as banking, accounting, finance, statistics, government and business consulting while others pursue postgraduate study or research. Our alumni frequently return to LSE to share their career experiences with current students.

Learn more about our programmes and research .

Department of Statistics

2nd In Europe

5th In the world

1st We're ranked top university in London for the 12th year running

Carbon neutral in 2021 lse became the first carbon neutral verified university in the uk, your application, who attends.

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement , including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations  (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage.  See our English language requirements page .

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• outstanding mathematical abilities
• interests in data science and using programming to analyse data
• involvement in related extra-curricular activities, such as maths competitions or Olympiads
• independent thinking
• intellectual curiosity and the ability to ask incisive questions
• creativity and flexibility in problem-solving
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for each year of your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, depend on whether you’re classified as a home or an overseas student – known as your fee status. We assess your fee status based on guidelines from the UK Government’s Department for Education.

Learn more about fee status classification .

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships, to UK, EU and overseas students.

Additionally, the UK Government provides loans to UK and some EU students. Some overseas governments also offer funding.

Further information on tuition fees, living costs, loans and scholarships .

Learning and assessment

How you learn, how you're assessed.

Format and contact hours: you’ll usually attend a mix of lectures and related classes, seminars or workshops totalling 10 to 15 hours per week. Get a broad idea of the study time involved in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide .

Independent study: you’ll need to complete independent study outside your classes. You’ll need to manage much of this work independently, which may include reading, note-taking and research.

LSE teaching: LSE is internationally recognised for teaching and research and our academics have wide-ranging expertise. Courses may be taught by our faculty staff, guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants, who can be doctoral research students. Learn about the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide .

Academic support

Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.

LSE LIFE is a great place to get advice and practise the skills you’ll need during your studies and beyond.

Through LSE LIFE, you can:

• attend workshops on developing leadership skills, finding the right study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work
• develop your reading, academic writing and critical-thinking skills
• gain experience of working in study groups and develop your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service . This is the first point of contact for students.

Your timetable

• The standard teaching day runs from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Undergraduate teaching is not normally scheduled for Wednesdays after 12 noon to allow for sports, volunteering and other extra-curricular activities.
• The lecture and seminar timetable is published in mid-August and the full academic timetable (with information on classes) is published by mid-September via the LSE timetables web pages .
• All personal undergraduate timetables are published in LSE for You (LFY) . For personal timetables to appear, you must be registered at LSE, be signed up for courses in LFY and ensured that there are no unauthorised clashes in your course selections. We try our best to minimise changes once personal timetables have been published. However, you’ll be notified about any changes by email.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Most courses are assessed by a three-hour exam in June. A small number of courses are assessed by project work. Your degree award will be based on assessment over all three years, with particular emphasis on your work in the second and third years.

You’ll receive feedback on summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on final submitted dissertations). Feedback is normally provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods .

Graduate destinations

Career support.

Graduates from the programme will be prepared for further study, or for professional and managerial careers, particularly in areas requiring the application of quantitative skills.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our undergraduate students 15 months after graduating:

Top 4 sectors our students work in:.

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Discover Uni

Every undergraduate programme of more than one year duration will have Discover Uni data. The data allows you to compare information about individual programmes at different higher education institutions.

Programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you're interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.

Find out more

Explore lse, student life.

Student support

Accommodation

Meet, visit and discover LSE