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Overview
There are now almost 15 applications for every place at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), after a year which saw the second-highest rate of applications on record but 270 fewer students admitted. Most of the impact of that drop was felt by UK students - an indication not just of the present funding crisis in higher education (universities earn far more money from overseas students) but also of the global marketplace in which LSE recruits. A place at LSE is coveted the world over, such is its pre-eminence in politics, economics, business and the social sciences. Students come from a wider range of backgrounds than in most elite Russell Group universities - the product of a consistent mission to widen access to its courses. One third of offers made to UK students last year were discounted contextual offers taking account of social or educational disadvantage. With just over 40 undergraduate degree programmes, LSE offers a tight portfolio of subjects. Situated in central London, and close to the theatres, museums and retail distractions, students have plenty to do when they are not studying hard. Graduates are well paid and hugely in demand.
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Paying the bills
Around 900 students received an LSE bursary last year, worth up to £4,000 per year of study (for a maximum of four years) for those from homes with an annual income of up to £18,000. Total support for this group of students can amount to £6,500 in the first year, with a £2,500 accommodation bursary also awarded to those living in LSE halls. The LSE bursary sum drops to £3,500 per year for those with a household income of £18,001 to £25,000; £2,250 per year (£25,001 to £30,000), £1,500 per year (£30,001 to £35,000) and £500 per year (£35,001 to £42,875), with parallel drops in the value of the accommodation bursary to £2,000, £1,500, £1,000 and £500. Around one in four UK students get university-funded support. There are several scholarships funded by external donors, too. A student support fund, which distributed more than £500,000 in 2022-23, is available to students in extreme need. LSE has both some of the cheapest and most expensive accommodation in the UK. A triple-shared room with term-time catering costs a remarkable £4,205 for a 31-week tenancy - cheap anywhere in the country, and a real steal in the capital. The cheapest self-catered accommodation on a 39-week contract comes in at £7,602, with the most expensive studios at Westminster Bridge costing £23,450 for a 50-week tenancy.
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What's new?
LSE is busy creating a pedestrianised campus that belies its position at the heart of London. Following the opening of the Marshall Building - the largest infrastructure project in LSE's history - the LSE is creating a cohesive university quarter around it. The building, partly funded by £80m in donations from the hedge-fund manager Sir Paul Marshall, combines teaching and learning facilities with a sports centre, cafe, arts rehearsal space and music practice rooms. The university is moving heavily towards e-exams as part of a significant investment in digital learning. Increased numbers of counsellors and wellbeing, mental health and disability advisers reflect LSE's focus on student wellbeing and support, with 24/7 coverage provided through the Spectrum.Life app (see Student support and wbc247주소 campus culture, below). The university has established a micro-internship programme to provide new ways for students to get paid work experience during their studies. A partnership with Civica, an alliance of European universities, is designed to give students more opportunities for civic engagement, too.
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Admissions, teaching and student support
Under LSE's Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, launched three years ago, a comprehensive support network for students is evolving. A 24/7 phone and text helpline is often the route into accessing services. These encompass one-off and ongoing appointments with wellbeing, mental health and disability advisers or counsellors. There is also a peer support scheme for those who prefer to talk to fellow students, while wardens in halls ensure there is night-time and weekend support cover as well as a programme of social events. An online training module is offered to all staff on how to support student mental health and wellbeing. One third of offers made to UK students for admission in September 2023 were contextual at one or two grades below the standard offer. Qualification criteria for LSE's contextual admissions scheme are particularly broad and include living in a postcode among the 40% considered most deprived or from which fewest go into higher education; receiving free school meals; or attending a school with below national average performance at either GCSE or A-level. Several outreach programmes which reach 350 Year 12 or 13 pupils each year open pathways to university for disadvantaged and under-represented students. When it comes to campus safety, there is one of the most comprehensive programmes anywhere, with education on sexual consent and healthy relationships; drink and drugs; social, sexual and racial tolerance; and being an active bystander.
