Programme requirement: A level Mathematics is required. A level Economics is not essential. Further Mathematics taken at A level is strongly preferred and is seen as an additional or fourth subject. Thus a combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject is not seen as providing the required breadth of knowledge and skills. No other specific subjects are required at A level, but we prefer traditional academic subjects to subjects such as Communication Studies, Accounting, Business Studies or Media Studies.
Usual standard offer: For students taking three A levels: grades A* A A with an A* in Mathematics. For students taking four or more A levels: grades A*A A plus a pass in a fourth A level, with an A* in Mathematics. Students taking Further Mathematics to AS level only will be required to achieve grade A
International Baccalaureate: Diploma with 38 points including 7 6 6 at Higher level (with 7 in Mathematics)
Other qualifications are considered
For further details see lse.ac.uk/ugAdmissionsCriteria
What the selectors are looking for in an application
The selectors are looking for students with strong analytical abilities and a high level of numeracy. A level Mathematics (or equivalent) is therefore a compulsory requirement. In addition to Maths, the selectors prefer to see 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; Government and Politics.
The ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity is important. Selectors are therefore looking for an original, interesting and well-written personal statement which outlines your enthusiasm and motivation for the programme. You should explain why you wish to study Finance, 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.
Your extra-curricular activities such as work experience, participation in competitions, sport or volunteering are important, particularly when they can provide evidence of useful skills such as problem solving, working under pressure and time-management, however, they are deemed to be secondary to your academic competencies. Please note that work experience is not essential, as the composition of this degree programme is academic rather that vocational in nature.
Personal characteristics and skills that will be useful to students on this programme include the ability to apply logic, identify trends, follow lines of reasoning, approach problems creatively, ask questions, demonstrate attention to detail and think independently. In addition you should possess good communication skills, intellectual curiosity and have the motivation and capacity for hard work.