See degree programme information for 2016 entry
Most of our degree programmes allow you to combine study in more than one subjects either for joint honours, such as International Relations and History or with one major subject and one minor, such as Geography with Economics.
Almost all require or allow you to choose at least one "outside" option, in any other subject to approach your main area of study in a more inclusive and holistic way. Other degrees draw on different subjects to provide an interdisciplinary approach to a particular topic, such as Management.
All first year undergraduate students take the LSE100 course, which introduces students to the elements of thinking as a social scientist.
A modern foreign language option is generally available on those degree programmes which offer an outside option. See Language studies for more information.
Teaching methods
LSE believes in a traditional approach to teaching, ensuring students have a solid understanding of their subjects.
In most undergraduate degree programmes, teaching consists of a mixture of lectures and classes. Lectures are not compulsory but are strongly recommended. Classes are obligatory, and you will be allocated to a much smaller group of usually no more than 15 students. In classes, you work through questions and problems raised in the lectures and present and discuss your own papers or essays.
As well as formal contact time of between 9 to 15 hours per week, you will be expected to spend a significant amount of time completing the associated reading, essays, and other course work assignments, in total making up a full working week.
Please visit the Teaching and Learning Centre for further information about teaching at LSE and the transition from school to university.
Study abroad opportunities
LSE's mission is to make a positive difference to the world through educating students with the capacity to lead in solving public problems. To help achieve this, the School offers students the opportunity to study abroad during their undergraduate degree, gaining experience that will contribute to them becoming engaged global citizens.
The School has year-long exchanges with Sciences Po, a leading social science university in France, and the University of California, Berkeley, in the USA.
Undergraduate exchange programme with Sciences Po
Undergraduate exchange programme with University of California, Berkeley
Programme regulations
Detailed programme regulations, including individual course guides and other information relating to the administration of our degrees is published in the School's Calendar at the start of each session.
You must note that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstance since publication may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. 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 exceptional circumstances or events outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses or programmes of study and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. 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 lse.ac.uk/cal/ug/updates page.
Examination and assessment
Like our teaching methods, LSE has a traditional approach to examinations and assessments. In almost all degrees, students are examined at the end of each year in the courses taken in that year. Examination is mostly by three hour unseen examination; in many courses, there is also a requirement to submit special essays, course work assignments or project reports as part of the examination.
Academic quality
Information on our means of maintaining and improving academic quality is available on the staff and students website.
Degree programmes 2017