Department of Economics

Please note that the following information relates to entry in September 2017. For admissions criteria information re September 2016 entry, please see the Departmental Admissions Criteria for 2016.

Undergraduate Admissions selection criteria
Entry 2017

Quick guide

There are three degree programmes available within the Economics department at LSE; the specific requirements for each one are as shown below:

Programme Name	UCAS Code	Apps 2015	Places 2015	Standard A level offer	Standard IB offer	Essential Qualifications
BSc Economics	L101	2,606	221	AAA (to include A in Maths) plus a pass in a fourth subject for those with 4 or more A2s or A*AA plus an A grade in Further Maths AS for those offering AS Further Maths only	38 points with 7,6,6, at HL (7 points for HL Maths)	Mathematics
BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics	L140	169	0	AAA (to include A in Maths) plus a pass in a fourth subject for those with 4 or more A2s or A*AA plus an A grade in Further Maths AS for those offering AS Further Maths only	38 points with 7,6,6, at HL (7 points for HL Maths)	Mathematics
BSc Economics with Economic History	L1V3	61	1	AAA (to include A in Maths) plus a pass in a fourth subject for those with 4 or more A2s or A*AA plus an A grade in Further Maths AS for those offering AS Further Maths only	38 points with 7,6,6, at HL (7 points for HL Maths)	Mathematics

Frequently asked questions...

What qualifications does LSE look for?
Which international qualifications are accepted by LSE?
What does LSE look for in the Personal Statement?
What is LSE's deferred entry policy?
Does LSE consider mature applicants/applicants with non-standard qualifications?
What should I do if my circumstances change after I've submitted my UCAS form?
Where can I find out more information about the course?

1.

(a)

What qualifications does LSE look for?

Subject combinations
The study of modern Economics requires a broad range of knowledge and skills, with maths, in particular, being a necessary tool for analysis. A level Mathematics (or equivalent) is therefore a compulsory requirement for all programmes within the Economics Department at LSE.

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 (although not a required subject); Physics; History; Chemistry; English and Government and Politics.

An additional qualification in Further Maths, at any level, if offered, is highly preferred as an indication of mathematical ability. However we are aware that not everyone has the opportunity to follow a Further Maths programme and find it helpful if applicants and/or their referees can indicate whether or not the applicant's school or college offers Further Maths classes. Please note, however, that Further Maths, if taken as a full A level, is generally seen as an 'additional' or fourth subject, rather than a substitute for one of your three main subjects. Thus a combination of Maths, Further Maths and one other subject is not seen as providing the required breadth of knowledge and skills.

Subjects where the content is deemed to overlap, such as Economics and Business Studies, or English and Media Studies, should not be taken together, and as with all degrees at LSE, traditional subjects are preferred.

Please note: The information regarding subject combinations given above is for guidance purposes only, except for the Maths requirement. Candidates who are taking alternative traditional subjects to those listed will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process and will not necessarily be rejected on the basis of their subject combinations. Further information about A level (or equivalent) subject combinations is available in the Entry requirements section.

(b)

Academic profile (predicted and achieved grades)
Successful applicants for this programme are, usually, predicted A*AA in their A level examinations (or 38 and above IB points, with higher level subjects as the above list) and have already achieved excellent GCSE grades including the majority at A and A*. The Economics selectors consider not just the number of top GCSE grades that you have, but also your overall GCSE subject profile.

If you are currently following an A level or IB programme but have not previously studied a GCSE curriculum, you should still list your most recent school leaving qualifications in the appropriate section of the UCAS form.

Your AS grades are also taken into consideration as these give the selectors a clear indication of your ability to satisfy the minimum entry requirement of A*AA at A level. Thus the higher your AS grades the better chance you will have of being made an offer.

Please remember, however, that these are the minimum entry requirements. Applicants who are predicted A*AA at A level or 38 and above points at IB are not automatically guaranteed an offer; much will depend on other factors, such as commitment to further study, as outlined in the personal statement.

The selectors have the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to vary the standard A level or IB offer, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

The entry profiles for the three Economics degree programmes can be found on the UCAS website by following the link to 'Course Search'.

2. Which international qualifications are accepted by LSE?

A wide range of international qualifications are accepted in lieu of A levels, for example the American College Board Advanced Placement (AP), the Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC), the European Baccalaureate (EB), the French Baccalaureate (FB) and the Abitur. Canadian and Australian High School Diplomas are also accepted.

In addition strong applicants with other international qualifications may be asked to sit our LSE UG Admissions Assessment (UGAA) test. This allows LSE academics to see examples of written English performed under examination conditions and is particularly useful where school certification is not based upon a standardised national curriculum. The UGAA test, which comprises a précis section, an essay section and a Mathematics section, can be taken at any recognised centre anywhere in the world; without any financial cost.

For more information on the qualifications that are accepted without the need to sit the UGAA test and those for which the UGAA will be required, see the country-by-country guide.

3. What does LSE look for in the Personal Statement?

The Economics Department at LSE does not routinely interview applicants as part of the decision making process, hence the personal statement plays a key role in the application process. General guidance on how to structure your personal statement is available on our Admissions Criteria website by following the link to the personal statement section. You are strongly advised to make use of this information prior to submitting your application, although as with your predicted grades, simply following the guidelines will not automatically guarantee that you will be made an offer.

For Economics, we expect to see an original and interesting personal statement which not only outlines both your enthusiasm and personal motivation for the study of Economics, but also indicates your determination to excel in this field. Applicants who have not previously studied A level Economics (or its equivalent) should also indicate their awareness of what the subject involves. Successful Economics students at LSE are comfortable with both using and applying mathematics and your statement should provide evidence of this. The selectors also like to see evidence of your ability to write clearly and concisely.

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. The selectors are keen to know why you wish to study Economics, whether there are any aspects of particular interest to you, how it relates to your current academic programme and what additional reading or relevant experiences you have had which have led you to commit to this challenging degree programme.

Personal characteristics and skills that will be useful to students in their study of Economics at LSE will be those such as the abilities to apply logic and follow complex lines of mathematical reasoning; to be creative and flexible in approaching problems; to ask questions and to think independently. In addition you should possess good communication skills, intellectual curiosity and have the motivation and capacity for hard work.

As there are three separate degree programmes available within the Economics Department at LSE, you should ensure you are aware of the differences between them, both when choosing your programme and subsequently making your application, adjusting the focus of your personal statement accordingly.

4. What is LSE's deferred entry policy?

Applications for deferred entry are considered by the Economics Department. If you are unsuccessful in securing an offer for deferred entry before you have completed your A level (or equivalent) examinations, you may apply again in the following cycle once your results are known.

If you have already planned to take a gap year you are advised to explain how you intend to spend it, how you think it will affect you and how it will benefit you specifically, as part of your personal statement.

If, after submitting your application, you subsequently decide that you wish to take a gap year and commence your programme at LSE a year later than originally planned, you should contact the undergraduate admissions office with your request. However, no guarantees can be given that you will automatically be allowed to defer your entry, and the selectors reserve the right to refuse your request be considered for a deferred entry place.

5. Does LSE consider mature applicants/applicants with non-standard qualifications?

Yes we do. Applications from the above are welcome and are considered individually on their own merit, however, it is possible that they will be asked to sit the School's UG Admissions Assessment (UGAA) test and/or be invited for an interview. We recognise that it is a big commitment to return to or start a demanding academic programme of study after some time out of mainstream education and wish to satisfy ourselves that you know what will be expected of you if you were to be offered a place at LSE. As part of the UGAA test, you will be expected to answer a demanding mathematical section testing your calculus ability, to ensure that you will be able to cope with the mathematical requirements of the LSE programme.

6. What should I do if my circumstances change after I've submitted my UCAS form?

We normally expect all relevant information to be provided on your UCAS form. However, we recognise that in a few cases, your family, personal or educational circumstances may change.

If you are affected by any changes such as revised predicted grades (possibly as a result of re-sits), illness (possibly requiring a period of hospitalisation), disruption to your education (possibly caused by a change in staffing or a move to a different school), you should contact the undergraduate admissions office who will be able to offer you further advice.

7.	Where can I find out more information about the programme? You can read more about the structure and content of the Economics, Economics with Economic History and Econometrics and Mathematical Economics programmes, here and on the Department of Economics website.