About LSE
Welcome to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a world-leading university, specialising in social sciences. LSE was ranked top in the UK for 2025 and 2026 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Based in the heart of London, we are a global community of people and ideas that transform the world.
Our top news
Celebrating LSE's 130th anniversary
Since 1895, the London School of Economics has shaped society and driven global change. Join us as we celebrate 130 years of LSE’s impact and enduring legacy.
LSE named as top university in the UK
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 has ranked LSE as the number one university in the country
LSE academic Philippe Aghion awarded Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
He was awarded the prize for work on innovation-driven economic growth.
Introducing LSE
Pioneering people from 1895 to today
Introducing LSE
LSE was founded by social reformers in 1895 for "the betterment of society" and has been shaping the world ever since
Five global challenges at LSE
LSE, a world-leading social sciences university, is uniquely placed to help society navigate five major challenges the world is facing
LSE world leaders
Over 40 past or present world leaders have taught or studied at LSE. Browse this list to find out more about LSE world leaders and which countries they were from
LSE Nobel Prize winners
A total of 21 LSE alumni or staff members have been awarded Nobel Prizes in Peace, Economics and Literature, between 1925 and 2024.
Meet LSE's President and Vice Chancellor
Professor Larry Kramer joined LSE in 2024 as our 18th President and Vice Chancellor
LSE history
Meet LSE's four founders and explore the history of LSE, from when it was founded in 1895 to its current world-renowned status as a leading university in London
LSE at a glance
Find facts and figures about LSE, from student intake and global rankings to academic facilities and employability
What is social science?
Our purpose is to investigate, understand and influence the diverse key debates affecting our global society
LSE people
Find out about the people who have shaped LSE and shaped the world: our alumni are pioneers who have played important roles in history
LSE and London
LSE is an international community rooted in London, working to make a positive impact within our city and beyond
Sustainability at LSE
LSE is home to world-leading sustainability research and a passionate community acting to make change
LSE newsletters
Sign up to receive free LSE university newsletters - find out what's on in London and the latest social science research blogs, events, news, magazine articles
League tables and rankings
LSE is ranked first in the UK and in London
LSE named as top university in the UK
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 has ranked LSE as the number one university in the country
LSE leads in entrepreneurship, public engagement and professional development
The latest Knowledge Exchange Framework highlights LSE strengths in key areas
Guardian University Guide 2026 ranks LSE top in London
LSE has been ranked as fourth overall in the UK.
LSE ranked "University of the year for student success"
LSE ranks top for student success in the Daily Mail University Guide
Awards and honours
Recent achievements at LSE
LSE academic Philippe Aghion awarded Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
He was awarded the prize for work on innovation-driven economic growth.
2026 New Year Honours for LSE academics
LSE academics Professor Tony Travers and Professor Jonathan Wadsworth are recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for their impact on public service and economics.
LSE academic awarded Arne Richter Award for Outstanding Early Career Scientists
Dr Francisco de Melo Viríssimo from the Grantham Research Institute has been recognised.
Dr Sarah Brierley awarded a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship
Dr Brierley's research investigates questions related to democracy and good governance.
LSE academic receives the Freedom of the City of London
Professor Tony Travers was recognised at the Guildhall for his expertise in public finance, elections, and local and regional government
LSE academics awarded Philip Leverhulme Prize 2025 to fund future research
Dr Clare Balboni and Dr Kasia Paprocki have been recognised for their outstanding work.
LSE Generate celebrate international recognition
LSE Generate has been recognised at two sector-leading events, highlighting the team’s contribution to entrepreneurial education and supporting founders.
Wronged: The Weaponization of Victimhood by Lilie Chouliaraki wins top awards in 2025
Professor Lilie Chouliaraki’s Wronged: The Weaponization of Victimhood has won two top ICA awards
Dr Catherine Hua Xiang wins Specialist Business Book of the Year 2025
Bridging the Gap: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication with China by Dr Xiang won the 2025 Specialist Book prize.
Three LSE academics elected as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences
Professor Olivier Accominotti, Professor Leigh Gardner and Professor Eric Schneider are among 63 Fellows who have been elected to the Academy this autumn.
LSE newsletters
Our strategic priorities
Education and Student Experience
Browse education news, hear from our students and explore all that LSE offers
LSE Research
Browse research news, blogs and films, search our repository of publications, or find a social science expert in your area of interest.
LSE 2030
Our strategy to shape the world
