What is social science?
Social science is the scientific study of society. As a specialist social science university, LSE's purpose is to investigate, understand and influence the diverse key debates affecting our global society. As our motto says, "to know the causes of things".
Understanding the world around us
Here are some of our current social science research, education and public engagement initiatives
Future Proof | Sustainable responses to global challenges
Videos, articles, blogs and events exploring what a sustainable and resilient future looks like, and how the social sciences will help us build it.
LSE launches £10m Huth Initiative to shape global economic thinking
A transformative £10 million gift from LSE alumnus Johannes Huth will unite world-leading research and policy engagement to shape a new economic model for the 21st century.
LSE announces new centre to study animal sentience
The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience has been made possible by a multi-year commitment from the Jeremy Coller Foundation.
LSE Blogs
Featuring LSE researchers and academics, think-tank researchers, politicians and third sector experts across the world
Latest news from LSE
What's new in social science research
More from our researchers
Meet experts from across the social sciences
Lord Stern
IG Patel Chair of Economics and Government, Chair of the Global School of Sustainability at LSE, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
Department of Economics, The Global School of Sustainability at LSE
Studying at LSE
Browse lifelong social science education opportunities
LSE departments and institutes
Find an A-Z of social science disciplines: study finance, international relations, social policy and much more
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
Virtual Graduate Open Events at LSE
Attend live 16-20 February 2026 and also access on-demand session recordings
Featured programmes
Browse an array of social science courses at LSE
BA Social Anthropology
Explore what makes us human. Learn about different rituals, belief systems and cultural practices. Study in the UK's top-rated anthropology research department.
MSc Data Science
The MSc Data Science programme offers in-depth training at the forefront of machine learning and data science.
MPhil/PhD Health Policy and Health Economics
This interdisciplinary programme covers the choice, design, analysis and evaluation of health and social care policies, institutions and practice.
Executive Global Master's in Management
Advance your career and gain lifelong management skills. Study in London and internationally on this 17-month global management programme.
Upcoming LSE events
Hear from social science leaders at our free public events, online and in-person
LSE newsletters
