Rankings

We are proud that the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has been recognised as the UK’s leading department for social policy, ranked #1 nationally in three major league tables.

This consistent recognition reflects our world-class teaching, pioneering research, and commitment to addressing the most pressing social challenges of our time. Our students and staff form a vibrant community dedicated to understanding and shaping policy that improves lives across the globe.

Explore below to see how LSE Social Policy continues to set the standard for excellence in the field.

LSE Social Policy ranked number 1 in the UK: The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide has ranked LSE as the top university in the UK and named the School as its ‘University of the Year 2026′. The Department of Social Policy has been ranked as the best Social Policy Department in the country.

LSE Social Policy ranked number 1 in the UK: The Guardian University Guide 2026

The annual Guardian University Guide provides overall rankings of UK universities as well as specific rankings for 54 different subject areas. The league tables rank institutions by subject, looking at student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending and career prospects. The 2026 guide placed LSE Social Policy at number 1 in the country.

LSE Social Policy ranked number 1 in the UK: The Complete University Guide 2026

The Complete University Guide, which encompasses 130 institutions, ranks the top universities in the UK overall and in 74 specific subject areas. LSE Social Policy has been ranked number one with a 100% overall score for the subject of Social Policy.