Whether you study an online taught programme or via a global teaching institution, LSE believes in a rigorous approach to your education and ensures that you obtain the knowledge and skills required to excel in your field of study.

Flexible study 

You can manage your studies to fit in with your own schedule, allowing you the flexibility to learn alongside other personal and professional commitments. As a guide, you should dedicate at least 30-35 hours per week to your studies  if you intend to complete the maximum of four courses in any one year.

You can choose either to learn entirely online from wherever you are in the world, or pay for face-to-face tuition at a global teaching centre.

Study materials

Developed by LSE academics, our specially-written study materials guide you through your course content and give you access to the thought leadership for which LSE is internationally renowned . 

Your study materials are available for you to access on your Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Depending on the course and mode of study, your study materials are likely to include digital or downloadable course notes, videos, discussion forums, formative assessments, course work, study skills, past examination papers and examiners’ commentaries.

Examinations 

You are assessed by unseen written examinations. For some courses a project/coursework also counts towards your assessment. 

Examinations are set and marked by our academics to ensure your work is assessed to the same standard as London-based students at LSE. 

Examinations are held at local centres in over 180 countries worldwide every year. A full list of examination centres in the UK and overseas can be found here. 

Please see the University of London Programmes website for details regarding the examinations process.

Academic direction by LSE

LSE is a member institution of the University of London and provides the academic direction for the University of London programmes in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences (EMFSS). This means that LSE is responsible for: 

• planning the structure and content of each EMFSS programme 

• developing and writing the study materials 

• setting examination papers and marking the scripts

• determining the curriculum and progression of students 

These EMFSS programmes are based on undergraduate degrees taught at LSE. Although the study experience is different, these programmes are assessed to the same academic standards as LSE on-campus programmes. 

Studying on one of our EMFSS programmes will encourage you to think critically and creatively and increase your understanding of how and why modern societies, institutions and economic systems function in the way they do.

LSE considers these programmes to be a key component of how we achieve our mission of making a positive difference to the world through bringing research-based knowledge to public problems, and are:

• Research driven
  LSE has the highest proportion of research rated as “world leading” of any UK university and this informs our programme design.

• Global perspectives

  The curriculum is designed to be international in scope.

• Multidisciplinary

  All courses and programmes are peer reviewed by an International Programmes Board of ten academics representing disciplines from across the School.

• Problem solving

  We design each degree to provide students with the additional knowledge and the ability to lead in solving problems which helps them to stand out from the crowd.

Welcome to the LSE community

Students on the EMFSS programmes are considered members of the LSE community and always welcome in London.

This includes:

• Reference access to the LSE library

  The world’s largest library specialising in social and political science

• Graduation reception at LSE
  Students and their families are invited to meet with LSE staff and academics in the historic Shaw Library at the LSE on the night before the graduation.

• LSE Summer School
  The LSE Summer School is recognised as a global leader, with over 80 academically rigorous courses on offer. It aims to challenge and inspire students through direct engagement with LSE’s world class faculty, with more than 270 full-time LSE academics teaching Summer School courses.

  EMFSS students receive a 15% discount on tuition fees to study at the LSE Summer School.

• Additional study abroad and transfer opportunities at LSE

  Students are able to apply for admission for The General Course, LSE's year-long study abroad programme as part of their University of London degree.

  Find out more about transfer opportunities and entry requirements

• Postgraduate scholarship
  Awarded annually to two individuals accepted for postgraduate study at LSE who have completed one of the degrees offered by the University of London Programmes, for which the LSE provides academic direction.

Graduation

The EMFSS programmes are all University of London qualifications. A degree from the University of London is recognised around the world and represents a tremendous personal achievement. 

On graduation, you will join a diverse, international community of influential University of London alumni, from leaders in business and industry to Nobel Prize winners.

University of London graduates are invited to attend a ceremony in London. Take a look at some past graduation ceremonies.