A three-year BA, V146
Delivered by the Department of International History, with 12 units over three years plus LSE100.
Undergraduate · LSE History
LSE BA History: international history from the 15th century to now
LSE's BA History is distinctive for studying the past internationally: it spans the 15th century to the present and pays as much attention to developments within states as to the relationships between them. It asks for AAA or 38 IB points with 766 at higher level, sets no required subject (A-level History is not mandatory) and ends in a 10,000-word dissertation. The decision for an applicant is how an international-relations approach to history compares with a degree that mixes history and economics.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What LSE asks for in History
Taken from LSE's BA History programme page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; LSE's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
AAA, or IB 38 with 766
The standard A-level requirement is AAA and the IB requirement is 38 points including 766 at higher level.
No required subject
There is no set subject combination, and A-level History is not mandatory. Mathematics and Further Mathematics are considered with an essay-writing subject.
An international perspective
The programme spans the 15th century to the present day and covers developments within states and the relationships between them.
A 10,000-word dissertation
In the final year students research and write a dissertation on a topic of their choice.
Official sources
- London School of Economics and Political Science: BA History (undergraduate programme page)lse.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BA History programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's general entry requirements, the fees pages, the language-specialism detail and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no additional admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The degree
History with the world's states at its centre
LSE describes a wide choice of history courses covering virtually every region of the world and period, taught in the Department of International History, with options from other departments including a language specialism. Students take 12 units over three years plus LSE100; the final year combines three history options, or two plus an outside option, with a 10,000-word dissertation. This guide did not read the course lists.
Is it the right degree?
History, Economic History or a joint degree
LSE offers several neighbouring degrees. Avandy's comparison is general.
Choose BA History if
you want history in a global, state-and-relations frame with an essay-based method.
Choose Economic History if
you want history through economic questions. Avandy's LSE Economic History guide covers it.
Choose a joint degree if
you want history with politics or international relations. Avandy's LSE History and Politics guide covers one.
Entry rules
AAA, no set subjects and a broad mix
The standard A-level requirement is AAA and the IB requirement is 38 points including 766 at higher level. LSE says a broad mix of traditional academic subjects is the best preparation, typical choices include History, English, Economics, Government and Politics, Sociology, modern languages and Philosophy, and A-level History is not mandatory. This page states no test scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Do you enjoy comparing states and regions over centuries?
The programme spans the 15th century to the present.
Are you comfortable writing a 10,000-word dissertation?
It is part of the final year.
Does a language specialism appeal?
LSE lists one among the outside options.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules LSE has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means LSE published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means LSE has not yet published it.
Grades, subject requirements and the subject-mix guidance: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. LSE has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check LSE's programme page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the required subjects, read the programme's course structure and plan your preparation around it.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does LSE BA History require?
AAA at A level, or IB 38 points including 766 at higher level, in LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need A-level History?
No. LSE says A-level History (or equivalent) is not a mandatory subject.
Is there a dissertation?
Yes. In the final year students write a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice.
Can I study a language?
LSE says students can take options from other departments, including a language specialism.
Which department teaches it?
The Department of International History.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are LSE's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the programme page again when LSE publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about LSE History
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their essay subjects, their interest in international and global history and how this degree compares with Economic History, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.