Undergraduate · LSE Data Science
LSE's BSc Data Science is a strongly mathematical degree in the Department of Statistics. It asks for an A* in Mathematics, expects Further Mathematics where your school offers it, encourages but does not require the TMUA, and has no interview. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from LSE's official BSc Data Science programme page and its undergraduate How to apply page, read on 25 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.
LSE's A-level offer is A*AA, with an A* in Mathematics, and the contextual offer is A*AB with an A* in Mathematics. LSE asks for a strong pre-16 academic profile and a minimum of grade B (6) in GCSE English and Mathematics.
The IB Diploma offer is 39 points overall including 766 in Higher Level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches. The contextual IB offer is 38 points on the same pattern.
Where it is offered by your school or college, AS or A level Further Mathematics is expected to be taken and a grade A achieved. Mathematics at A level or equivalent is required and Further Mathematics is highly desirable.
Applicants are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). It is not mandatory, but a good performance may make an application more competitive.
LSE's How to apply page says LSE does not interview applicants for any of its programmes.
The UCAS code is N3UD and students study 12 units over three years plus LSE100. The programme brings together data science, machine learning, statistics and mathematics, with a strong mathematical focus.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on LSE's BSc Data Science programme page and undergraduate How to apply page, which describe 2027 entry. The 2025 application figures quoted in the guide are history, not a requirement. TMUA sittings and booking windows are cycle-specific and are not stated. Fees were not read.
The course
LSE says the BSc Data Science brings together the study of data science, machine learning, statistics and mathematics, with an emphasis on their real-world applications and impact on economics and society. The programme has a strong mathematical focus. In Year 1 students take four compulsory courses: Elementary Statistical Theory, Mathematical Methods, Programming for Data Science and Managing and Visualising Data, plus LSE100. This guide covers entry only; the later years were not read.
Reading the offer
The grades are A*AA, but the Further Mathematics wording is stricter than on most other LSE programmes.
A*AA with an A* in Mathematics at A level, or 39 IB points with 766 at Higher Level and a 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches. The contextual offers are A*AB and 38 points.
Where your school or college offers AS or A level Further Mathematics, LSE expects you to take it and achieve a grade A. It is highly desirable.
LSE says quantitatively oriented A levels such as Physics or Chemistry provide excellent preparation, although they are not mandatory.
LSE's IB wording names Mathematics: analysis and approaches for the 7.
The TMUA
LSE says applicants are encouraged to take the TMUA. The test is not mandatory, but a good performance may make an application more competitive. The TMUA's sittings and booking windows change each cycle and are not stated here: check LSE's programme page and the test provider's key dates.
The application
LSE says it does not interview applicants for any of its programmes. It considers the details on the UCAS form: predicted and achieved grades, subjects and combinations, the personal statement, the teacher's reference and educational circumstances. LSE says it looks for outstanding mathematical abilities, interests in data science and using programming to analyse data, involvement in related extra-curricular activities such as maths competitions or Olympiads, independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, creativity and flexibility in problem-solving, and self-motivation.
Context
LSE's page shows 482 applications for an intake of 20 for 2025, a ratio of 24:1. That is a historical figure about a past cohort. It is not a requirement and it does not predict any individual result.
Planning for 2028 entry
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.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. LSE has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check LSE's programme page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Plan Mathematics at the top grade, take Further Mathematics if your school offers it, and build programming and competition experience to show in the personal statement.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with LSE 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 programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A*AA at A level with an A* in Mathematics, or 39 IB points with 766 at Higher Level and a 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches. This is LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Where it is offered by your school or college, LSE expects you to take AS or A level Further Mathematics and achieve a grade A.
No. LSE encourages applicants to take it and says a good performance may make an application more competitive, but it is not mandatory.
No. LSE says it does not interview applicants for any of its programmes.
No. LSE says they provide excellent preparation but are not mandatory.
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
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Further Mathematics, any programming or competition experience, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
