Undergraduate · LSE International Relations
LSE's BSc International Relations asks for AAA or IB 38 points with 766 at Higher Level and sets no required subject combination, though it prefers at least two traditional academic subjects. It notes that Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject may be a less competitive combination than a broader mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects. The page lists no admissions test, so the combination, the personal statement and the reference carry the application. Everything cycle-specific here is LSE's wording for 2027 entry; nothing below is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from LSE's BSc International Relations 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.
The A-level requirement is AAA, with a contextual offer of AAB. The IB Diploma requirement is 38 points overall, including 766 at Higher Level. The minimum GCSEs are English and Mathematics at grade B (6).
There is no set subject combination, although at least two traditional academic subjects are preferred. Typical choices include History, English, Economics, Government and Politics, Sociology, Geography, languages, Psychology and Philosophy.
LSE says Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject may be considered a less competitive combination than a broader mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects.
A genuine interest in international society, its institutions, governance, rules and relationships, a willingness to read extensively, an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views, and the capacity to work independently.
The programme analyses the functioning, history and theory behind the international system. UCAS code L250. A language specialism can be added to the degree certificate and transcript.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc International Relations programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's separate subject-combinations and contextual-admissions pages, English language requirements, fees, the applications and intake figures on the page (not used) and the 2028-entry values were not read or are not stated. The page read lists no admissions test and no interview, which is not the same as saying none is used.
The course
LSE says the programme analyses the functioning, history and theory behind the international system and the changing relationships between nations, looking at the implications of the uneven distribution of power, money, welfare and knowledge on foreign policies and international order. In the first year you take two compulsory International Relations courses, International Relations: Theories, Concepts and Debates and Contemporary Issues in International Relations, and choose between two history courses and an outside option, alongside LSE100 and a non-assessed course on studying international relations. You study 12 units over three years. LSE also offers an opportunity to add a language specialism to your degree certificate and transcript.
Choosing between courses
LSE's page does not compare itself with other degrees, but the choices it describes show what International Relations asks of you.
your questions are about states, institutions, war, cooperation, law and the distribution of power, and you want to read extensively and challenge conventional views.
you want philosophy and economics alongside politics. That is a separate LSE degree with its own guide in this series.
you want historical argument and political analysis at Oxford, with a mandatory test and a written essay. It is a different course with its own guide.
your main interest is markets and quantitative analysis rather than the international system.
Reading the offer
The A-level standard is AAA, with a contextual offer of AAB, and the IB standard is 38 points with 766 at Higher Level. LSE sets no required subject combination, but it prefers at least two traditional academic subjects and gives typical choices that are mostly essay-based. Its caution about Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject is worth taking seriously: it suggests that LSE looks for range, so a mathematically focused student should think about whether an essay-based subject belongs in their combination. Applicants also need a good spread of GCSEs, with at least a grade B (6) in English and Mathematics.
Selection
LSE says it considers each application carefully: academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades, subjects and subject combinations, the personal statement, the teacher's reference and educational circumstances. The page read lists no admissions test and no interview. LSE says it looks for a genuine interest in international society and its institutions, views and opinions on current and public affairs, a willingness to read extensively, intellectual curiosity and an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views. LSE also says competition for places is high and it cannot guarantee an offer even if you are predicted or achieve the standard requirements.
A decision framework
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Pick a recent international development, state a view, then argue the opposite from the evidence. This is close to what LSE says it looks for.
A willingness to read extensively is on the list. Be able to say what a book changed in your thinking.
If your subjects are narrow, consider what the combination says to a selector.
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 International Relations programme page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Choose a subject mix that shows range, read widely beyond the syllabus and practise defending a view on a current international issue.
Support
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 with reading, argument and personal-statement planning helps a student prepare; Avandy does not promise an offer, and LSE says competition for places is high. No outcome is promised.
Questions
AAA at A level, or 38 IB points including 766 at Higher Level, with no set subject combination. This is LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
LSE sets no combination but prefers at least two traditional academic subjects. Typical choices include History, English, Economics, Government and Politics, Sociology and languages.
LSE says Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject may be considered a less competitive combination than a broader mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects.
The page read lists neither. Check LSE's page for the current position.
No. LSE says it cannot guarantee an offer even if you are predicted or achieve its standard entry requirements.
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 essay-based and other subjects and their wider reading, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
