A three-year BSc, VL12
Twelve units over three years plus LSE100, drawing on two departments.
Undergraduate · LSE IR and History
LSE International Relations and History: two departments, one degree
LSE's BSc International Relations and History combines two subjects: the changing dynamics between countries and the uneven distribution of power, money, welfare and knowledge on one side, and the historical developments that shaped states on the other. It draws on two departments, asks for AAA or 38 IB points with 766 at higher level and requires no set subject. The decision for an applicant is whether the joint degree suits them better than standalone International Relations.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What LSE asks for in International Relations and History
Taken from LSE's BSc International Relations and 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 one set subject combination, and A-level History is not required.
A caution on Mathematics-heavy mixes
LSE says Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject may be considered less competitive than a broader mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects.
A dissertation option
In the third year students take an additional option or a dissertation.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc International Relations and History programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's general entry requirements, the fees pages, the course lists 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
Power and history studied together
LSE says the degree combines the study of the nature of changing dynamics between countries with history courses that are distinctive for their international perspective, covering Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Britain. The first year has two compulsory courses and two options chosen from history, international relations, languages and outside options; later years take history and international relations courses of equal weight, ending with an option or a dissertation. This guide did not read the course lists.
Is it the right degree?
The joint degree or standalone International Relations
LSE offers neighbouring degrees. Avandy's comparison is general.
The joint degree fits if
you want theory and the historical record of international affairs together.
Standalone International Relations fits if
you want more space for IR theory and politics. Avandy's LSE International Relations guide covers it.
BA History fits if
you want history without the IR half. Avandy's LSE BA History guide covers it.
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. There is no one set subject combination, A-level History is not required and LSE favours a broad mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects. 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 want both theory and history?
Each carries equal weight in later years.
Is your subject mix broad enough?
LSE prefers a broad mix to a narrow one.
Would you take a dissertation?
It is one of the third-year choices.
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 International Relations and 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 required subject.
Is there a dissertation?
In the third year students take an additional option of their choice or a dissertation.
How many units?
Twelve units over three years, plus LSE100.
Is there an admissions test or interview?
The page lists none, so this guide states none.
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 International Relations and History
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their interest in history and international relations, their subject mix and how this joint degree compares with standalone International Relations, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.