A* in Mathematics for all three
Economics, Finance and Data Science each ask for A*AA at A level with an A* in Mathematics.
A-level and IB planning · LSE
LSE Economics, Finance and Data Science: how each treats Further Mathematics
Three of LSE's most quantitative degrees ask for A*AA with an A* in Mathematics, and the IB equivalents with 7 in Mathematics, but they treat Further Mathematics differently. Economics calls it desirable and acceptable in combination with Mathematics and one other A level, Finance calls it desirable and says applicants are not disadvantaged if their school does not offer it, and Data Science expects it to be taken, with a grade A, where it is offered. The decision for a sixth-former is whether to take Further Mathematics, and which degree the answer points to.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What LSE asks for in Mathematics and Further Mathematics choices
Taken from LSE's entry requirements page and its BSc Economics, BSc Finance and BSc Data Science course pages 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.
Economics: Further Mathematics is desirable
It is acceptable with Mathematics and one other A level, and an A* in Further Mathematics plus an A in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative.
Finance: not disadvantaged without it
Further Mathematics is desirable, and LSE says applicants are not disadvantaged where it is unavailable.
Data Science: expected where offered
LSE expects AS- or A-level Further Mathematics to be taken, with a grade A, where the school or college offers it.
TMUA encouraged for Data Science
LSE encourages the Test of Mathematics for University Admission for Data Science but does not make it mandatory.
Official sources
- London School of Economics: Undergraduate entry requirementslse.ac.uk
- London School of Economics: BSc Economics (undergraduate course page)lse.ac.uk
- London School of Economics: BSc Finance (undergraduate course page)lse.ac.uk
- London School of Economics: BSc Data Science (undergraduate course page)lse.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's entry requirements page and its BSc Economics, BSc Finance and BSc Data Science course pages, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's other quantitative degree pages, the TMUA guidance beyond the quoted line, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The decision
The same Mathematics grade, three attitudes to Further Mathematics
LSE's programme pages are the source of subject rules. All three degrees ask for A*AA with an A* in Mathematics. Where they differ is Further Mathematics: Economics treats it as desirable and acceptable in combination with Mathematics and a third subject, preferably essay-based; Finance treats it as desirable and explicitly protects applicants whose schools do not offer it; Data Science treats it as expected where offered. A student whose school does not offer Further Mathematics should read the Finance and Data Science wording carefully.
Which degree?
Choosing by subject mix
Avandy's comparison is general and does not predict outcomes.
If you will take Further Mathematics
all three degrees accept it, and it is closest to what Data Science expects.
If your school does not offer it
LSE says you will not be disadvantaged for Finance, and Data Science applies its expectation only where it is offered.
If you want to read the full degree
Avandy's LSE Economics, Finance and Data Science guides cover each programme.
Entry rules
Grades, IB equivalents and the TMUA
Each degree asks for A*AA with an A* in Mathematics and, in the IB, 766 at higher level with a 7 in Mathematics; Data Science specifies the analysis and approaches course. LSE encourages the TMUA for Data Science, without making it mandatory. LSE also says its general guidance is that A-level Mathematics should be offered, and Further Mathematics where appropriate. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Does your school offer Further Mathematics?
Two of the three pages address that directly.
Is an A* in Mathematics realistic?
It is a stated condition for all three.
Would you take the TMUA?
LSE encourages it for Data Science.
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 rules and the TMUA position: 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 course pages for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Check whether your school offers Further Mathematics and read the three course pages.
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 subject-choice advice and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Do I need Further Mathematics for LSE Economics?
LSE calls it desirable and acceptable in combination with Mathematics and one other A level, and requires A-level Mathematics or equivalent.
Am I disadvantaged for Finance without Further Mathematics?
LSE says you will not be disadvantaged if Further Mathematics is not available at your school or college.
Does Data Science expect Further Mathematics?
LSE expects AS- or A-level Further Mathematics to be taken, with a grade A, where it is offered by your school or college.
What does the IB require?
For Economics, 39 points with 766 at higher level and 7 in Mathematics, in LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Is the TMUA required?
LSE encourages the TMUA for Data Science but says it is not mandatory.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are LSE's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course pages again when LSE publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about LSE Mathematics and Further Mathematics choices
Tell us about the student's curriculum, whether Further Mathematics is available to them and how each LSE degree treats it, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.