A three-year BSc, LV15
Taught jointly by LSE's philosophy and economics departments.
Undergraduate · LSE Philosophy and Economics
LSE Philosophy and Economics: argument and economics, without the politics
LSE's BSc Philosophy and Economics is taught jointly by two departments and pairs philosophical questions about ethics, science and justice with core economics courses. It requires A-level Mathematics but no prior study of Philosophy. Next to LSE's Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree, it drops politics and keeps the economics rigorous.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What LSE asks for in Philosophy and Economics
Taken from LSE's BSc Philosophy and Economics 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 with an A in Mathematics
The standard A-level requirement is AAA with an A in Mathematics; the contextual offer is AAB with an A in Mathematics.
IB 38 with 766 including Mathematics
The IB requirement is 38 points overall with 766 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics.
Mathematics required, Philosophy not
A-level Mathematics is required because of the economics courses; formal study of Philosophy is not needed.
Core economics courses
Students study philosophical questions alongside core courses in economics.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc Philosophy and Economics programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's general entry requirements, the fees pages 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
Philosophical questions beside core economics
LSE says the degree allows students to study philosophical questions alongside core courses in economics, engaging in debates on ethics, science and justice such as the nature of reality and what a fair society looks like. A-level Mathematics is required due to the nature of the economics courses.
Is it the right degree?
Against LSE PPE and single-subject degrees
The missing politics and the Mathematics rule are the differences.
Choose Philosophy and Economics if
you want philosophy and rigorous economics and have A-level Mathematics.
Choose LSE PPE if
you want politics as the third strand. Avandy's LSE Philosophy, Politics and Economics guide covers it.
Choose Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method if
you want philosophy of science and logic without economics. Avandy's guide to it covers that.
Entry rules
AAA with Mathematics
A-level applicants need AAA with an A in Mathematics. IB applicants need 38 points overall with 766 in higher level subjects including Mathematics. The page lists no additional test or interview. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Is A-level Mathematics in place?
It is required.
Do you want philosophy and economics, not politics?
That is the difference from PPE.
Do you enjoy written argument?
LSE looks for analytical and writing ability.
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 BSc Philosophy and Economics require?
AAA at A level with an A in Mathematics, in LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need A-level Philosophy?
No. LSE says applicants do not need to have studied it formally.
Is Mathematics required?
Yes, because of the economics courses; Further Mathematics is not required.
How does it differ from LSE PPE?
It has no politics strand.
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 Philosophy and Economics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, their interest in philosophical argument and how this degree compares with LSE PPE, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.