A*AA with A* in Mathematics
The A-level requirement is A*AA with an A* in Mathematics, or an A* in Further Mathematics with an A in Mathematics. The contextual offer is AAA with an A in Mathematics.
Undergraduate · LSE Philosophy, Politics and Economics
LSE Philosophy, Politics and Economics: what actually distinguishes LSE PPE
LSE's PPE asks for Mathematics at A* because of its core economics courses, and it gives equal weight to philosophy, politics and economics for the first three years of a four-year programme. LSE says this is unlike most other PPE degrees. The page lists no admissions test, no required philosophy, politics or economics study, and a clear warning against overlapping subject choices. The question for an applicant is whether that structure suits them. 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
What LSE asks for in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Taken from LSE's BSc Philosophy, Politics 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.
The IB: 39 points, 766 at Higher Level, 7 in Mathematics
The IB Diploma requirement is 39 points overall, with 766 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics.
Mathematics is essential; the other subjects are open
Mathematics is essential because of the core economics courses. Further Mathematics is not required. You do not need to have studied Philosophy, Politics or Economics, but your subject choices should not overlap.
All three subjects for three years
LSE says its students study all three subjects for the first three years, with equal weight, unlike most other PPE degree programmes. The programme is four years, with 16 units plus LSE100.
A year abroad and a Capstone
You can study abroad for one year in the third year, and final-year students complete independent research and work with external organisations on the Capstone course.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's separate subject-combinations and contextual-admissions pages, English language requirements, fees, graduate-destination details 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
Equal weight for three subjects, and a final-year Capstone
LSE says the BSc PPE gives equal weight to philosophy, politics and economics and includes specially designed interdisciplinary courses. In the first year you take The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Political Science, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and LSE100, plus quantitative methods courses. The programme is four years and 16 units, which LSE says is unlike most other PPE degrees in that students study all three subjects for the first three years. A year abroad is possible in the third year, and in the final year students complete independent research and work with external organisations on the Capstone course. The Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method hosts the programme.
Choosing between courses
LSE PPE, or another PPE or politics degree?
A PPE choice is usually a choice between structures. The page itself points to the structural difference.
Choose LSE PPE if
you want all three disciplines at equal weight for most of the degree, are comfortable with mathematical economics and want a final-year project with an external organisation.
Look at Oxford PPE if
you want that course's own structure and admission process. The Oxford PPE guide on this site sets out its requirements, and this page does not compare the two in general terms.
Look at LSE International Relations if
your interest is the international system rather than an even three-way split. It is a separate LSE degree with its own guide and no Mathematics requirement.
Reading the offer
Mathematics at A*, and subject choices that do not overlap
The A-level standard is A*AA with an A* in Mathematics, and LSE says an A* in Further Mathematics with an A in Mathematics would be an acceptable alternative. LSE wants a good mix of subjects that show analytical and writing skills: typical choices include Economics, English, Government and Politics, History, languages, Philosophy, Sociology and Religious Studies. It asks that your subjects not overlap in content, giving Economics with Business Studies and English with Media Studies as examples, and says Critical Thinking is not part of the standard offer. A student offering Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject will be considered, ideally with an arts or humanities subject. The IB standard is 39 points with 766 at Higher Level and a 7 in Higher Level Mathematics.
Selection
No test on the page; the personal statement carries evidence of interest
LSE says it will look for evidence of your interests in the social sciences in your personal statement, and that it looks for an interest in philosophy, politics and economics and the links between them, an awareness of philosophical issues, an aptitude for quantitative learning, logical reasoning and independent thinking, and a willingness to read extensively. The page read lists no admissions test and no interview. The programme page also links to preliminary readings in philosophy, which is a useful place to start if you have not studied the subject.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Can you work with an economic model and a moral argument in the same week?
Try one of each on the same topic, such as the ethics and the economics of a tax. If both interest you, the structure suits you.
Is your subject mix free of overlap?
LSE names overlapping pairs to avoid. Check yours against them.
What have you read outside the syllabus?
A willingness to read extensively is on LSE's list, and philosophy readings are suggested. Choose something you can discuss with enthusiasm.
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, the Mathematics rule, the guidance on subject combinations and what LSE says it looks for: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. LSE has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
UCAS deadline and any change to selection arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check LSE's Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Secure Mathematics at A*, choose non-overlapping essay-based subjects and start reading across philosophy, politics and economics.
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 with reading across the three subjects, quantitative preparation and personal-statement planning helps a student prepare; Avandy does not promise an offer. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the LSE PPE entry requirements?
A*AA at A level with A* in Mathematics, or 39 IB points with 766 at Higher Level including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics. This is LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need Further Mathematics?
No. LSE says it is not required, although it provides helpful preparation.
Do I need to have studied Philosophy, Politics or Economics?
No. LSE says you do not need to have formally studied them previously.
How does LSE PPE differ from other PPE degrees?
LSE says its students study all three subjects for the first three years, with equal weight, which it describes as unlike most other PPE degree programmes.
Is there an admissions test or interview?
The page read lists neither. Check LSE's page for the current position.
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, Politics and Economics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, their essay-based 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.