An equal split of politics and economics, LL12
LSE says the programme looks at politics and economics from a broad social science perspective and is divided equally between them. It lasts three years.
Undergraduate · LSE Politics and Economics
LSE Politics and Economics: an even split, with Mathematics required
LSE's BSc Politics and Economics divides its twelve units equally between politics and economics and requires A-level Mathematics. Its published grades are AAA, a step below LSE's Philosophy, Politics and Economics and Economics degrees, which ask for A* in Mathematics. That makes it a distinct choice rather than a lesser one: the programme is mathematically rigorous by LSE's own description, but shares its weight with politics. The decision is whether you want both disciplines in equal measure and how much quantitative work you are prepared for.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What LSE asks for in Politics and Economics
Taken from LSE's BSc 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.
AAA with Mathematics, or 38 IB points
The A-level requirement is AAA including Mathematics, and the contextual offer is AAB including an A in Mathematics. The IB requirement is 38 points overall including 766 at higher level, including Mathematics.
A-level Mathematics is required
There is no set subject combination, although A-level Mathematics or equivalent is required. LSE says Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject may be a less competitive combination than a broader mix.
A mathematically rigorous programme
LSE looks for strong mathematical abilities and quantitative skills, interest in current political issues, a willingness to read extensively and an ability to analyse data.
Quantitative methods in year 1
The first year includes two half-unit quantitative methods courses, in Mathematics and Statistics, alongside two economics and two politics courses.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc Politics and Economics programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's general entry requirements and English-language pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details 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 programme
Political theory and science, economic principles and econometrics
In the first year LSE has students take Introduction to Political Theory and Introduction to Political Science, Microeconomics I and Macroeconomics I, and two half-unit quantitative methods courses in Mathematics and Statistics, with LSE100. The second year continues with Microeconomics II and Macroeconomics II and two econometrics courses, plus two units of government options. In the third year students choose among economics and politics options, a government dissertation or options from outside the two departments. LSE says graduates go on to government, policy setting, the financial markets, consultancy and IT.
Which LSE degree?
Politics and Economics, PPE or Economics?
Avandy's LSE Philosophy, Politics and Economics and LSE Economics guides record those degrees' rules.
Choose Politics and Economics if
you want politics and economics in equal measure and are comfortable with a mathematically rigorous economics core, but do not want philosophy.
Choose PPE if
philosophy is part of what you want. Avandy's guide records A*AA with an A* in Mathematics.
Choose Economics if
economics is the whole aim. Avandy's guide records an A* in Mathematics and the compulsory TMUA.
Entry rules
AAA with Mathematics and a balanced subject mix
The A-level standard is AAA including Mathematics; the contextual offer is AAB including an A in Mathematics. The IB standard is 38 points with 766 at higher level including Mathematics. LSE looks at your combination of subjects as well as grades and expects at least two full A levels in traditional academic subjects. It says 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 additional admissions test. LSE's page shows 1,221 applications, an intake of 71 and a 17:1 ratio for 2025; these are historical figures, not a requirement or a prediction.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
Do you want both disciplines equally?
Half the units are economics, including econometrics, and half politics.
Is your Mathematics strong enough?
A-level Mathematics is required and the first year has a Mathematics quantitative methods course.
Is your subject mix balanced?
A broad mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects is the more competitive combination, according to LSE.
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 requirement 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 any admissions test for 2028 entry: awaiting publication
Check LSE's programme page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm A-level Mathematics and a balanced subject mix, and read the first-year politics and economics courses.
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 and mathematics and social-science mentoring; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write submitted work. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the LSE Politics and Economics entry requirements?
AAA at A level including Mathematics, or 38 IB points including 766 at higher level and Mathematics. This is LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
Is Mathematics required?
Yes. LSE says A-level Mathematics or equivalent is required.
How is it different from PPE?
It is divided equally between politics and economics with no philosophy, and asks for AAA where Avandy's PPE guide records A*AA with an A* in Mathematics.
Is there an admissions test?
The programme page lists no additional test. Check LSE's page for 2028 entry.
How many applicants does it have?
LSE's page shows 1,221 applications, an intake of 71 and a 17:1 ratio for 2025, historical figures only.
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 Politics and Economics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, their interest in political issues and whether the balance of politics and economics suits them, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.