LSE - In Depth

Founded: 1895.

Structural features: Part of London University since 1900.

Site: Central London (just off Aldwych).

How to get there: Holborn and Temple underground stations; numerous buses.

Academic features: Unique concentration on economic and social sciences, taught in 18 departments.

Special features: Number of public lectures from leading figures from business, politics, academia. One-year courses for visiting international students. Unique international student body.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years (LLB with french law 4 years).

Library & information services: The library (also known as the British Library of Political & Economic Science) is a national social science research collection as well as the School's working library; over 1 million books, 10,000 current periodicals. Course collection: 92,000 volumes, with additional copies of more important course books. Shaw Library, collection of general literature. Growing electronic library. Annual expenditure on information provision, £205 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, 1000 points with access to internet (ratio workstations to students 1:6), 24 hour facility available. IT support from help desk, free tuition and help sheets; all major software packages supported. Introductory tours and courses on library and information services.

Study abroad: Under 1% spend a period abroad. Limited range of Erasmus exchange links. Careers: Information and advice service.

Student advice & services: Doctor, dentist, FPA, psychiatrist, nursing sister, chaplains, women's adviser, disabled students' adviser. Nursery with 24 places.

Amenities: SU with cafe, bar, shop, legal advice centre, newspaper and magazine; also ULU facilities in Malet Street. Sporting facilities: Sports grounds at New Malden; circuit-room, squash court and gymnasium on site.

Accommodation: Guaranteed for all first year undergraduates (including London-based), in LSE or London University residences. 2460 LSE places available, £54-£122 depending on facilities. Privately owned accommodation: rents £75-£140 per week.

Living expenses budget: £9000 for 9-month academic year (excluding tuition fees) recommended by School.

Term-time work: Part-time work accepted as financial necessity for some students. Work available in School library and environmental improvements.

Financial help: Total available £3.4 million for new graduate & undergraduate entrance awards, based on financial need and/or academic merit (dependent on scheme in place), assigned to self-financing students prior to course. £140,000 government funds, £405,000 own hardship funds for students facing unanticipated financial difficulties (following registration).