LSE Economics (BSc) Entry Requirements

For 2027 entry, LSE asks for A*AA at A-level, with the A* in Mathematics, for BSc Economics (L101). You also need GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 6 or higher, and every applicant must sit the TMUA maths test. The contextual offer is A*AB, still with an A* in Maths.

If you've seen "AAA" quoted elsewhere, it's out of date or wrong: LSE's own 2027/28 course page says A*AA. The good news is that the rules are clear, and there are only a few moving parts. Here's each one, sourced from LSE's pages and checked on 24 September 2026.

What are LSE's Economics entry requirements for 2027?

LSE also considers your AS grades if you have them, and it accepts a range of other UK and international qualifications, which it lists on a separate page.

Do you need an A* in Maths for LSE Economics?

Yes. LSE is looking for "strong mathematical abilities", so A-level Maths is required and the A* in the offer has to be in Maths. Your other two A-levels need an A each.

LSE lists Economics, Physics, History, Chemistry, English, and Government and Politics as typical subject choices. Many students on the course have studied A-level Economics, but it's not required, so don't worry if your school doesn't offer it.

If you're taking four A-levels, LSE expects A*AA (with the A* in Maths) plus a pass in the fourth.

Do you need Further Maths for LSE Economics?

No, but it helps. LSE describes Further Maths as "desirable". If you take it, LSE accepts it alongside Maths and one other A-level, and says it would prefer that third A-level to be an essay-based subject. That gives the admissions team evidence of your writing as well as your maths.

Two details worth knowing:

• An A* in Further Maths with an A in Maths is an accepted alternative to the A* in Maths.
• If your school or college doesn't offer Further Maths, LSE says "you won't be disadvantaged as a result".

What GCSEs do you need for LSE Economics?

LSE asks for several GCSEs at grade 7 and 8 to 9, and as a minimum, grade 6 in English Language and Maths. It also looks at your overall GCSE profile, so the rest of your grades count too. If you've already sat your GCSEs, focus on what you can still influence: your A-level predictions and your TMUA preparation.

Does LSE Economics need the TMUA?

Yes. For September 2027 entry, the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is mandatory for BSc Economics (and for BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics). Every applicant has to take it.

LSE accepts either sitting but strongly encourages the first one. It only accepts results from your first sitting in each admissions cycle, even if you sit the test twice, so the October test isn't a practice run.

Some other facts from LSE's TMUA page:

• The test lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and has two parts.
• There's no pass or fail.
• It costs £78 in the UK or Ireland and £133 elsewhere. UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher.
• Results come through the Pearson VUE booking portal about six weeks after the test.

Does LSE make contextual offers for Economics?

Yes. The contextual A-level offer for Economics is A*AB with an A* in Mathematics. The Maths grade doesn't drop: LSE says you "must still meet any mathematics requirements" in the standard offer. The contextual IB offer is 38 points with 766 at higher level and 7 in Maths.

LSE's contextual admissions page currently describes the scheme for 2026 entry and says it may change for later years. Under the 2026 rules, you need Home fee status and at least one of these:

• being care-experienced
• being eligible for free school meals at any point in the previous six years
• living in a TUNDRA quintile 1 postcode (POLAR4 outside England)
• completing an intensive LSE widening participation programme, such as LSE Springboard, Thrive, Pathways to Law or Pathways to Banking and Finance
• completing any Sutton Trust Pathways programme

You don't need to do anything extra: LSE applies contextual offers from your UCAS application. LSE also has a separate, lighter measure called "contextual consideration". It isn't a lower offer, but it can help LSE confirm your place if you narrowly miss your grades, usually by one grade. Our guide to contextual offers explains how these schemes work across universities.

How many UCAS points is LSE's Economics offer?

LSE makes offers in grades, not UCAS points, so your points total can't stand in for the A* in Maths. Seeing the offer on the Tariff is still useful when you're comparing it with courses that do use points:

The contextual offer comes out lower:

To check your own predictions, try the predicted grades UCAS points calculator. Our wider page on LSE's UCAS points and entry requirements covers how LSE treats points across all its courses.

How competitive is LSE Economics?

LSE's course page shows 2,885 applications for an intake of 217, a ratio of about 13 to 1, labelled 2025. That's high, and it's why the TMUA and your GCSE profile matter as well as your predicted grades.

Don't let the ratio put you off if your predictions and maths are strong. A ratio counts every application, including those that don't meet the offer, so a strong, complete application is what gives you your chance.

How does LSE Economics compare with Warwick?

Warwick's BSc Economics (L100) is the most common comparison. Both ask for A*AA, but the details differ:

The biggest differences are the Maths grade and the TMUA. Warwick asks for an A in Maths rather than an A*, and its TMUA is optional. If you're strong at maths but not sure about an A*, that difference matters. See Warwick's UCAS points guide for the wider picture there.

When is the deadline for LSE Economics?

LSE's course page gives an application deadline of 13 January 2027, which is UCAS's main equal consideration date for 2027 entry (18:00 UK time). Remember the TMUA registration deadlines come much earlier, so sort the test first.

For more on how economics courses set offers across the UK, read our guide to UCAS points for economics. Before you apply, check LSE's course page once more: it's the final word on the requirements for your year.