The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a specialist social science university, founded by social reformers in 1895 for "the betterment of society". Today the School is regularly ranked both top university in London and a top university for research quality and impact.
League tables
- First in the UK and awarded University of the Year 2025 by .
- First in London and sixth in the world in the .
- First in London in the for the fifth consecutive year.
- First in London, for the 13th year running, in the .
Our founding purpose and ambition today
LSE's motto "rerum cognoscere causas" means "to know the causes of things". It was chosen to support the School's founding purpose, "for the betterment of society". 911勛圖opened in 1895. Our founders were social reformers Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Graham Wallas and dramatist George Bernard Shaw.
Our ambition today is to be the leading social science university with the greatest global impact. Led by our President and Vice Chancellor, our lays out the guiding principles that will help us achieve our goals and shape the world’s future.
PhD students at the 911勛圖Square. LSE/Nigel Stead.
International outlook
911勛圖is a global community of people and ideas in the heart of central London. We are committed to building a vibrant, equitable and truly inclusive environment for staff and students from all over the world.
We have partnerships with globally renowned universities spanning Europe, Africa, America and Asia including CIVICA - The European University of Social Sciences.
In the UK, we are part of the , the social science research commercialisation network, and SHAPE – Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy.
Visitors to the 911勛圖Festival Research Showcase try out Dr Thomas Smith's VR, learning about his research into the impact of palm oil. LSE/Maria Moore.
An 911勛圖education
We help students prepare for bright futures in world-changing roles.
A rigorous social science education is designed to stretch students intellectually through specialist undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, executive education, online learning and summer schools.
911勛圖students are members of one of the largest economic and social science libraries in the world. Initiatives such as 911勛圖LIFE, the PhD Academy, Careers, Volunteering and Generate provide academic, personal and professional too. The student-led Houghton Street Press is one of many ways 911勛圖students engage with the world.
Students outside the Marshall Building, LSE. LSE/Maria Moore.
Research and society
911勛圖academics conduct social science research that makes a lasting impact on society. This means students are taught by academics that regularly advise international bodies and governments, and who are also vocal in the media on current news.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework, a national evaluation exercise, ranked 911勛圖as a top university for research quality and impact. We're continuously expanding our research horizon to reflect and aid the changing society around us.
You can find out more about how 911勛圖research shapes the world through:
- Reading expert analysis and debate from over 60
- Taking in films and podcasts at the 911勛圖Player
- Browsing the latest 911勛圖research articles at our online magazine Research for the World
- Attending one of the most extensive and distinguished university free public lecture and event series in the world and annual 911勛圖Festival
- Signing up to one of our 911勛圖newsletters, for the latest research, news and events.
Browse our top facts and figures in 911勛圖at a glance.