THE SCHOOL 55
WHAT IS LSE? The London Stock Exchange?
LSE is often referred to as ‘the School’ by its students. This will probably confuse your friends at other universities, who refer to ‘the university’ or ‘the college’, and might assume you are living in the past somewhat. LSE is a social sciences institution renowned for its research and teaching. Officially, it is a specialist single-faculty constituent college of the University of London, making it one of a kind in the UK. Until recently, LSE awarded degrees in the name of the University of London but, from 2008 onwards, it now awards its own degrees. The School is a member of the Russell Group, the top 20 research institutions in the UK, and the unofficial ‘G5’ of British universities (the institutions that regularly finish in the Top 5 of League Tables). In examples of recent league tables, LSE was named the world’s 3rd best social
postgraduate ( 52.9 % in 2008-9 to be
students hail from Africa – something
sciences institution. While league tables
exact). In total, 70% of LSE students come
the School is trying to improve – and an
undoubtedly have problems of method-
from outside the UK ( 51 % from outside
even smaller proportion are from Wales
ology and receive a lot of criticism, they
the EU). Last year, female students ( 53 %)
(although it is unclear whether the
can used to wow friends and family, and
narrowly outnumbered male students.
School is going to remedy this).
“LSE IS A SOCIAL SCIENCES INSTITUTION RENOWNED FOR ITS RESEARCH AND TEACHING”
LSE offers an incredible public lectures
to win arguments. As for its students, the average undergraduate course at LSE has around 17 applicants for 1 place, although many are even more competitive. The top 10 employers of LSE graduates are mainly
programme throughout the year, so watch out for Heads of State or Government, top politicians, the biggest names in business, finance and economics and academics of the highest calibre who
investment banks, consultancy groups,
The largest single group of LSE students
speak regularly at LSE. If you ever see an
accounting firms, law firms and interna-
in terms of nationality are students from
expensive entourage of vehicles or a
tional organisations.
the UK (second place goes to the USA),
gathering of people with placards and
although at points LSE has more coun-
banners ready for a protest, it usually
LSE’s student population of around
tries represented among its students
means somebody important or contro-
9000 full-time students is generally 50%
than the UN. Sadly, only 2 % of LSE’s
versial is going to speak.