lse philosophy and economics personal statement

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Personal statements

Read the phrasing carefully.

Different institutions will phrase what they want to see in their personal statement differently, some examples (as of September 2013) and how you could break the wording down to ensure you address everything are below:

Example of application guidance from LSE:

You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study. 

Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing:

• Outline what are your academic interests specifically
• How they are related to the course.
• How do you see the course furthering these interests?
• Do you have previous experience of studying these areas?
• Was your undergraduate dissertation, major project or a group presentation relevant to the course or your academic interests?
•  Have you attended conferences, seminars or networking events outside your studies to increase your knowledge?
• What have you learnt recently,
• and how does this link to the course you are applying for?
• Perhaps you can link your academic interests to work experience you have gained?
• Purpose in undertaking graduate study  – Why are you applying for postgraduate study? This could be linked to discussing your academic interests, or perhaps you have a career orientated goal.
• Objectives in undertaking graduate study  – What do you hope to achieve by the end of your postgraduate study, whether educationally or professionally? If you have professional objectives, how will this course help you move towards your career goal?
• What else?  – you could also include some of the suggestions in the guidelines below, but make sure you address everything in their description.

Example of application guidance from SOAS:

Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words. It should include the reasons why you are interested in the programme, highlight your relevant experience and suitability for the programme as well as future plans. 

• Why you are interested in the programme  – Look at the course content carefully to decide what it is that most interests you in the programme content-wise. Discuss any relevant research or coursework you might have done in the past, and include technical language or language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.
• Relevant experience  – think back to your work experience, extracurricular activities and voluntary experiences and reflect upon relevant projects you might have worked on, tasks you were set or research you conducted that demonstrates relevance to the course. You might not feel you have this experience yet, but perhaps you have worked in a relevant sector and you could show your technical and commercial understanding.
• Suitability for the programme  – Think about the skills you might need to succeed in this programme. What is your experience that makes you suitable for the programme? Perhaps you will reflect on study or research skills that you have gained, or maybe you’ll need strong negotiation, communication or presentation skills which you gained through mooting or as a student representative? If you can show you were engaged with your undergraduate university’s community then this might be a good place to mention what you did.
• Future plans  – What are your career aspirations and how do you see the course furthering these?

Writing a personal statement

If they do not specify what to include in your personal statement, areas you might want to include are below. There is no set order of when to mention what but starting your personal statement with your most relevant point is advised.

Motivations

• Why are you applying for the programme?
• What do you hope to gain from the programme?
• What is it that interests you about the subject? Can this be related to your previous education or work experience (see below)?
• What are your career aspirations and how will this course help you achieve them?

Educational experience and commercial knowledge

• Do you have past education that gives you the knowledge base you need for the course?
• Is your undergraduate dissertation relevant? Tell the tutor about it and the research methods you used (especially if applying for a research masters).
• Perhaps you like to keep up with current news in the sector you hope to go into. You could mention a topical issue and discuss how you see the course furthering your understanding.

Work experience

• Have you gained work experience in a field relevant to the course or relevant to your career ambitions? Can you link this experience to your motivation to wanting to continue studying in this field?
• Tell the tutor about this experience and reflect on how this could help with the course or use it as an example of your motivation for continued study in a related area.
• If you are a mature student returning to study, why are you returning? Are you looking to make a career change? Why, and how, do you expect the course will support your new ambition?

Other experience

• Include your extracurricular and voluntary experience too. Tutors want rounded people on their course; show that you engaged in university life during your undergraduate course or that you gained some relevant skills or experiences through volunteering.

Anything else

• You can outline your main achievements, awards or successes in competitions. Think about the course you are applying for and if there is anything they might be particularly impressed by.
• Mention relevant summer schools, overseas study or conferences/ short courses you might have attended that are related to the course.

Other circumstances

• Deferred entry – if you would like to start the course the following year explain to the course tutor what you will be doing with the next year.

Final checks

• Spelling and grammar – this will give the course tutor an idea as to your writing skills, so ensure there are no mistakes.
• Abbreviations and acronyms – explain any you have used.
• Content structure – ensure the paragraphs make sense and that the document flows well. Don’t repeat yourself by revisiting an experience or educational point.
• Don’t write a narrative of your life, from leaving school to current day.
• Be positive; don’t use negative language i.e. Although I have little experience of…
• Adhere to the word count (where applicable) or if there isn’t one, keep your statement to two to three pages of A4.

If you are already a student at LSE and would like LSE Careers to check your personal statement before you submit it please  make an appointment for a careers discussion  on CareerHub. It is also advised that if your application is fairly technically subject specific that you get an academic to check the content for accuracy.

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Philosophy, Politics and Economics Personal Statement (Edmund Kong)

Edmund Kong is currently studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the London School of Economics. Edmund completed his A-Levels at Sunway University and is graduating in 2023.  This personal statement was part of his successful application to  and LSE, King’s College London  and University of Warwick  for PPE. 

Stepping into my father’s BMW, I watched as my rural Malay friends got on their motorcycles, heading back to their villages. National Service had ended, and now we were heading for two different worlds. For me, tertiary education overseas. For them, education had ended. This was it.

Startled by the chasms of inequality that locked us into two different worlds, I resonated with the idealism of Marxism in my online Politics course, decrying inequality in all its forms as morally reprehensible. But rethinking that ethical judgement after reading Piketty’s “Capital”, I wondered, “What was morally wrong about inequality, when absolute poverty was not involved?”. Those lagging behind in OECD countries were not starving, they were just not as rich as others. But studying Malaysia lead me to conclude that inequality, mattered.

Malaysia’s strong and centralized state spared her the ugly fates of other nations in “Why Nations Fail”, and we developed rapidly instead. But growth still came from extractive institutions. The ruling elite’s economic clout swelled in this period, allowing it to dispense patronage, buy out media outlets and engage in corruption, monopolizing power. Watching a party official buy votes from hundreds in rural areas during my time in the Service, I concluded that while extractive institutions breed inequality, inequality sustained extractive institutions, locking us in a vicious cycle.

Statistical analysis from A level Math helped my study of economic data, revealing rising interracial inequality, isolating races along class lines and entrenching communalism in Malaysia. Unlike the nations that fell apart from racial conflict, communalism was mediated by the ruling party, which resembled Lijphart’s consociational model. But the party saw an opportunity to cement its grip on power. Instead of minimising conflict, it stoked racial economic insecurities, creating a state of perpetual, but managed conflict, so that its role as the Grand Mediator was indispensable. Fearing chaos, everyone kept the mediator who sow the seeds of discord around indefinitely. Inequality exacerbated communalism, forcing us to adopt consociationalism, a formula monopolized by a single corrupt party that made sure there were no alternatives to it.

Studying the Rohingya Genocide through an International Relations Conference showed me how high the risks for miscalculation were with the party’s tactics. But stories of pregnant children also reminded me of Ivan Karamazov’s passionate indictment, leading me to doubt if God existed. I was still unsure after reading T.J.Mawson’s “Belief in God”, given the plethora of arguments from evil. Ruminating on the Problem of Evil after reading Mark S.M. Scott’s “Pathways in Theodicy”, I realized that there was also an important question of our response to evil. The prevalence of evil required Philosophy, Politics and Economics to join forces to identify evil, the structures engendering it and to call out moral actors responsible. To respond to evil, I needed all three.

To understand these responses, I joined and won regional Debating and Public Policy competitions adjudicated by the World Bank and EY, sharpening my reasoning skills. After regime change, I lead a national student lobby that secured increased financial aid for education despite an austere climate. Articulating our arguments on mainstream and “New Media”, securing bipartisan support in Parliament, drafting papers that equipped a Minister to convince the Prime Minister, winning his support; these experiences helped me to forge stellar writing and verbal skills, but more importantly, strengthened my resolve to study our political and economic structures with their underlying ethical frameworks.

A spectre of oppression now hovers over Southeast Asia. But studying PPE will allow me to defend Malaysia, a beachhead for our region’s fight, for the freedom that never came.

DISCLAIMER:  The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. There is no surefire formula to writing good personal statements.  COLLEGELAH IS STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND .  UCAS employs a plagiarism check system  that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please  DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

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• Philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) personal statements

Personal Statement:Politics, Philosophy and Economics PPE 15

Politics, philosophy and economics personal statement.

I believe the three strands of Politics, Philosophy and Economics can combine to help to explain many of the events that take place in the world today, and it is my wish to increase my understanding of these events that has drawn me to this course. While my subject choices at A-Level are mostly scientific, I believe my interest in Mathematics and Physics comes from the same wish to fully understand the world we live in, constantly requiring the asking of questions to enable this, and also providing me with the analytical approach necessary to tackle any argument thoroughly. In the scientific subjects this process tends to result in the definite derivation of an answer, however reading and thinking about the points made in Thomas Nagel’s What does it all mean? allowed me to consider a question knowing that there can be no definitive answer, while still striving to fully examine each argument, and trying to find ways of validating or disproving any such argument, an opportunity I relished.

One area I am particularly keen to look into more is the development of Communist regimes around the world, such as in the USSR and China. Although the Communist party is in power today in the latter, internationally there is opposition to its apparent human rights abuses. However, it’s also one of the emerging BRIC economies, and it would be interesting to look into whether it’s economically Communist as well, in order to see if this success is down to Communism. John Stuart Mill said in his Principles of Political Economy that he thought Communism was just as valid a concept as Capitalism, but the success of either was dependent on their “futurity”, how they developed as time went on. Economically, the USSR often stagnated, so if China has abandoned or weakened the role of Communist economic principles it could be an aspect that needed to change in order to preserve political Communism. I would be interested in looking in depth into the original Marxist theory, to see if the alleged repression in countries such as China, Laos and Vietnam is due to interpretation of it, while also looking into how it has developed over time in its implementations across the world.

I am a regular reader of The Economist and The Times, and often try to find out more about current events in order to try and understand the background events leading up to any such developments. My natural interest in these events led me to take the Extended Project Qualification, where I looked at whether euthanasia ought to be made legal in Britain, due to the ongoing debate in the media. The work I did allowed me to study further the ethical arguments behind the issue, and decide on my own opinion. The project helped to develop my skills when it comes to research and self-motivation, and personally found it all the more rewarding because I was so interested in the problem of how to provide clear legislation on ethical matters, when so often each case affected has individual circumstances, that may change how moral any one example is seen to be.

Outside of lessons, I am keen helper in several voluntary schemes. I help with Year 6 Maths lessons at a local primary school, and each weekend I volunteer at a charity shop. I find this work gratifying, and would like to continue taking part in charity work at University. I also completed Grade 4 piano a few years ago, and now continue playing contemporary music. I am employed as a Lunchtime Supervisor in school.

Overall, it is during the last two years of school that my desire to take my long-standing interest in philosophy, politics and economics to a higher level became apparent. In History I have most enjoyed studying the evolution of the schools of thought of Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism, and it is this that has increased my aspiration to look deeper into political and economic thought and its development internationally throughout the centuries.

Universities Applied to:

• Oxford (PPE) - Offer (AAA) Firm
• Lancaster (PPE) - Offer (AAB) Insurance
• Durham (PPE) - Offer (A*AA)
• Exeter (Philosophy and Political Economy) - Offer (AAA)
• Warwick (PPE) - Rejection

Grades Achieved:

• History (AS) - A
• Maths (AS) - A
• Further Maths (AS) - A
• Physics (AS) - B

General Comments:

Comments on the statement:.

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Economics & politics personal statement example 1.

My perception of the world changed on September the 11th 2001, when I returned home from school to find that a terrorist organisation had attacked the World Trade Centre.

The attack destroyed my feeling of security, provoking me to probe and question the world around me in a way I hadn't before and sparking my interest in current affairs.

The importance of political decisions and economics soon became apparent, how can the two disciplines be overlooked, when almost every issue or headline from the food on our table to the death of thousands in a terrorist attack, is related to one or both of the subjects?

My favourite area of economics is macro; I particularly enjoy comparing and evaluating the different tools and management strategies that the government can use in controlling the economy.

It is interesting to assess not only how different ideas affect the economic climate, but also the political reasons and repercussions of such decisions.

I keep up to date with developments within the subject by regularly reading The Economist and David Smith in The Times.

For me, one of the most interesting features of Economics is the way in which the theory can be applied to the very simple situations, for example the way that Steven Levitt is able to compare the Klu Klux Klan to Estate agents in his book Freakonomics. However, I look forward to using the skills that I have gained in Mathematics for the more complex, like game theory, at degree level.

Reading books like 'The Wealth and Poverty of Nations' by David Landes has opened my eyes to the global inequality of wealth, and the negative effect that groups like the WTO have on 3rd world countries.

I have campaigned to 'Make Poverty History', improving my presentation skills while gaining greater insight into Wyn Grant's ideas on pressure groups by presenting assemblies to the lower school and volunteering in Oxfam. My team work and organisational skills were developed while working as a group of Charity Committee representatives who were asked to organise a human 'Make Poverty History' band around Salisbury Cathedral.

Learning about the reforming agenda that Tony Blair introduced to his party in 1997 motivated me to get involved with the Labour party on the less glamorous local level, and so I have gained insight into local and regional meetings.

I enjoyed outlining ideologies like the 3rd Way and conservatism in my AS course, it was interesting to study the core ideas and beliefs behind policy, so developed my understanding by reading 'Political Ideologies: an introduction' by Andrew Heywood.

I was lucky enough to be invited to represent my school at the 2005 Dicey Conference at Trinity College Oxford. The two day conference allowed me to explore one of my favourite topics, 'Who rules the UK?', with significant figures and aware students from all over the country. It strengthened my opinion that power and influence has moved from directly accountable institutions like Parliament and the Cabinet to less democratic bodies like the city and the media.

This opportunity to discuss with a spectrum of different opinions is mirrored in my school life, where I am an active member of the Debating Society and get the chance to talk to and grill guest speakers at Politics Society.

I have been involved in a unique Student Research programme, where I have led a team of yr 7's towards a presentation to the staff on what we think makes the perfect lesson. In investigating lesson structure, I have gained essential research and presentation skills as well as growing a lot more active in my own learning.

I have proved how committed and responsible I am, while perfecting my teamwork and leadership skills by taking on the roles of Head of the Sixth Form Council, a Head of House and a Senior Prefect.

I feel that my passion for both Politics and Economics makes me worthy of a place on a joint course, and I look forward to getting involved in both academic and social aspects of university life.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Shane_Garvin for application in 2006.

Shane_Garvin's university choices London School of Economics The University of Durham University of Bristol University of Bath The University of Manchester Cardiff University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Shane_Garvin's Comments

As you can see from my UCAS choices, I got offfers to study economics and politics at Durham, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester and Bath. I've accepted an offer from LSE to study Government and Economics. Not really sure if this is an economics or politics statement - it's pretty equal in both!

Related Personal Statements

Tue, 29/08/2006 - 00:00

This is excellent. It is very detailed, and not at all cliched or waffley. Has a catching intro. I liked the way he didnt talk about boring extra currics for ages- but just mentioned them to show hes an all rounder.

I agree that it is good, but

Fri, 01/09/2006 - 00:00

I agree that it is good, but I would disagree with the previous comment that it isnt cliched... using 9/11 as an opening seems to me the ultimate cliche.

Some very strong points

Fri, 08/09/2006 - 00:00

Some very strong points indeed

Excellent personal statement.

Tue, 24/10/2006 - 12:36

Excellent personal statement.. very detailed and clear..

Sun, 29/10/2006 - 21:06

Very good opening. After scanning the introductions of the statements under Politics, this was the only one that really caught my attention.

returned home to find a terrorist group attacked..

Tue, 13/03/2007 - 20:30

oh boy! he is in for a big shock when he realises it was the government who carried out the attacks on the world trade center and that his own country have been involved in government sponsored terrorism for the past 40 years, the same government who murdered dr david kelly and is sturring up the violence in iraq, you have it all to learn. Great personal statement but are you sure you are ready for all of this?

wow london school of

Mon, 19/03/2007 - 12:32

wow london school of economics is one of the best in the world! awesome, hope it goes well for ya

Didn't like the opening, but

Sun, 20/05/2007 - 23:34

Didn't like the opening, but loved the rest. 9/11 is so tired.

Sun, 03/06/2007 - 17:54

Very useful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best of luck in future!!!!!!!!!

i was under the impression

Wed, 13/06/2007 - 20:41

i was under the impression that personal statements were only supposed to be 1500 characters, in which case this is rather long...am i right?

yes you are right.. about

Wed, 20/06/2007 - 13:40

yes you are right.. about 1400 characters with spaces

Tue, 10/07/2007 - 13:40

i think that a ucas statement

Mon, 20/08/2007 - 16:35

i think that a ucas statement is allowed 4000 characters, that's what i've been told

Actually he only got 12 GCSEs

Tue, 21/08/2007 - 12:51

Actually he only got 12 GCSEs, they are just all repeated, and the grades aren't really that good either, having just two A*s. Very good personal statement though and I assume it was backed by some good AS results.

Sun, 02/09/2007 - 18:38

i liked the personal staemnet but the writer overused "I" which is not advised. about 9/11 different introduction than the ones published over here but it got old!

one thing that i liked is the refrence to freakonomics my favourite economics's book adn my favourite section about the ku klux klan!

Amazing personal statement!!

Wed, 05/09/2007 - 10:18

Amazing personal statement!! may i know what A-levels u did?

Sat, 08/09/2007 - 16:10

i agree with "came back from school..." before accusing anyone, you need to know who organized the attack on world trade center. u need to more learn, or maybe do researches...great PS>> GL in politics life. and PS should be about 1000 characters i reckon

thtas just emotional

Tue, 18/09/2007 - 09:09

thtas just emotional blackmail

what did u get for ur 'A'

Fri, 12/10/2007 - 15:18

what did u get for ur 'A' levels?

Sun, 14/10/2007 - 20:57

It's an okish statement.. Need to improve, I wouldn't copy any of it lol

it's convincing...

Sun, 28/10/2007 - 15:19

Just shows you don't need amazing GCSE's to get in LSE. His really were not the usual standard LSE accept.

Thu, 15/11/2007 - 05:52

i like a ps where the emphasis is on the subject-what interests you about, and where you see yourself going with it. Sure, extra curricular stuff is great but your subject has to be dominant.

I'd suggest that this is

Fri, 07/12/2007 - 12:24

I'd suggest that this is actually a very good statement. His GCSE's are not the best but are still a good set of results. The fact the he isn't 'up to LSE's normal standards' would lead me to think his personal statement must be very effective to score him a place at both LSE and five other good universities.

PS: With respect to '9/11'

Fri, 07/12/2007 - 12:27

PS: With respect to '9/11' being very tired, writing personal statements should be focused on being very honest about why you're passionate about the course you want to do. If that's why you want to study a subject, why not include it?

Let the admissions officers decide if it is 'tired' or 'cliched'.

awesome baby!!!

Thu, 10/07/2008 - 09:47

not 24 gcses

Thu, 17/07/2008 - 21:48

not 24 gcses hes accidentally pasted them twice- lol

You have an amazing PS.

Fri, 22/08/2008 - 01:55

Not to take away your thunder or whatever but can everyone comment on my PS. No one has commented on it and it's my first draft and I would like some opinions. It's the last one in the Politics category titled, First Draft..Politics/International Relations/SP.

is good wonder if 911 was

Tue, 02/09/2008 - 21:25

is good wonder if 911 was necessary? better talk about self no?

it's soo long

Fri, 12/09/2008 - 17:27

I am a canadian student.. and apparently UCAS will now only allow 4000 characters. so although this is a very good personal statement.. how did you fit it in.. or have the rules changed>????

didn't like the 9/11 into.

Sun, 14/09/2008 - 15:56

didn't like the 9/11 into. Rest was clear and concise. Overall pretty good.

this is brilliant

Tue, 23/09/2008 - 09:48

to be honest this ps really scared me, dont think mine is that good, and im applying to LSE!!! I'd like to your AS/AL grades though.

Wed, 16/09/2009 - 12:27

YOU GUY YOUR TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WACK

DID YOU GO TO UNIVERSITY OF WACKBRIDGE?

Party Politics

Wed, 15/09/2010 - 14:25

Glad to see you mention your work in the party; some people had warned me to keep away from my partisan support for Labour - but considering it is a clear display of ones passion for politics I will be sure to mention it.

Mon, 15/11/2010 - 20:41

Incredible opening!!!!

Tue, 23/07/2013 - 19:48

Appreciate you sharing, great blog post. Will read on...

Add new comment

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• Undergraduate
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BSc Politics and Economics

• Department of Government
• UCAS code LL12
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

The study of politics involves analysis of the ways in which individuals and groups define and interpret political issues and seek to shape government decisions. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities relating to public affairs, from elections and bureaucracies to wars and terrorism.

Economics takes an open-minded and scientific approach to consider broad-ranging real world issues such as why, as economies grow richer, people are often not any happier. Economics at LSE is mathematically rigorous, and you should have aptitude for and enjoyment of mathematics, along with a strong analytical ability.

This programme combines the two complementary fields of economics and politics in a joint honours programme, with around half of the programme in each field. You will learn political concepts and theories, will compare political phenomena in a variety of cultures and countries, and answer broad theoretical questions about the political world. You will also gain a thorough grounding in the analytical methods of economics and will learn to apply these methods to a diverse range of problems.

Visit the  Department of Government Virtual Undergraduate Open Day page  to find out more about studying in the department, access virtual resources and watch event recordings from our Virtual Undergraduate Open Day. 

This programme was previously known as BSc Government and Economics.

Programme details

For information about tuition fees, usual standard offers and entry requirements, see the sections below.

Entry requirements

Below we list our entry requirements in terms of GCSEs, A-Levels (the entry requirements should be read alongside our A-level subject combinations information) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We accept a wide range of other  qualifications from the UK  and from  overseas .

GCSEs A strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9) GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades should be no lower than B (or 6) We also consider your overall GCSE subject profile

A-levels* AAA, including Mathematics We also consider your AS grades, if available.

Contextual admissions A-level grades** AAB (including A in Mathematics)

IB Diploma 38 points overall, including 766 at higher level, including Mathematics

Contextual admissions IB grades** 37 points overall, including 666 at higher level, including Mathematics

*Read our A-level subject combinations information below.

**Read our  UG Admissions Information  to learn more about contextual admissions.

A-level subject combinations

• We consider the combination of subjects you have taken, as well as the individual scores.
• We believe a broad mix of traditional academic subjects to be the best preparation for studying at LSE and expect applicants to have at least two full A-levels or equivalent in these subjects.
• For the BSc Politics and Economics we are looking for academic students with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the social and political sciences. 
• There is no one ideal subject combination, but A-level Mathematics or equivalent is required, and common sixth form subject choices include Government and Politics; History; English; Economics; Sociology; Philosophy, Languages and Mathematics.
• If you have taken Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject at A-level, this may be considered less competitive for this programme.

Find out more about A-level subject combinations .

Competition for places at LSE

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you are predicted or if you achieve the grades that meet our usual standard offer, this will not guarantee you an offer of admission. Usual standard offers are intended only as a guide, and in some cases applicants will be asked for grades which differ from this.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background. The programme guidance below should be read alongside our general  entrance requirements   information.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on the UCAS application form, including your:

- academic achievement  including predicted and achieved grades (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information) - subjects and subject combinations  (see 'Entry requirements' for programme specific information) - personal statement  (see below for programme specific information) - teacher’s reference - educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.  See our English language requirements page .

Personal characteristics, skills and attributes

For this programme, we are looking for students who demonstrate the following skills:

- strong mathematical ability and quantitative skills - awareness of and genuine interest in current political issues - an ability to read extensively - an ability to analyse data - an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views - initiative - good communication skills - excellent time management skills - intellectual curiosity - motivation and capacity for hard work - an equal interest in both subjects

Personal statement

In addition to demonstrating the above personal characteristics, skills and attributes, your statement should be original, interesting and well-written and should outline your enthusiasm and motivation for the programme.

You should explain whether there are any aspects of particular interest to you, how this relates to your current academic studies and what additional reading or relevant experiences you have had which have led you to apply. We are interested to hear your own thoughts or ideas on the topics you have encountered through your exploration of the subject at school or through other activities. Some suggestions for preliminary reading can be found above in the preliminary reading section, but there is no set list of activities we look for; instead we look for students who have made the most of the opportunities available to them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their intended programme of study.

You can also mention extra-curricular activities such as sport, the arts or volunteering or any work experience you have undertaken. However, the main focus of an undergraduate degree at LSE is the in-depth academic study of a subject and we expect the majority of your personal statement to be spent discussing your academic interests.

Please also see our general guidance about writing personal statements.

Fees and funding

Every undergraduate student is charged a fee for each year of their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees

Home students: The 2024 tuition fee for new Home students is £9,250 per year. The Home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.

Overseas students:

The 2024 tuition fee for international students is £27,192. The overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2024 onwards.

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School. 

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships to UK, EU and overseas students. 

In addition, UK Government support, in the form of loans, is available to UK and some EU students. Some overseas governments also offer funding.

Further information on tuition fees, cost of living, loans and scholarships

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do. 

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students .

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page).

2) Go to the International Students section of our website.

3) Select your country.

4) Select ‘Undergraduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. 

In your first year  you will take two half unit economics courses, two politics courses and two half-unit quantitative methods courses. In addition, you will also take LSE100.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Introduction to Political Theory Examines the foundations of Western political thought, followed by modern political theory.

Introduction to Political Science Examines the comparative analysis of a range of political phenomena, including the forms of states and regimes, theories of elections and voting, political ideologies, the causes and consequences of democracy, and the management of the economy. 

Microeconomics I * This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Macroeconomics I * This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) * Develops the basic mathematical tools necessary for further study in economics and related disciplines. Quantitative Methods (Statistics) * Develops elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics.

LSE100 * A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.

Second year

In the second year you study courses in econometrics and further courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. In addition you will take two courses from a range of Government options.

Microeconomics II * This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Macroeconomics II * This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Econometrics I * Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.

Econometrics II * Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics and the practice of empirical research in economics.

Courses to the value of two units from a range of Government options

In the third year you choose between a range of economics and politics optional courses, including a Government Dissertation and outside options.

One government option  to the value of one unit

One economics option  to the value of one unit

Either One economics option  to the value of one unit Or One government option  to the value of one unit Or One outside option  to the value of one unit

Either Government Dissertation Or One government option  to the value of one unit Or One economics option  to the value of one unit Or An outside option to the value of one unit

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant  School Calendar page .  

Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the  Language Centre webpages

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated undergraduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

Format and contact hours:  Teaching involves lectures and classes. Lectures are given by full-time members of staff. Classes are led by teaching fellows, who may either be recent doctoral degree recipients or PhD students. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide . Classes usually focus on more detailed discussion of the issues arising from lectures, and learning how to present and critique arguments. Classes are held in small groups of at most 15 students. 

Below is an idea of the amount of time you should allocate to your degree programme study:

Formal contact hours: - four one-hour lectures per week during the Michaelmas and Lent Terms - four hours of classes per week Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the  Calendar  within the Teaching section of each  course guide .

Independent study: - aim to do approximately four hours of study (reading preparation and writing) for every formal contact hour - this equates to around 30 hours of independent study per week

Academic support

Academic mentor:  You will have an academic mentor who will meet you at regular intervals to discuss your work and offer guidance and assistance with both academic and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Other academic support:  There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

Disability and Wellbeing Service:  LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Your timetable

• The standard teaching day runs from 09:00-18:00; Monday to Friday. Teaching for undergraduate students will not usually be scheduled after 12:00 on Wednesdays to allow for sports, volunteering and other extra-curricular events. 
• The lecture and seminar timetable is published in mid-August and the full academic timetable (lectures/seminars and undergraduate classes) is published by mid-September and is accessible via the  LSE Timetables webpages .
• Undergraduate student personal timetables are published in LSE for You (LFY). For personal timetables to appear, students must be registered at LSE, have successfully signed up for courses in LFY and ensured that their course selection does not contain unauthorised clashes. Every effort is made to minimise changes after publication, once personal timetables have been published any changes are notified via email.

Formative unassessed coursework:  All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the teaching and learning experience at the School. Class teachers must mark formative coursework and return it with feedback to you normally within two weeks of submission (when the work is submitted on time).

Summative assessment   (assessment that counts towards your final course mark and degree award):  Summative assessment will vary from course to course but may involve a written examination, assessed essays, a dissertation or in-class assessment. Please note that assessment on individual courses can change year to year. You will also receive feedback on any summative coursework you are required to submit as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on the final version of submitted dissertations). You will normally receive this feedback before the examination period. 

An indication of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant  course guide .

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small there are a range of people you can speak to and who will be happy to help.

Academic mentors  – an academic member of staff who you will meet with at least once a term and who can help with any academic, administrative or personal questions you have. (See Teaching and assessment).

Academic support librarians  – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies.

Accommodation service   - they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to a specific course you are taking.

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – the staff are experts in long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme,  arranging  exam adjustments  and run groups and workshops.

IT help   – support available 24 hours a day to assist with all of your technology queries.

LSE Faith Centre  – home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre   – the centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in 9 languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ - with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your future career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights.

LSE Library   -   Founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and it’s a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide.

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom, offer one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision, and provide drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment).

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.

Sardinia House Dental Practice   -   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.

St Philips Medical Centre   -   based in Pethwick-Lawrence House the centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.

Student societies and activities 

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.

Life in London

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget .

Student stories

Martina beďatšová.

BSc Government and Economics Trenčín, Slovakia

I love the fact that this programme combines quantitative and qualitative courses and gives me a chance to apply different ways of thinking. I particularly enjoy using a scientific approach to study things that are related to politics and ultimately impact on the wellbeing of all of us.

Chiou Yih Lee

The two disciplines complement each other very well and the range of courses we take leads to a deeper understanding of key concepts. We are taught theory and its application in relation to current issues, which makes class discussions very intellectually rewarding.

Preliminary reading

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

The general character of politics

J Colomer  The Science of Politics: an introduction  (Oxford University Press, 2011)

R Goodin  The Oxford Handbook of Political Science  (Oxford University Press, 2009)

I Katznelson and H Milner (eds.)  Political Science: state of the discipline  (New York: Wiley, 2002)

Political thought

Many classic texts of political thought are readily available in a variety of editions:

Machiavelli  The Prince

J S Mill  Considerations on Representative Government

M Wollstonecraft  A Vindication of the Rights of Women

Political analysis and political institutions

W R Clark, M Golder and S Nadenichek Golder  Principles of Comparative Politics  (CQ Press, 2009)

P Dunleavy and J Dryzek  Theories of the Democratic State  (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)

R Morton  Analyzing Elections  (Norton, 2006)

E Ostrom,  Governing the Commons: the evolution of institutions for collective action (Cambridge University Press, 1990/2015)

A V Banerjee and E Duflo  Poor Economics: barefoot hedge-fund managers, DIY doctors and the surprising truth about life on less than $1 a day  (Penguin, 2012)

T Harford  The Undercover Economist  (Abacus, 2007)

T Harford The Logic of Life  (Little Brown, 2009)

P Krugman  End This Depression Now!  (W W Norton, 2012)

S D Levitt and S J Dubner  Freakonomics  (Penguin, 2007)

S D Levitt and S J Dubner  Superfreakonomics  (Penguin, 2010)

The UK launch of these books was held at LSE.  Listen to a podcast  of these authors speaking in the Old Theatre, along with many other talks.

It is also a very good idea to have a look at one or more economics textbooks, to have a clear idea of what the serious university study of the subject involves, which will differ from these popular presentations. Although the texts and editions listed below are currently recommended for the first year, other editions of these books and other university-level textbooks are also entirely valid for this first investigation.

N G Mankiw  Macroeconomics  (7th edition, Worth Publishers, 2010)

W Morgan, M L Katz and H Rosen  Microeconomics  (2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 2009)

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Government

Median salary of our UG students 15 months after graduating:  £32,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Government, Public Sector and Policy
• Financial and Professional Services
• Information, Digital Technology and Data
• Education, Teaching and Research
• Consultancy

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2019-20 were the third group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Politics graduates have a range of skills and can fit into a variety of positions in modern life. Our former students have followed careers in business and banking, in law, in central and local government, in teaching and research, in public and university administration, and in journalism and television.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and  LSE Careers  has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home.

Experience LSE from home 

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home .

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE .

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits .

Discover Uni data

Every undergraduate programme of more than one year duration will have Discover Uni data. The data allows you to compare information about individual programmes at different higher education institutions.

Please note that programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you are interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.

How to apply

Undergraduate Virtual Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, bsc politics.

Code(s) L230

BSc History and Politics

Code(s) LV21

BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Code(s) L0V0

BSc Politics and International Relations

Code(s) L290

BSc Politics and Philosophy

Code(s) LV25

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• Undergraduate
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Statement of academic purpose

While all programmes require you to submit a statement of academic purpose, a few programmes require you to follow a specific format when writing your statement. these specific requirements are detailed below., statement of academic purpose – all programmes, excluding those listed below.

You must upload a statement that explains your academic interest in, understanding of and academic preparedness for the programme(s) you are applying for. You should also explain the academic rationale for applying to the programme(s) you have chosen. If applying for two programmes, you are strongly encouraged to write a separate statement for each programme. The statement of academic purpose is an important part of your application, and selectors are looking for evidence of your academic suitability and motivation, and of what you can contribute academically to the programme. We expect statement(s) to be between 1,000 - 1,500 words. 

Please address the following questions/prompts in your statement(s) 

Academic Motivations  

• What prompted your interest in this particular field of study? Perhaps you have unanswered questions from your undergraduate studies or professional work, or you would like to further explore issues and ideas raised in your curricular or extra-curricular reading? 
• Why would you like to study your chosen programme? Perhaps it offers a particular approach, or there are specific modules that will help you develop necessary skills or knowledge. Perhaps the research interests of the academics teaching on your programme, and/or the wider research culture of the department align with your own interests and academic/professional aspirations? 

Suitability 

• What makes you suitable for this LSE programme? Perhaps you have taken relevant undergraduate modules, or have relevant professional, voluntary, or other experience that has prepared for postgraduate study in this area? 

Purpose and Objectives  

• What do you hope to get out of this particular LSE programme? How would this particular programme help you to achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals? Take the time to explain your academic or professional  aspirations and goals, and how your chosen programme will impart the necessary skills and knowledge. Please avoid general statements about LSE’s performance in global rankings, and  generic statements about London being a global/cosmopolitan centre of excellence. 

If there are circumstances that have disrupted your education/significantly interfered with your learning (for example, health problems, displacement, long-term caring responsibilities), please feel free to let us know about them in a separate document added to your application (you can upload this document via the ‘Additional Item’ upload option). If appropriate, please also consult the advice we give to applicants from a forced migration background here , and from a care-experienced background here . 

Please ensure that your statement(s): 

Are all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled

Are well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme(s) applied for

Are proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct versions are uploaded

Only include that which is relevant to your programme choice(s). Additional information regarding unrelated extra-curricular activities, personal achievements or work experience should be included in your CV

Have your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page 

MSc Health Data Science

In addition to following the general guidance, please be sure to clearly outline your background in mathematics, statistics or other quantitative subjects. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies. 

MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

If you are applying for this programme, please note the following specific requirements for your statement of academic purpose.

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to the analysis of data and society; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

In addition, please write a response (up to 400 words*) to  one  of the following questions. You might do so by relying on relevant authors and concepts from previous courses or independent study, as well as on professional experiences.

• What is the most pressing social, political or ethical issue related to data and society? Why should we study it?
• How useful is the concept of "big data"? What are its limitations?
• What consequences do data-based systems have for individuals? How should we address these?
• If you could invent a data-based product or service that would change the world, what would it look like? What would be its best feature and what would be its biggest risk?

*The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 800-1,000 words.

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Write a short statement (up to 800 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to social justice, development or communication; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

Also answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 250 words each)*:  

• What should a developed society be like according to you?
• How will studying theory help you to understand development and communication practice?
• Why do you think we need to be critical of aspects of contemporary communication and development?

  *The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 1,000-1,500 words.

MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you will bring to the cohort, and what your particular strengths are.

Also, you should answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 500 words each):

• Tell us about an experience you had with social innovation /entrepreneurship/ a project with high social impact. What role did you play and what did you learn about yourself?  
• How will your past experience, combined with this LSE masters, help you to achieve your goals?

The  total length   of your statement  – including the answers to the above questions - should therefore be  between 1,100 & 1,600 words .

Department of Statistics - MSc Programmes

MSc in Data Science - G3U1

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) - G3U2

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research) - G3U3

MSc in Statistics (Research) - G4U1

MSc in Quantitative Methods for Risk Management - G4U2

MSc in Statistics - G4U5

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) - G4U6

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research) - G4U7

Your statement should explain why you are pursuing your selected programme and why you have chosen LSE's Department of Statistics. Brief details of your academic background and aspirations are also useful. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies. 

Your statement should be concise and should not exceed 500 words .

Executive MSc in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management in Clinical Sciences

Your statement should be typed and no longer than three sides of A4 paper and should address the following questions:

• What are your career goals over the near (2-3 years) and medium term (5-7 years)?
• In concrete terms, how will your career benefit from completing this programme?

In addition, you may wish to discuss the following:

• Motivation for undertaking the programme
• Academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the programme
• Areas of specific interest within the programme
• Academic ambitions and/or research interests related to the programme
• Any professional aspirations, and how academic work within the programme might help you realise such aspirations
• Other relevant information, such as additional reading or research, work or other relevant experience that has informed your decision to apply for the particular programme

Please ensure that your statement:

• Is all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled
• Is well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme applied for
• Is proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct version is uploaded
• Has your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page

Executive Global MSc in Management

Your personal statement should be a maximum of 2 pages long, and highlight why you want to do the programme.  Make sure you address the following points:

• details on your suitability for the programme
• your motivations for choosing this programme in particular and what you hope to get out of it
• any career highlights to date, in particular any leadership or international experience
• future career objectives and how you think the programme will help you achieve them
• what you think you can bring to the classroom learning environment that makes you stand out from other applicants

Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship

The Academic Statement of Purpose consists of two parts.  The total combined word count for both parts should not exceed 1,200 words.

• A personal statement: Your personal statement should persuasively explain why you want to do this programme. This may include your personal suitability such as career achievements and ambitions, what you hope to get out of the programme, your particular strengths, and what you will bring to the cohort.  600-700 words.
• For the second part, please submit your thoughts on the following statement.  400-500 words. “The business of business is social improvement. Describe briefly the role of markets in social progress.”

Atlantic Fellows Residential programme with MSc Inequalities and Social Science

Your statement(s) should be typed and no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but we expect statement(s) to be no longer than 1,000 - 1,500 words. 

In your statement(s), you should address the following:  

• Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being part of it? In your answer, please:  

 o   Describe what area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done.  

o   Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.  

o   Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work.  

o   Explain, in one to two paragraphs, the MSc dissertation you plan to undertake as part of the requirements of the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science. 

• Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work/field? How do you see participation in the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving those goals? 
• What academic knowledge would you like to gain via the MSc in Inequalities & Social Science and how do you plan to apply this knowledge to your future work on social change?
• Please indicate any research interests.

Atlantic Fellows Non-Residential Programme

In your statement(s), you should address the following: 

Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being a part of it?  In your answer, please: 

Describe the area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done. 

Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.   

Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work. 

What is the project you are planning to undertake as a part of the AFSEE programme?  Explain it in two paragraphs. 

Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work / field?  How do you see the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving these goals?

FAQs The Knowledge Base will provide you with answers, and allow you to email us

How to apply Information on the application process, and our video guide

Available programmes Check if your chosen programme is currently recruiting

Current processing times See which date we are currently processing and find out when you are likely to hear from us

News and events Current processing dates, holiday closures, events on campus and around the world

Contact Graduate Admissions Our Knowledge base and getting in touch with our team by Zoom, email, and Live chat

Ucl - Philosophy and Economics

Philosophy and economics – 2013 ( lse, warwick, durham, ucl ).

My motivation to study the interlinked humanities and social sciences springs from living simultaneously in two very different cultures: Russia and Britain. Both nations claim to operate a free market ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.