Access route (LSE-led degrees)
What is the Access route?
The Access route provides an entry route to the world-class LSE-led degrees we offer. It has been designed specifically for those who wish to undertake a degree programme who do not currently meet the entrance requirements for the degree. In certain countries it is possible to gain classroom-based study support for Access route study. For further information please see our Institutions directory.
| Key dates | |
| Application deadline | 1 October in the year before you intend to sit your exams |
| Registration deadline | 30 November |
| Despatch of study materials | Shortly after your registration form is received |
| Examinations take place | May/June |
What do I have to study?
You must pass two full courses (or the equivalent) from a specified list to complete the Access route.
Prestige
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) provides academic direction for the Access route. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.
Transfer to the degree programme
On completion, you can transfer your registration to the LSE-led degree programme of your choice, with credit for the courses you have passed. You can then complete the degree within a further three to eight years.
What our students say
“The fact that a person can simultaneously obtain a university degree as well as successfully manage a job generates great respect and admiration amongst employers. The knowledge that I'll obtain will considerably expand and improve my professional expertise in my current job and will definitely be an important asset the moment I decide to open my own business.”
Paul Schreye
Current student, Quebec, Canada. Paul works in sales and marketing.
If you're applying for the Access route with the intention of proceeding to one of the degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences, you should choose your courses carefully. Consider the courses that are available on the degree that interest you and choose courses that are common to both the degree and the Access route. Upon successful completion of the Access route, you'll then receive credit for the courses you've passed.
When you have successfully completed the Access route you may complete, in a minimum of a further three years, one of the degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences. Transfer should be completed by 30 November in the year you complete the Access route, and you'll be required to pay a transfer fee.
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- Introduction to international development
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- Human geography
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- Physical geography: fundamentals of the physical environment
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- Introduction to international relations
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- World history since 1917
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- Introduction to computer systems architecture and programming
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- Introduction to modern political thought or
Introduction to political science or
Democratic politics and the State - Introduction to modern political thought or
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- Democratic politics and the State
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- Common law reasoning and institutions
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- Mathematics 1 (half course) and
Mathematics 2 (half course) - Mathematics 1 (half course) and
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- Calculus
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- Principles of sociology
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- Statistics 1 (half course) and
Mathematics 1 (half course) - Statistics 1 (half course) and
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- Statistics 1 (half course) and
Methods of geographical analysis - Statistics 1 (half course) and
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- Statistics 1 (half course) and
Reading social science (half course) - Statistics 1 (half course) and
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- Statistics 1 (half course) and
Statistics 2 (half course) - Statistics 1 (half course) and
Two full courses, or the equivalent, chosen from the following
Notes:
The structure shown above is subject to confirmation in the 2012-2013 Regulations. The Regulations also contain full details on the rules that govern the choice of any course. Students already registered on the programme should consult the current Regulations section of our website.
- PS1114 Democratic politics and the state may only be chosen by a student whose effective date of registration is before 30 November 2011.
- MT105B Mathematics 2 must be taken with or after MT105A Mathematics 1.
- ST104B Statistics 2 must be taken with or after ST104A Statistics 1.
- Students who choose to study MT105A Mathematics 1 and MT105B Mathematics 2 will not be permitted to also take ST104A Statistics 1 and MT105A Mathematics 1.
- Students who choose to study ST104A Statistics 1 and MT105A Mathematics 1 will not be permitted to also take MT105A Mathematics 1 and MT105B Mathematics 2.
- GY1148 Methods of geographical analysis must be taken with or after ST104A Statistics 1.
How you study
Our programmes offer you an alternative way of obtaining a prestigious qualification at a reasonable cost. You can choose to study independently, either on your own or as part of a small group. Many students choose to pay for additional educational support at a local institution , where one is available, and benefit from face-to-face academic support and interaction with fellow students.
You receive specially written online study materials
Developed by academics appointed by LSE, your specially written study materials guide you through textbooks, which will be the real focus of your studies. The cost of your study pack is included in your initial and continuing registration fees. Study materials include:
- A Student handbook containing practical information and advice (e.g. how to enter for exams).
- Strategies for success which provides help with study techniques.
- A Subject guide for each course, designed to guide you through the syllabus and offer advice on how to use textbooks in an organised and productive manner.
- Past exam papers and Examiners' commentaries which are updated annually and available to download. These provide an insight into how questions should have been tackled and outline common mistakes made by students in the past.
Online support
Once you register, we send you a University of London username and password enabling you to log in to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key online resources:
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides electronic copies of all printed study materials. This is also an open space for students to discuss interests and experience, and also to seek support from their peers while working collaboratively to solve problems and discuss subject material. Online support materials are continuously being developed and for some courses audio-visual tutorials, recorded lectures, academic interviews and debates are available, along with self-testing activities and expert study skills advice.
The Online Library
The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.
Optional courses held at LSE in London
LSE Study weekend held annually in February. This consists of short courses designed to help you with exam preparation and technique. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your studies with subject specialists.
LSE Summer School held annually, usually from early July to mid-August. This offers a range of stimulating and challenging courses, allowing you to undertake a period of intensive study in areas of interest.
Fees
| Academic year | 2012-2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Application handling fee (non-refundable) | £ 70 | |
| Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per course) | £ 70 | |
| Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per half course) | £ 35 | |
| Initial registration fee (BSc degree) | £ 650 | |
| Initial registration fee (Diploma for Graduates) | £ 495 | |
| Initial registration fee (Access route) | £ 325 | |
| Continuing registration fee | £ 315 | |
| Examination fee per course | £ 194 | |
| Examination fee per half course | £ 97 | |
| Access transfer fee | £ 640 | |
| Additional registration fee for law courses (per course) | £ 42 | |
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Dates for 2012-2013 academic session
- The application handling fee is valid until the application closing date, 1 October 2012.
- The registration fee is valid until the registration closing date, 30 November 2012.
- The continuing registration fee is valid and payable between 1 August 2012 and 30 November 2012.
- The examination fees apply to students entering the 2013 examinations and are payable between 30 November 2012 and the examination entry deadline date, 1 February 2013.
The University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. Fees are subject to annual review. All fees must be paid in pounds sterling, which may be paid either by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Electron or JCB) or by banker's draft, cheque or UK postal order, made payable to 'The University of London' and crossed 'a/c payee'.
Other costs
Besides the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:
- textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year)
- tuition costs (if studying at a teaching institution)
- LSE Study weekend and Summer School (optional)
- an additional fee payable to your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
Assessment
When you decide you are ready, you enter for unseen written examinations. These are set and marked by our academics to ensure your work is assessed to the same standard as College-based students at LSE. Examinations are held once a year, in May/June, at local centres in over 190 countries as well as in London. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
For most courses you sit a three-hour paper (or a two-hour paper for each half course). For the following courses a project/coursework also counts towards the assessment:
- IS1060 Introduction to information systems
- IS3139 Software engineering: theory and application
- GY3157 Independent geographical study
- IS3159 Research project in information systems.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the Access route, you must:
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Normally be 18 years or older before 31 December in the year you first register with the University and have obtained passes in a minimum of at least five separate subjects at GCSE/GCE O level, or the equivalent, with the following grades:
- at least three subjects at Grade C or above and
- at least two further subjects at Grade B or above, one of which must be in a Mathematical subject.
- Provide proof of competence in English acceptable to the University. (It may be necessary for you to have passed a recognised test of proficiency, at the appropriate level, within the last three years
- have access to the internet and
- either have c ompleted a minimum of 12 years schooling or completed 11 years of schooling with at least two y ears of relevant work experiencesince leaving school.
- Applications from students who do not meet the normal minimum age requirement are considered on an individual basis. There are many other acceptable entrance qualifications [pdf: 6pgs, 91KB], both from the UK and overseas, which the University accepts instead of British O and A levels. Applicants with other qualifications not listed above and/or suitable work experience will be considered by the University on an individual basis.
LSE academic leadership
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the Colleges of the University of London and a world-leading social science institution. Academics from LSE provide the academic direction for this programme.
Since its foundation in 1895, LSE has been regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Its teaching and research is recognised worldwide as a benchmark of quality.
The School’s academic profile spans the broad range of social sciences – disciplines that reflect how we interact with one another and with society. LSE is an institution renowned for focusing on ‘real world’ issues. Current areas of research and expertise include globalisation, human rights, risk and business management, new communications technologies, urban and regional policies, and new forms of governance.
LSE alumni and former staff include 16 Nobel prize winners and 34 past or present heads of state. LSE academics come from all over the world and from many social, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are in constant demand as commentators and analysts in the media, act as advisors to governments, and are seconded to national and international organisations.
Academic leaders
Dr Keith Sharp: Programme director
Keith has 20 years experience of working in British universities, including Coventry University, De Montfort University and the University of Gloucestershire, where he was dean of faculty and associate pro-vice-chancellor. In 2009-10 he spent a year as head of the UK HE International Unit based at Universities UK.
Keith is very familiar with the area of international partnerships and transnational education. Partnerships and internationalisation formed part of his remit at De Montfort and Gloucestershire. In his position as head of the UK Higher Education International Unit, he was regularly consulted by universities for advice on their international strategies, including international marketing. More recently, he has been acting as a consultant to a number of public and private sector HE institutions on various aspects of their international marketing and recruitment strategies.
Keith took his undergraduate degree at LSE between 1984-87 and graduated with a first in sociology, as well as being awarded the Hobhouse Memorial Prize. Further details of the University of London International Programmes at LSE team can be found on the Who's who page on the LSE website.