How to Apply to Psychology at LSE: BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science Requirements for Gaokao, A-Level/IB, Canadian High School and Transfer Students, and Timeline

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) does not offer an undergraduate degree simply called psychology; its psychology degree is the BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science, taught by the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science full-time over three years, UCAS code C800, and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Here is what you need to know for 2027/28 entry, based on LSE’s official information, for students at high schools in China (including A-Level, IB and AP students at international schools), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and students already at university.

1. The programme

• Approach: psychology and behavioural science in one degree, from both social and natural science perspectives, applied to social issues in areas such as health and education. You learn research design, qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups, and statistical analysis and presentation.
• Year 1: Foundations of Psychological Science, Foundations of Behavioural Science, and Statistics and Research Methods, plus LSE100 and one outside option.
• Year 2: Intermediate Statistics and Research Methods plus five compulsory half units (biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, and individual differences) and one outside half unit.
• Year 3: an Independent Research Project, Advances in Psychological and Behavioural Science, Machine Learning for Social Scientists, and options.
• BPS accreditation: graduates with at least a 2:2 who pass the Year 3 research project are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. No placement year is mentioned.
• LSE notes it was ranked number one in the UK for Psychology in the Good University Guide 2027.

2. Entry requirements

• A-Level: A*AA, including at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology; AS grades are also considered. Contextual offers are AAA.
• Subject combinations: at least two traditional academic A-Levels, with at least an A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology to show strong scientific ability.
• IB: 39 points with 766 at Higher Level, including at least one of those subjects at HL; contextual offers are 38 points with 766.
• GCSE (UK applicants): English Language at least B (6) and Mathematics at least A (7).
• AP: LSE accepts at least five AP subjects taken over a maximum of three years.
• Other routes: a UK-delivered International Foundation programme, a University of London International Programmes qualification, or a year of university study. Applicants on foundation programmes or university study may be asked to sit LSE’s Undergraduate Admissions Assessment (UGAA).
• LSE stresses that competition is high and meeting the standard requirements does not guarantee an offer.

3. Students at high schools in China

• The senior high school diploma is not accepted as an entry qualification on its own.
• Gaokao route: complete the Gaokao and achieve competitive AST scores, with A equivalent to 210 and A* to 250 (for A*AA, AAA and AAB programmes); where A-Level Mathematics at A*/A is required, you need 250 in Mathematics.
• CEIS: high-calibre students can also apply with the Ambright Education Group via the China Excellence Identification Scheme.
• International school students: apply with A-Levels, the IB or APs.

4. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• British Columbia and Yukon: for A*AA programmes, an average of 95% in at least five Grade 12 academic subjects (93% for AAA, 90% for AAB). Programmes requiring A-Level Mathematics need Calculus 12 (A* at least 95%, A at least 93%).
• Alberta and other provinces: likewise a 95% average in five Grade 12 academic courses for A*AA.
• Students at Canadian universities: a GPA above 3.3 and preferably 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, or at least B+ in relevant modules.
• English: Canadian nationals whose first language is English can meet the language requirement without a test.

5. Transfer students

• LSE lists a year of university study as an accepted qualification; applicants offered places on that basis are normally expected to achieve B+ or a 2:1 overall, possibly higher in specific subjects, and may be asked to sit the UGAA.
• The entry requirements describe first-year entry; no information on second-year entry was found, so contact LSE Undergraduate Admissions if you hope to enter with advanced standing.

6. English requirements

• IELTS Academic (including online): 7.0 overall and 7.0 in each component, in one sitting.
• TOEFL iBT (including Home and Paper Editions): 100 overall with at least 27 in Writing, 25 in Reading, and 24 in Listening and Speaking.
• Others: PTE Academic (in person only) 70 overall with 70 in all components; Cambridge C1/C2 185 overall with 185 in each component.
• Validity: IELTS and TOEFL are valid for two years before September 1 of your entry year; scores must come from one sitting. LSE warns that test dates often fill by July and offers cannot be deferred for a missed test. You don’t need English scores when applying.

7. Timeline for September 2027 entry

• January 13, 2027: UCAS application deadline (open to home and overseas students).
• September 27, 2027: start date at Houghton Street, London.

8. Fees and scholarships

• Overseas tuition: £33,800 a year for 2027/28 entrants, fixed for each year of full-time study.
• Home tuition: £10,050 a year, which may change with the government maximum.
• Support for overseas students: bursaries and scholarships including the LSE Access to Education Scholarships, funded by donations and varying each year in number, value and eligibility.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• The senior high school diploma alone is not accepted; use the Gaokao with AST, or A-Level A*AA / IB 39 (766 HL) including a science, maths or psychology
• IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in each component, or TOEFL 100 (27 in Writing)
• Apply through UCAS by January 13, 2027

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• A 95% average in five Grade 12 academic courses
• Apply through UCAS by January 13, 2027

Transfer students:

• Applying with a year of university study usually requires B+ or a 2:1 and possibly the UGAA; contact admissions about advanced entry

Sources: London School of Economics and Political Science, BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science; Entry requirements; English language requirements; Applicants from China; Applicants from Canada; Access to Education Scholarships. Information is for 2027/28 entry. Check LSE for the latest details.