Once you have completed and submitted your application, and once we have received a reference from each of your nominated referees, it will be processed. You can check our current processing dates online.
Remember, your application will not be processed until your referees submit their references, so make sure they are prepared to do so as soon as possible once you have nominated them in your online application. You can log back into your online application after submission in order to send reminder emails to your referees and/or to make changes to your referee nominations if necessary – see here for further guidance.
NOTICE: Please be aware of an issue that has come to our attention regarding email junk/spam filters. Some email software is filtering ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ emails to the spam/junk or ‘Deleted Items/Bin’ folder so please make sure to check there for important information regarding your application. If you do find any of our emails in any of these folders, please make sure to add the domain @lse.ac.uk to your ‘Safe Senders’ or ‘Never Block’ list. Emails will be sent to you automatically from our database system once you have begun your online application and as your application progresses through each step in the process (application created; application submitted; application downloaded for processing). We will then send you a further email each time there is an update to the status of your application, including any requests for further information and the programme selectors’ decision on your application. It is essential that you ensure you can successfully receive our emails as soon as you begin your application.
Document check – application processed
As soon as your application is processed, we will send you an acknowledgement email containing your unique application ID number and instructions on how to set up your Public Account and access the Graduate Applicant Portal. You can use the portal to track your application status, access the knowledge base and to send us change requests or any documents we request from you.
Passed to selectors – application under consideration
Next, your application is passed to the selectors for your first-choice programme for consideration.
Please note: Your application will be considered for your second-choice programme only if your application to your first-choice programme has already been considered and was unsuccessful.
Time-frame for decisions
Master's and diploma applications: We operate a rolling admissions process throughout the year. The first offers will be released from January onwards. We aim to release decisions within eight weeks of our acknowledgement email confirming that your application is complete and has been passed to the selectors for consideration, but at busy times the decision time may increase. Our busiest times are following the Christmas and Easter vacations, and in the days/weeks following PhD funding deadlines. We publish our current processing times, and you should check these before contacting us.
Tip: Any decision will be visible in the Graduate Applicant Portal as soon as it is made.
Research programmes: Panels of selectors make decisions at meetings throughout the year. You should apply at least six months before the start of the term in which you plan to commence your study and take note of funding deadlines. Plan ahead and get your application in as early as you can. It may take time to allocate a suitable supervisor. Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed by telephone or Skype. The department will contact you if an interview is necessary.