LSE Maths Essentials
Are you looking to study on one of our EMFSS programmes but you do not have the required mathematics qualifications? From February 2025 onwards, prospective students who don’t meet the mathematics entrance requirements are now able to meet this requirement by passing ‘LSE Maths Essentials: Proctored exam’. This exam is linked to the existing edX course ‘LSE Maths Essentials’.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The proctored exam costs $60.00. Prospective students taking the course, ‘LSE Maths Essentials’, have different pricing options outlined on the course page, but if you have the required knowledge you are able to take the exam without needing to take the course.
You can apply to take the exam here.
You are allowed two attempts in a six-month window.
The exam can be taken remotely online via Proctorio at a place and time of your choosing. The exam is proctored meaning that you and your screen will be recorded to ensure academic integrity.
For more information on what data Proctorio collects, please view Proctorio’s Privacy Policy: https://proctorio.com/privacy. We have also included a demo of how to set up and use Proctorio in your course.
Proctorio is installed as a browser extension when you start the exam. It does not require you to download a new application on your device. The following browsers are supported: https://proctorio.com/support/setup
Prior to taking an exam, you will be guided through a step-by-step process to verify your identity, surroundings, and the integrity of your exam.
In the exam itself you will be given 11 questions, to be answered in 2 hours, with a maximum mark of 40. You are allowed to use any standard non-graphing scientific calculator but you may not use any computer software or program to obtain or graph solutions. You will also need to use pen and paper but no other aids or materials are permitted and evidence of use can result in your result being voided and exam fee being kept.
The format of the exam is very similar to the ‘Apply your learning’ question sets found at the end of each section in the ‘LSE Maths Essentials’ course where students work out answers with pen and paper, using a calculator as needed, and then enter their answers in the relevant boxes.
Since exam assessment is timed, it’s important that you know all the course methods, have understood the applications and are fluent and accurate with your calculations.
If you cannot see how to approach a question, we advise you to proceed to the other questions and return to the question you skipped later. This also means that, in general, it is advisable to start from the questions with which you are the most familiar.
After you have completed the exam it will be reviewed and, assuming the review does not identify any Assessment Offence concerns, your results and a certificate, if you have been successful, will be sent to you via email.
If we identify an Assessment Offence has been committed then this will be communicated to you by email at which point you have the right to appeal. An Assessment Offence means you would be banned from making another attempt for six months.
If you are unsuccessful in the exam and wish to reattempt it, please contact uolip@lse.ac.uk. You are allowed two attempts in a six-month window.
Once you have passed the exam, you can follow the usual application process, providing your certificate as proof you have met the mathematics entrance criteria. The Admissions Panel will then verify your exact mark. Required marks for different programmes are confirmed below:
- BSc Data Science and Business Analytics – 60% required
- BSc Mathematics and Economics – 60% required
- BSc Accounting and Finance – 50% required
- BSc Finance – 50% required
- BSc Business and Management – 50% required
- BSc Economics – 50% required
- BSc Economics and Finance – 50% required
- BSc Economics and Management – 50% required
- BSc Economics and Politics – 50% required
- BSc International Relations – 40% required
- BSc Management and Digital Innovation – 40% required
- BSc Politics and International Relations – 40% required
- CertHE Social Sciences – 40% required
You must apply within three years of passing for your result to be eligible to meet the mathematics entrance requirements.
If you have an enquiry specifically related to this you can contact LSE at uolip@lse.ac.uk.