Achieving Distinctions in the MSc in Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE)

The percentage of students earning distinctions for Master of Science (MSc) programs, particularly in Economics at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), varies each academic year based on the grading criteria and performance distribution. This article provides an in-depth look into how distinctions are awarded and what these distinctions mean at LSE.

Understanding Distinctions at LSE

LSE awards distinctions to students who achieve an aggregate score above a certain threshold. For example, for some MSc programs, the threshold for a distinction is around 560 points. However, LSE does not publicly disclose the exact percentage of students achieving distinctions annually; this varies due to the performance distribution of each cohort. These thresholds suggest that distinctions are reserved for the top-performing students, which often constitutes a relatively small proportion of the cohort.

Grading and Distinctions in MSc Economics at LSE

The number of distinctions awarded for the MSc in Economics at LSE can vary each year based on the cohort's performance. Generally, distinctions are given to students who achieve an overall grade of 70 or above. Recent years have seen the proportion of students receiving distinctions typically ranging from around 10% to 20% of the graduating class. For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, consulting LSE's official publications or contacting the department directly is recommended.

Requirements for Distinction

At LSE, there is no fixed limit on the number of students who can be awarded distinctions, but the requirement for a distinction is quite stringent. As a general rule, you need to achieve a distinction in more than 50% of your modules to qualify for an overall distinction. Alternatively, you can achieve distinctions in 30-40 of your modules and maintain a merit in the remaining modules. If you fail in any one module, you will automatically disqualify yourself from graduating with a distinction.

Quota and Expectations

Based on historical data and LSE's grading criteria, an educated guess would be that 15-25% of students on each course receive distinctions. Additionally, the higher honour than a distinction is making the Dean's list, and achieving this is more challenging than securing a distinction. This underscores the rigorous academic standards upheld by LSE in its MSc Economics program.

For further details about grading and distinctions specific to LSE, reviewing the programs classification scheme or reaching out to the department for recent statistics might provide more precise insights. LSE offers a detailed and transparent academic system, and understanding the nuances can help students navigate their studies and aim for the top grades.