Program Overview

Program Overview

The Visiting Research Student (VRS) scheme at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) allows research students from other universities to spend from one term up to one academic year at LSE, engaging in research, accessing resources, and collaborating with leading academics.

Key Information

• Study mode: Home full-time students (From one term up to one academic year) - Open
• Study mode: Overseas full-time students (From one term up to one academic year) - Open
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: Over the academic year
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None - rolling admissions

Introduction

The VRS scheme is designed for students who are registered as doctoral researchers at other institutions. It provides an opportunity to participate in research activities in the department and the School, interact with other research students, and benefit from the expertise of LSE faculty, the training offered by the PhD Academy, and LSE Library facilities. Note that Visiting Research Students do not have access to any LSE taught courses.

Why Study with Us

• The Department of International Relations is one of the largest of its kind in the world, home to 500 students from 30 countries.
• Founded in 1927, the department is a leading centre for teaching and research in international relations, ranked second in the UK and fifth globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Many leading thinkers in the field have taught in the department and pioneered new developments and thinking in the field.

Your Application

• To apply as a visiting research student, you apply in the same way as for the MPhil/PhD programmes, with the same entry criteria.
• Find the entry criteria for the MPhil/PhD International Relations.
• We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE.
• We recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.

Application Requirements

• Academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• Statement of academic purpose
• References
• CV
• Outline research proposal
• Sample of written work
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee per week (2026/27): £104
• Overseas student fee per week (2026/27): £104
• All students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Related Programmes

• MPhil/PhD International Relations: Study at a world-leading department for international relations, analysing foreign policy, nationalism, international environmental politics, and war studies.

Research Areas

• The department covers diverse themes such as major theoretical perspectives on international relations, the study of conflict and conflict management, the work of international institutions, and the major regions of the world, from Europe to the Middle East.

About LSE

• Ranked as University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK by Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025.
• 1st in London for the 14th year running by The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 2026.
• 6th in the world by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
• Carbon Neutral: In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK.