Working in the UK

Guidance statement to students about working part-time

The School is aware that many students face varying degrees of financial pressures which make it necessary for them to undertake part-time work while studying full-time. The School is also of the view that students must devote enough time to the academic demands of their programme. They are expected to produce regular coursework and prepare for classes/seminars, as well as studying for examinations.

Each student is responsible for setting her/his own balance between part-time employment and academic coursework. Recent research suggests that an excessive amount of part-time work can have a detrimental effect on academic performance.

Therefore, the School recommends that full-time students work no more than 20 hours per week during term time, and, if at all possible, fewer than 15 hours. The School's examination boards will not normally consider as mitigating circumstances the negative impact that part-time work may have had on a student's performance in examinations or assessed coursework.

Further information about financial support and working in the UK can be found on the Financial Support Office website, see
Further information about financing your studies from the Financial Support Office.

Overseas students

Anyone studying at the LSE on a student visa is normally permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during the term and any number of hours during vacations. You should check the terms and conditions of your visa with the Student Advice and Counselling Centre before undertaking paid work.

General advice on visas, employment rights and taxation issues is available at the Student Unions' Advice and Counselling Centre (2nd Floor,  East Building). See: Students' Union Advice and Counselling Centre for opening hours.

Post Study Work

The Post Study Work visa has replaced the International Graduates Scheme. This visa allows non-EEA nationals who have graduated from UK higher education institutions to remain in the UK for up to two years after their studies to work.
See: Post Study Work

National Insurance Number

If you plan to work in the UK, you must apply for a National Insurance number. To make an appointment, call 0845 600 0643 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs has a web site which  provides comprehensive information about the UK's Tax arrangements, national insurance numbers and your entitlement to work as an international student. See:  UKCISA

Volunteering

LSE's Student Recruitment Office runs a number of projects with local schools and colleges using LSE student volunteers. For more information on how to get involved see Volunteering Opportunities at LSE.

Please note that LSE cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.

Useful Links

Department for Work and Pensions

HM Revenue and Customs

LSE Careers Service

UKCISA - UK Council for International Student Affairs

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