Written by Jack Baker
After widespread frustration amongst the student body, LSE have committed to overhauling the outdated course selection system following a consultation later this year. On the 2nd of September 2025, the system reportedly crashed numerous times as students attempted to choose modules for the year ahead. This resulted in many complaining that they were unable to select their desired module choices, with some suggesting this would harm their academic and career prospects.
Shortly before 10am, the system placed students into a virtual queue, indicating that they would be able to choose courses once they had reached the front. Problems arose almost immediately when those who had ascended the queue were still unable to enrol. This was rectified in around 10 minutes, before another issue arose: no modules amounting to over 1.0 units were able to be selected.
These problems seemingly occurred to different students at different times, with some able to make selections earlier than others. This disparity resulted in the most competitive courses filling up fast.
Francisco Cigarro Jr., a third-year Politics and IR student, told us that he was “unable to register for the modules [he] had carefully planned for months.” Some of the modules he was hoping to enrol on were “particularly important given their relevance to my post-graduate university applications.” He hoped LSE would make improvements to the system so future “students’ academic careers are not jeopardised by technical failures.”
At 11:41am, the LSE course selection team sent out an email confirming that all technical failings had been resolved. However, by that time, many had already missed out on their first choices.
One of those affected was Jack Hotchkiss, a second-year Politics and IR student, who said the advice given was “confused and uncertain about the complex web of regulations.” Similarly to Francisco, Jack found the “technical problems I and other students experienced may well have limited me.” He believes that “given the cost of tuition fees … systems need to work.”
Speaking on behalf of the School, the media relations team have promised to launch a “consultation this year on the principles by which LSE degree programmes should be designed.” They hope this new “academic model” will subsequently pave the way for the design of a “new course selection system that moves away from the current ‘first-come, first-served’ process.”
They also recognised the “challenging experience” of course selection, and stated that they were “very sorry for any disruptions this caused.”
Alfie Bayliss, a third-year History and Politics student, welcomes the proposed change, stating that students” heavily indebted themselves for a premium product, yet receive one that is simply not fit for purpose.”
LSE have yet to comment on the time frame for the introduction of this new system. However, the proceeding consultation is confirmed to begin sometime this academic year.
