Candidate Numbers

A candidate number is a unique five-digit number assigned to you for assessment purposes.

You should use your candidate number to identify your summative assessments. In most cases, you should not include your:

• Name

• Student ID number (your nine-digit student number)

• Any other identifying information

Important

When submitting summative assessments, always follow the instructions provided by your department or on Moodle. Where a candidate number is required, you should use your candidate number only.

Your candidate number is available in Student LfY.

Candidate numbers are usually made available between October and November each year, when students begin submitting summative assessments and preparing for examinations.

New students

If you are new to LSE, you will not normally see a candidate number before this point. Your candidate number will be generated and made available in Student LfY in October.

Continuing students

If you are continuing on the same programme, your existing candidate number will usually be carried forward and made available in Student LfY in October.

Non-enrolled students

If you are non-enrolled student only taking assessments or sitting exams, your existing candidate number will usually be carried forward and made available in Student LfY in November.

You will need your candidate number throughout the academic year when completing assessments.

Exams

You must write your candidate number wherever indicated (this could include the front of an exam answer booklet or each exam single answer sheet):

• January examinations

• Spring Term examinations

• I/RDAP examinations

Coursework and other submissions

Many departments require students to rename assessment files using their candidate number before submitting work through Moodle.

For example:
12345_EC100_Coursework1.pdf
(Always follow the specific file naming instructions provided for your assessment.)

Tip

It is a good idea to know your candidate number before entering an examination room or submitting work close to a deadline.

Candidate numbers help maintain anonymity during the marking process.

Markers are not provided with information that links a candidate number to a student's identity. This helps ensure that assessment is conducted fairly and without bias.

Good practice

To help preserve anonymity, avoid sharing your candidate number directly with markers or examiners in emails or other correspondence whenever possible.

If you need support with an assessment issue, follow the guidance provided by your department or the relevant LSE service.

In some circumstances, a student or department may believe that a candidate number has become known to academic staff involved in marking and can no longer effectively support anonymous marking.

If you believe your candidate number has been compromised, or your department has concerns that your candidate number may no longer maintain anonymity during the marking process, you can request that it be changed.

Requesting a change to your candidate number

Requests should be made through the Student Services Centre (SSC).

The School will consider whether there is a genuine risk that the candidate number could compromise the anonymous marking process.

Important

Candidate numbers are intended to remain with you throughout your programme of study and are not routinely changed.

A change of candidate number will only be considered where there is a legitimate concern that anonymity may be affected.

Students should continue to take reasonable steps to maintain anonymity by:

• Using only their candidate number when instructed to identify assessment work.

• Not including their name or student ID on anonymous assessments.

• Avoiding sharing their candidate number with markers or examiners where possible.

New students

When you begin a programme at LSE, you will be assigned a candidate number.

This candidate number will normally remain with you for the duration of that programme.

Continuing students

Students continuing on the same programme will have their candidate number carried forward each academic year.

Students on interruption

If you interrupt your studies and later return to the same programme, you will keep the same candidate number.

Students who change programme

If you transfer to a different programme before completing your current programme, you will normally keep the same candidate number.

Important

Candidate numbers will normally remain with you throughout your programme of study unless a change is approved to protect the integrity of anonymous marking.

You will receive a new candidate number if you leave LSE and later start a new programme.

Examples include:

• Completing one programme and enrolling on a new programme at LSE.

• Withdrawing from a programme and later starting a different programme.

• Failing or exiting a programme and subsequently enrolling on a new programme.

In these circumstances, a new candidate number will be generated for your new programme.

Candidate number arrangements changed from the 2025/26 academic year.

Students who started in 2024/25

If you started your programme in 2024/25, you may have had two different candidate numbers during your time at LSE.

Your most recent candidate number will now be retained and carried forward for future academic years on your programme.

Students who started in 2025/26 or later

If you started your programme in 2025/26 or later, the candidate number assigned to you at the start of your programme will remain with you throughout your studies on that programme.

Why can’t I see my candidate number in Student LfY?

Candidate numbers are normally made available around November each year. If you are a new student or assessments have not yet begun, your candidate number may not yet be available.

If candidate numbers have already been released and you cannot see yours, contact the Student Services Centre (SSC).

Can I use my student ID instead of my candidate number?

No. Your candidate number and student ID are different.
Where a candidate number is requested, you should use your five-digit candidate number and not your nine-digit student ID.

What happens if I start a new programme at LSE?

Students beginning a new programme will normally receive a new candidate number, even if they have previously studied at LSE.

I have changed programme. Will I receive a new candidate number?

Not usually. If you change to a different programme before completing your current programme, you will normally keep the same candidate number.

Can I request a new candidate number?

Candidate numbers are not routinely changed. However, if you believe your candidate number has been compromised and may no longer support anonymous marking, you can request a review through the Student Services Centre (SSC). Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.