Introduction to Tableau

Tableau is a business intelligence tool used to visualise data.  Tableau Desktop is used to create content and Tableau Server is used to share that content across the School.  Tableau Server users can interact with dashboards, export images, pdfs and depending on the content occasionally data tables.  For the best user experience users should view and interact with dashboards within the Server environment.  This ensures users can utilise dynamic content and access additional contextual information via built-in tooltips. 

The software is used by a range of professional service divisions across the School to create content and present data. These include: Planning Division, TQARO, HR, EDI, PAGE and Careers amongst others. Data hosted on Tableau Server is largely historic trend data rather than live operational data, reporting of which is more commonly hosted within operational software such as Salesforce or ResourceLink.

Tableau Server is available both on-campus and off-campus when connected via the School’s VPN).

Tableau Server is not a default application for all staff. Staff are normally given access either in relation to their post' (e.g. Heads of Department will be given access by default); or when the need arises in relation to their role, (e.g., Committee Members will be given access when dashboards are produced for a specific activity such as the School’s Access and Participation Plan).

A wide range of data is presented including Departmental Profiles which include Student numbers, School Survey results, Staff Headcount and Turnover, Graduate Outcomes results, League Table performance etc. A full list of the dashboards available on Tableau can be found here: Note that some dashboards will be restricted to specific user groups.

If you are an LSE staff member who needs to request access to Tableau please email tech.support@lse.ac.uk with your name and department or division.

If you are an LSE staff member who has a request for a new reporting dashboard to help your department or division please contact planning.division@lse.ac.uk.

If you are an LSE staff member who needs help using a dashboard which already exists, please see the FAQ section.

If your division or department is interested in creating dashboards you need to purchase a Tableau Creator licence.  This can be arranged by DTS through our Tableau partnership with The Information Lab.  Please liaise with DTS ahead of purchasing a Creator licence.  If you require information on this, please contact DTS’ Business Intelligence Specialist via tech.support@lse.ac.uk

Please also see our Getting Started page for further information for new users.

Tableau training is provided as part of some of LSE’s programmes and courses. If you are student user and require support the Digital Skills Lab can help. Further information can be found at: https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/digital-skills-lab/Tableau.