Master of Public Administration
Introduction
This two-year programme equips early-stage professionals with a comprehensive understanding of public administration and policy analysis through a powerful combination of core skills training with practical, real world experience.
In your first year, you’ll complete rigorous empirical training, with a focus on economics, political science and quantitative methods.
In Year 2, you’ll work on a real-world policy challenge through a six-month Capstone consultancy project with an external client – equipping you with practical experience for your future career.
In addition, optional courses allow you to tailor your studies to your strengths and interests and you can also choose a specialism (which can be added to your degree title). MPA students may also apply to study at one of three partner universities in their second year of study, as part of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) dual degree scheme.
The MPA attracts students from many different nationalities and wide-ranging academic and professional backgrounds. Our diverse community of students and academics contribute rich and varied perspectives to public policy topics and debates.
You’ll also benefit from LSE School of Public Policy’s (SPP) emphasis on practical training by placing policy in practice through our regular seminar events with policy practitioners, our Professional Skills Accelerator and our alumni mentorship scheme and networking events.
Graduates will be equipped with the analytical and professional skills to effectively understand and address the challenges of contemporary governance and make an immediate impact for employers in public, private and non-profit organisations around the world.
Entry requirements
- Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.
- There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the MPA normally have one year of professional experience and many have two or more years of experience.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Who should apply?
We aim to bring together a cohort of passionate policy professionals who represent a wide range of nationalities, experiences and backgrounds, thus enriching the peer-to-peer learning experience.
We welcome applications from individuals from a range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds who can demonstrate a passion for public policy and making a positive impact. Our students have a range of prior professional experience ranging from new graduates to those with many years of experience.
Excellent candidates will possess a strong academic record and be able to demonstrate a commitment to public service as well as a clear understanding of the MPA and how they'll benefit from the programme.
Whilst the MPA programme is designed to provide rigorous training in areas of econometrics and quantitative methods, there will be opportunities for individuals with less experience in these areas to develop or refresh their skills via online learning materials prior to the programme starting.
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Higher . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
Programme content
Preparation before your arrival
Prior to your arrival at LSE you'll receive details about optional readings and online learning materials which are designed to help you to prepare for the programme.
MPA Welcome and Introductory Teaching
From mid-September (exact date TBC) you'll need to attend MPA Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place prior to the start of the LSE Autumn Term dates. These sessions include campus enrolment, a programme introduction, information sessions, networking opportunities, academic skills training and compulsory introductory teaching in mathematics and statistics.
If you haven't studied mathematics and statistics for some time, the MPA introductory teaching provides a challenging but accessible introduction to some of the key skills and techniques required for the degree. For other students, it serves as a refresher course.
View the programme structure (image)
MPA Dual Degree
In the first year, you'll take three compulsory courses, in micro- and macro-economics, political science and quantitative methods of analysis. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you in your second year.
Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy: you'll learn macro- and micro- economic concepts, models and methods suitable for appraising policy, applicable in a wide variety of contexts. This includes the study of demand and supply, the labour market, public goods, market failure, inflation and monetary policy, fiscal policy and debt, and exchange rates.
Political Science and Public Policy: you'll learn concepts and models for understanding the behaviour of political actors and why they lead to particular outcomes. This includes the study of voting, political parties, interest groups, legislative politics, corruption, democratisation and ethnic conflict. These tools are essential for designing policy interventions to achieve desired future outcomes.
Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis: you'll learn skills for the quantitative evaluation of public policies, such as causal relationships; randomised control trials; difference-in-difference estimation; instrumental variables; regression discontinuity designs and cost-benefit analysis.
Option courses (electives) - Year one
In addition to your required core courses, you'll take full unit or half-unit option courses (electives). The SPP offers a wide range of courses as options.
Micro and Macro Economics (for Public Policy)
Political science for public policy, quantitative approaches and policy analysis, full unit or half-unit option courses (electives).
The MPA Capstone
The key features of the second year are the MPA Capstone and the option to choose a specialisation to be a part of your degree title.
The MPA Capstone is a compulsory one unit course. You'll carry out analysis and research, as part of a team, in order to address a practical policy issue relevant to a real-life client organisation. It allows you to extend your capabilities by applying what you have learned in the MPA core courses in a professional context.
Other core courses
You'll also take a half unit core course, Strategic Policymaking: Economic Analysis, Narrative Development, Political Feasibility, and Implementation which will consolidate your learning from Year One and enable you to continue to apply this throughout Year Two.
Option courses (electives)
You'll additionally select option courses (electives) from the School of Public Policy (or elsewhere in LSE, subject to permission and availability).
Alternatively, you may choose to write a policy paper (6,000 words) or a dissertation (10,000 words) as an option course. You will choose your own topic if you decide to write a Policy Paper or Dissertation, which you will develop in consultation with your allocated supervisor.
Specialisms
You can either choose to pursue a general MPA or you can request that one of the following specialisms is added to your degree title.
The current specialisms are:
- Economic Policy
- International Development
- Inequality and Poverty
- Social Impact
- International Political Economy
Each specialism has one or more courses attached to it (please refer to the programme regulations for details). To be eligible for a specialism to be added to your degree title, you must meet the requirements to be eligible for the overall degree and pass the courses attached to your chosen specialism. You can only choose one specialism but you can take courses from other specialisms as option courses (electives).
MPA Capstone Project
Strategic policymaking: economic analysis, narrative development, political feasibility, and implementation.
LSE's School of Public Policy is a member of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN). During your first year at LSE, you can apply to spend the second year of your MPA at three other selected GPPN member institutions. Students in their first year at one of these partners can also apply to enter directly into the second year of the LSE MPA.
By combining study on the LSE MPA with study at another internationally-renowned university, you'll experience the challenges and processes of public policy-making and analysis from different academic and cultural perspectives thus equipping you with a high-demand professional skill-set and providing the international exposure frequently sought by top employers.
The SPP's dual degree international partner schools and their corresponding programmes are:
- The MPP at the Hertie School, Berlin's University of Governance
- The MPP at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY), National University of Singapore
- The MPP at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) at the University of Tokyo *
* Note that the programme length for students studying at the University of Tokyo is 24 months with graduation no earlier than December of the second year.
The application process for the dual degree scheme takes place during Year 1 and further information will be provided during the first term.
Successful applicants will spend their second year of study at one of the above partner institutions and will receive two degrees: one from LSE, and one from the partner institution at which they studied.
Find out more about GPPN dual degree
SPP Double Degrees
LSE SPP also offers three double degree programmes with Toronto University, Sciences Po and Columbia SIPA. Applicants for the double degree programmes will need to apply via the standard school admissions process prior to commencing their studies and cannot apply as part of the MPA dual degree scheme.
Find out more about the double degree programmes and the application process
Programme regulations at LSE
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page .
A few important points you’ll need to know:
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside our control (including a lack of demand, industrial action, fire, flooding or other damage to premises).
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to global developments in the discipline or student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are always made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page .
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The School of Public Policy aims to equip the next generation of policy and political leaders with the skills needed to improve people’s lives and transform societies.
The School is at the heart of LSE – ranked the top university in London and number 6 in the world for social science and management subjects. Situated in the centre of a global city, LSE is the perfect place to study and contribute to public policy debates.
Our programmes enable students to develop rigorous and empirical skills underpinning evidence-based policymaking. Students learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems and contexts.
We have an inclusive, diverse community, open to enquiring minds. From small beginnings, the School of Public Policy now has a thriving community of more than 400 students taking a wide range of degrees.
Public policy and public service are the founding missions of LSE – which was created in 1895 “to understand the causes of things and for the betterment of society”. This perfectly captures the mission of the School of Public Policy more than 100 years later.
Connnect with us
Find out more about SPP activities, faculty news, upcoming events and student life by connecting with us on social media:
- Linkedin: LSE School of Public Policy
- Instagram: @lsepublicpolicy
- X/Twitter: @lsepublicpolicy
School of Public Policy
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
1st in london for the 13th year running, 6th in the world.
Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application, who attends, when to apply.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two references
See further information on supporting documents .
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements .
Information events
- SPP information sessions
Throughout the year we'll be hosting online SPP programme information sessions for prospective students . These sessions provide an opportunity for prospective students to interact with our faculty and students to find out more about a specific SPP programme. Details of upcoming sessions can be found on our website and we also encourage you to register your interest to hear more about our upcoming sessions.
- LSE information events and videos
LSE also have a number of webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries which will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study more broadly at LSE
Experience LSE from home
LSE representatives also travel around the world to meet with prospective students at information fairs and events
Find details on LSE's upcoming visits
Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.
Find out about opportunities to visit LSE .
- Admissions : LSE Graduate Admissions Knowledge Base (An online resource for quick answers) - [email protected]
- Programme queries : [email protected]
- Fees and Funding queries: Visit SE Financial Support Office webpages
- Visa queries: Visit LSE Student Advice and Engagement webpages
The MPA attracts a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. Our 2022 cohort (years 1 and 2) represented over 35 nationalities .
There is no formal work experience requirement to study the MPA, however our students have a wide range of prior experience ranging from recent graduates to 15+ years of prior professional experience. Our MPA students have an average of three and a half years' working experience.
We welcome students from wide-ranging areas of expertise including economics, law, social sciences, political science, business and international relations.
Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPA.
This diversity is a major strength, providing many different national, economic and societal perspectives to problems and solutions of public policy.
View our MPA 2022 intake class profile
Our early application deadline is 20 January 2025 . We encourage all applicants to apply by this date. All applicants who want to be considered for a SPP scholarship will need to submit an application for admission by this date in order to be eligible for consideration.
Whilst we will consider applications for admission after this date, our applications will close once spaces are full.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Year 1 (2025/26):
Home students: £32,400
Year 2 (2026/27):
Home students: £32,400 (provisional)
Overseas students: £32,400
Overseas students: £32,400 (provisional)
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.
Further information about fee status classification .
Scholarships, bursaries and loans
Fee reduction
Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
- The School of Public Policy (SPP)
S offers programme and country specific scholarship awards. Find out more about SPP specific awards and how to apply .
LSE offers some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme , Master's Awards , and Anniversary Scholarships . Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 24 April 2025 .
In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans .
Further information
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities .
Learning and assessment
How you learn, how you're assessed.
You'll normally have two to three hours of classroom-based teaching each week for each course that you take. This will usually add up to around 12-15 hours per week in class. As the MPA is a full-time programme, you'd be expected to spend the equivalent number of hours studying as you'd spend working if you were in full-time employment (35-40 hours per week in total). For the MPA Capstone and (for those who choose to do one) the Policy Paper or Dissertation, there is less classroom-based teaching. Capstone groups determine how and when they're going to work on their project and the majority of Policy Paper and Dissertation work is done independently.
Teaching hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide .
Teaching methods
We use a variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status, including LSE faculty, teaching fellows, guest teachers and practitioners. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide .
Academic support
Office hours: all LSE academic staff offer weekly office hours during term-time.
Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
LSE LIFE is a great place to get advice and practise the skills you’ll need during your studies and beyond.
Through LSE LIFE, you can:
- attend workshops on developing leadership skills, finding the right study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work
- develop your reading, academic writing and critical-thinking skills
- gain experience of working in study groups and develop your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service . This is the first point of contact for students.
School of Public Policy student groups, networks and development opportunities
Association of Public Policy Students (APPS)
The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of SPP students that serve as a resource for the student community. Throughout the academic year, the APPS’s numerous committees and initiatives provide opportunities for students to engage with other classmates in professional and social activities.
Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT)
The Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT) Competition gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in impact investing by sourcing and conducting due diligence on real-world, early-stage impact investment opportunities. The MIINT is supported by LSE's Marshall Institute . Find out more about the experience from our 2022 participants .
Global Public Policy Network (GPPN)
The Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) is a partnership between seven prestigious universities in public policy. GPPN is a platform for institutional partnership, research collaboration, and student exchange. Members of the GPPN have organised an annual international conference for the students and deans from member schools to meet and discuss pressing issues of global public policy. GPPN members have also established exchange and dual degrees programs, allowing students to benefit from this international network of the most prestigious public affairs schools in the world.
Womxn’s Network
The School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Womxn’s Network is a student-run organisation focused on the advancement and empowerment of students within the SPP and broader LSE community who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality . The Network aims to further encourage the inclusion of marginalised voices within policymaking through various events and forums designed to promote learning and open discussion.
Public Sphere Journal (PSJ)
The Public Sphere Journal (PSJ) is a journal of international policy studies produced by SPP students which features evidence-based research in economic policy, public management, international affairs, development studies and social policy. The PSJ offers students an opportunity to combine their unique professional and personal experiences to create a journal of international policy studies, from the initial call for papers through to the print and launch.
Policy in Practice (PiP) seminars
We run regular seminars through the year to connect you with policy practitioners in a range of fields, either to learn more about the work of particular organisations and sectors or to develop new skills. These seminars provide students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real world scenarios.
LSE student societies and activities
Your time at LSE isn't just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.
Life in London
As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.
LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.
London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.
Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city , find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget .
All taught courses include formative coursework which does not contribute towards the final grade. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. We use a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide .
Graduate destinations
Career support.
Our graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors with popular destinations including; Government and Politics, Consultancy, Financial Services, NGOs & Charities, Data, Research & Think Tanks, International Development and Aid, Public Policy, and International Finance and Trade.
Find out more about our alumni and their career journeys after graduation.
The SPP boasts of a strong global community of over 2,000 alumni. Our international network of alumni not only transforms the world around them by designing policy to tackle some of the world’s leading problems in the top levels of government, international organisations, and NGOs – but also makes our community a vibrant and supportive one long after graduation.
Alumni benefits
As part of LSE SPP’s alumni engagement programme our alumni stay connected via our regualr newsletters and in-person and virtual professional development and social events throughout the year.
Our alumni also connect regularly with our students throughout their studies and share their expertise through our student mentoring scheme and our career Q&A series.
As well as belonging to LSE School of Public Policy’s alumni network, SPP students will also belong to LSE’s prestigious alumni network of over 220,000 alumni across the world.
At the heart of the SPP is an emphasis on helping our students shape and enhance their future careers in policy-related fields. SPP students come to LSE from very diverse professional backgrounds, and it is our priority to support each of you as you move to the next stage of your career.
LSE Careers offers students a programme of support throughout their studies and after graduation.
In particular, students at LSE SPP have access to:
- one-to-one coaching in all aspects of career planning and professional development careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
- a weekly SPP Careers newsletter , compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities
- Q&A events with alumni working in particular sectors of interest
- SPP-only discussions to employers including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment sectors
- access to LSE Careerhub, listing hundreds of opportunities , from short-term volunteering and internships to full-time positions for experienced professionals
- Careers Impact Sessions which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors
- specialist careers seminars run by LSE Careers, including sessions on CVs and cover letters, career management, networking, interviews and advice specific to particular employment sectors
Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year. LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available.
SPP Professional Skills Accelerator
The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.
You'll benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.