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21 Months On Campus Masters Program
London School of Economics and Political ScienceThe Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) equips early‑career professionals with rigorous analytical training and practical skills to tackle complex policy challenges. It is ideal for motivated students who want to advance careers in public, private, or non‑profit sectors by mastering economics, political science, and applied policy analysis.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in the core disciplines that shape effective public administration. Compulsory courses such as Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy teach essential economic tools for policy appraisal, while Political Science for Public Policy develops a deep understanding of governance and political behavior. Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis equips students with cutting‑edge quantitative methods to evaluate policy outcomes, and a selection of electives allows students to tailor their learning to specific interests.
Year 2
The second year emphasizes applying knowledge in real‑world contexts. Strategic Policymaking: Economic Analysis, Narrative Development, Political Feasibility, and Implementation integrates core skills into strategic thinking. The MPA Capstone Project offers a six‑month consulting-style team experience with an external client, giving students the chance to tackle a real policy challenge. Electives and specializations in areas such as Economic Policy, International Development, or International Political Economy provide further opportunities to deepen expertise and shape individual career paths.
Focus areas
Public policy analysis, empirical methods, economics for policy, political science, strategic policymaking, real‑world policy application
Learning outcomes
Ability to critically evaluate public policies, apply quantitative and qualitative methods for analysis, design evidence‑based policy solutions, and lead policy initiatives with practical impact
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The MPA prepares students for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, consultancy, and private sector roles requiring strong policy, analytical, and strategic skills
Reputation (employability rankings)
LSE’s School of Public Policy is part of a university that is highly ranked globally for social sciences and management, with graduates widely recognized for leadership and impact in public policy
The MPA places a strong emphasis on practical training, giving you the chance to develop hands-on policy experience through a six-month Capstone Project with an external client and by engaging with policy practitioners via seminars, the Professional Skills Accelerator and the MIINT competition. You’ll also benefit from an active alumni mentorship scheme and a global network that connects classroom learning to real-world policy work.
Transition to practical opportunities:
- Capstone Project with an external client (six months)
- MIINT Investment Impact Network and Training competition for real-world impact investing opportunities
- Policy in Practice (PiP) seminars with policy practitioners
- Alumni mentorship and Q&As
- LSE Careers: one-to-one coaching with a Careers Consultant, weekly SPP Careers newsletter, Q&A events with alumni, SPP networking evenings and access to LSE Careerhub
- Careers Impact Sessions and specialist careers seminars
Graduate outcomes: Our graduates pursue careers across government, consultancy, financial services, NGOs and charities, data, research and think tanks, international development and aid, public policy, and international finance and trade.
- University services to help you employ: one-to-one coaching with the Careers Consultant, the weekly SPP Careers newsletter, Q&A events with alumni, SPP networking evenings, access to LSE Careerhub with hundreds of opportunities, Careers Impact Sessions, and specialist careers seminars.
- University industry partnerships: Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) dual degree options with Hertie School, LKY School of Public Policy (Singapore), and GraSPP (University of Tokyo); additional double degree programmes with University of Toronto, Sciences Po and Columbia SIPA; the Capstone project with an external client and the MIINT competition provide real-world partnerships.
- Graduation outcomes: see graduate destinations listed above (government and politics, consultancy, financial services, NGOs and charities, data, research and think tanks, international development and aid, public policy, international finance and trade).
- Further Academic Progression: You can continue your studies through GPPN dual degree arrangements (spend Year 2 at a partner institution and graduate with two degrees) or pursue the associated double degree options with partner universities.
Minimum entry: 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline.English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, Reading 7.0, Listening 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 6.5; or TOEFL iBT: Overall 100, Reading 25, Listening 22, Writing 24, Speaking 22.Professional experience: No formal requirement, but most students have 1–2 years of work experience.GRE/GMAT: Not required.For applicants from India: A bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BCom, BTech) of at least three years’ duration, or a Bachelor of Medicine, with a CGPA of 3.3/4, 5/7, 6/8, 7/9, or 7.6/10.For applicants from the USA: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4 (or equivalent: 3.5/4.3, 4.3/5, 10/12, 85%), or a B+ average if only letter grades are used.For applicants from China: Typically a bachelor’s degree with an overall mark of 85% from a highly regarded institution, or at least 90% for other institutions.Government and public service rolesPublic policy analystPolicy adviserManagement consultant in public or private sectorEconomic policy specialistInternational development officerResearcher at think tanks or research institutionsRoles in NGOs and charitiesPositions in international organisations (egUnited NationsWorld Bank)
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