MSc Political Science (Political Science and Political Economy)

At LSE, your learning goes far beyond lectures and essays. The MSc Political Science (Political Science and Political Economy) is designed to help you gain hands-on research experience, develop analytical skills, and make the most of world-class academic resources. Through workshops, independent research projects, seminars, and access to specialist facilities, you’ll build practical skills in quantitative analysis, political inquiry, and critical thinking that prepare you for real-world challenges. Being in central London also gives you unique opportunities to connect with policymakers, institutions, and public debates, bringing theory to life.

The programme supports experiential learning in several ways:

• Independent research and dissertation supervision: You complete a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, working closely with a faculty supervisor to apply methods like data analysis and game theory to real political science questions.

• Academic events and seminars: Participate in public lectures, departmental research seminars, and expert talks that provide exposure to cutting-edge research and current policy debates.

• Access to the British Library of Political and Economic Science: One of the world’s largest social science libraries, offering extensive print and digital collections, study spaces, and research support to help with coursework and your dissertation.

• LSE LIFE and study support: Workshops, one-to-one sessions, and skill-building activities help you develop academic writing, research techniques, and analytical skills tailored to postgraduate social science study.

• Digital learning tools: Use LSE’s virtual learning environment to access course materials, collaborate with peers, and engage with faculty, supporting interactive and flexible learning.

Graduates from this MSc go on to exciting careers where they apply strong analytical and quantitative skills to real-world challenges in public policy, government, international organisations, consultancy, and research. Common roles include Policy Analyst, Consultant, Political Risk Analyst, and Research Officer, reflecting the high value employers place on the programme’s rigorous training:

• Career support at LSE: The university’s dedicated careers team provides personalised guidance, workshops on CVs and interviews, employer networking events, and sector-specific advice to help you take the next step in your career.

• Graduate outcomes and earning potential: LSE graduates from taught programmes typically earn a median salary of around £36,000 within 15 months of finishing, with alumni working in government, consultancy, NGOs, media, and research sectors.

• Professional connections: LSE’s central London location and strong links with policymakers, think tanks, international organisations, and consultancies provide excellent opportunities to build networks during your studies.

• Global recognition and long-term value: An MSc from LSE, one of the world’s leading social science institutions, carries strong international recognition that opens doors across public, private, and research sectors.

• Graduate destinations: Alumni find roles in government and public sector policy teams, consultancy firms, NGOs and charities, educational and research organisations, as well as media and communications.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students also use this master’s as a stepping stone to further study. You could pursue a PhD in Political Science or Political Economy at LSE or other leading universities, or explore doctoral research in public policy, international relations, or comparative politics, building on the strong methodological and analytical foundation developed in this programme.