Thank you for your interest in the MPA programme. Applications for entry in 2017 are now open. If you are thinking of applying and have any questions, please get in touch by emailing mpa@lse.ac.uk.
Please find below details on how to make your application.
1) Consult the Graduate Prospectus for information on the MPA programme offered by the Institute of Public Affairs.
The Graduate Prospectus also provides details on the following subjects:
• Studying and living in London
• Student Services
• Financial information for applicants
• How to apply
2) Apply online (from October 2016) and use the online application system to supply your supporting documents. Read the LSE’s information on how to apply to find out about the application and supporting documents that are required.
3) After you have applied, you can track your application online. The tracker allows you to view up-to-the-minute information regarding the status of your application. Graduate Admissions will notify you by email when they process a document or request or if a decision is made on your application.
All applications must be submitted online. Applications made 'direct' to the School or to the MPA Office will not be considered.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the MPA programme are:
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2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline*
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Applicants are normally required to have a minimum of one year’s relevant professional work experience at the point of entry to the programme. However, applicants with an exceptional and outstanding academic background may use this to compensate for a less than one year’s work experience.
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English to LSE’s ‘standard level’ requirement**
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Two references***
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Personal statement
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Résumé or CV
* Proven academic ability and strong academic grades are essential. Economics and/or quantitative course work is particularly helpful but there is no specific subject requirement for the first degree. Details of the equivalent grades required for first degrees studied outside the UK are available from the information for international students pages.
** If you are not a national of Canada (whose first language is English) or one of the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries you may be required to undertake an English language test. Please click here for more information.
*** This programme requires two academic references (from tutors who have taught you at university). Applicants who graduated from their most recent study before January 2014 may supply one non-academic reference in place of one of your academic references. This should normally be a reference from your most recent employer. For further information, please click here.
Fees and funding
Up to date information on tuition fees and fee status can be found here.
Please visit the MPA applicants FAQs to learn more about funding.
Programme start date and duration
The start date for the MPA programme is 10th September 2017. Some outside options in economics require participation in introductory courses beginning late August 2017. The programme runs for 22 months full time.
Deadline
Applications are now open. Please be aware that there is no closing date for the MPA programme, however we can only make a limited number of offers, therefore we advise potential applicants to apply as early as possible as competition for the course is intense.
Please check the list of available programmes before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to questions about the admissions process can be found in the Graduate Admissions FAQs.
If you still find you have more questions about the application process and how to apply, please find details of how to contact Graduate Admissions here.