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| MSc Philosophy and Public PolicyPage contents > Context | The Programme | When to apply | Financial Support | Additional Information ContextTaught at an institution which is a major centre for national and international public policy debates, this degree provides a foundation in the conceptual and normative questions underlying public policy formulation. It prepares you for policy-oriented careers in intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as for Ph.D. work in philosophy or related disciplines. It is distinctive in three ways: First, it is resolutely interdisciplinary. We take philosophical analysis to be continuous with scientific approaches to the study of political, social and economic problems. Second, it offers a thorough background in the classics of moral and political theory, which students learn to apply to issues in public policy. Third, students have access to a wealth of courses and resources at the Philosophy Department and LSE generally that are relevant for the philosophical analysis of public policy, for example:
The Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method has a strong reputation in philosophy of the social sciences and economics, philosophy of the natural sciences, moral and political philosophy, philosophy and policy, and rational and social choice. The Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Sciences at LSE is one of the international centres of the discipline and attracts a series of eminent visitors. The Department has close links with other Philosophy departments in the University of London. Many graduate level lecture courses given in other colleges of the University are available to MSc students. This gives students access to the rich philosophical environment that London has to offer. The ProgrammeWe will consider applicants with a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages). We approach philosophical issues in public policy through the lenses of historical and contemporary developments in ethical theory and political philosophy. Topics include various policy areas (eg health care, development, social security, the environment), approaches to the study of society (eg rational, social and public choice) and central topics in political philosophy (eg democracy, liberal neutrality, equality, human rights, punishment and just war). Courses 1 and 2 Courses 3 One from:
Given the specific interests and background training of the student, it may be possible to substitute a course from some other department at LSE in place of one of the courses listed above. Courses 4
This will prepare you to write a dissertation of about 10,000 words on philosophical aspects of a public policy issue. When to applyWe urge students to apply early. We will continue to accept applications while space is available. Please see Graduate Admissions to apply. Financial SupportFor information about financial support click here Additional InformationSee MSc Philosophy and Public Policy in the Graduate Prospectus 2009 Student Profiles The MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy will be of interest to students from various backgrounds, e.g. from philosophy, history, economics, sociology and political science. We consider applicants with good first degrees in any discipline, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages). We recruit students from all across the world to assemble a genuinely international group, which enriches discussions of policy matters in a global environment. Internships Students will be able to apply to the LSE Internships programme in Public Policy, Social Issues & Public Affairs. This initiative, led by the Careers Service and the LSE Public Policy Group, offers internships to LSE postgraduate students in key organisations working across the field of public policy, social issues and public affairs. The initiative builds on the success of an existing Parliamentary Internship Scheme (founded in 1998, with the assistance of Barry Sheerman, MP). The LSE Internships programme in Public Policy, Social Issues & Public Affairs offers students flexibility in of the nature of the intern's work and the duration of the internships. Masters and PhD students commit to do 1 to 1.5 days per week with an organisation, working on site with regular staff and delivering help where needed. This scheme runs from mid-October to the end of April. Student Life Our students typically form a tight social group. We try to arrange a host of social occasions, like dinners after the bi-weekly Philosophy and Public Policy Seminar, and a Holidays party. Needless to say London has a wide range of social opportunities to offer. See pictures of our annual holidays party. Testimonials\career development The course prepares you for PhD. work in philosophy as well as for policy-oriented careers in governmental, non-governmental or trans-governmental organizations. We have a very good record of students moving on to good Ph.D. programmes and to high-level jobs with think tanks, in government, or in business. For some reports about what some of our former students are presently doing, see MSc Philosophy and Public Policy career placement. We are committed to supporting students in their future career choices. Though Home Office regulations are variable, there are currently (November 2007) very interesting opportunities for overseas students to extend their student visa for one year after their studies in order to find gainful employment. For more information about the International Graduate Scheme, click here. The attached article from The Guardian, 'I think, therefore I earn' is optimistic about the UK job market for philosophers. Statistics Where our graduates end up within the first years after graduation (based on those students who have informed us of their careers since 2004/5): 2. Researcher at a think tank or university: 20% 3. Public and private sector consulting: 20% 4. Banking: 10% 5. Public sector: 10% 6. Other: 5% Seminar Series Philosophy of Public Policy We organize a bi-weekly lecture series on philosophy of public policy with external speakers who have special expertise in political philosophy, philosophy of public policy or philosophy of the social sciences. For the 2004-08 schedule, see Seminar Series: Philosophy and Public Policy (PDF). Related programmes: MPA Public and Economic Policy ^ Back to top
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