Overview
Introduction
The MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship explores how organisations respond to complex social and environmental challenges through evidence-based, context-driven approaches.
You’ll examine how innovative ideas are developed, implemented and evaluated, while applying your learning through project work and engagement with organisations.
LSE is ranked fifth in the world for Social Sciences and Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The programme combines academic study with opportunities to apply your learning through projects, elective study and international fieldwork.
Programme highlights
- Apply your learning in practice – Take part in a year-long group project with an organisation, including international fieldwork.
- Choose how you complete the programme – Complete either a traditional research dissertation or an applied Capstone project focused on social enterprise design or organisational consulting.
- Tailor your degree – Choose elective courses drawing on LSE’s expertise in economics, management, politics and society.
- Explore innovation and entrepreneurship – Engage with entrepreneurship and social impact initiatives at LSE, including LSE Generate and the 100x Impact Accelerator.
- Learn in an international context – Work alongside students from a range of backgrounds and take part in international project work.
Entry requirements
- Undergraduate degree with upper second-class honours (2.1) or above, or an international equivalent. We welcome applicants from any academic background. Select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
- Students admitted to the programme typically have two or more years of relevant work experience. However, if you have less experience, for example completing an internship, you’re also welcome to apply but you must demonstrate the relevance of this experience to your application.
- A GMAT or GRE score isn't required, but a strong result from either of these tests may benefit your application.
- See our English language requirements.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't 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.
Programme content
This programme is designed around:
- A multi-term core course in social entrepreneurship and innovation, providing the theoretical and analytical foundation for the degree, as well as additional core courses covering broader management topics such as managerial economics, organisational behaviour and marketing.
- A year-long applied group project, where you’ll work with a real organisation on a social impact challenge.
- Two elective courses, allowing you to tailor the programme to your interests and career goals.
- A series of relevant, programme-exclusive events run across the year, concluding with a summer bootcamp, run in conjunction with LSE Generate, the School’s entrepreneurial hub.
- A final independent project, where you can choose between a research dissertation, a Capstone project designing a social enterprise, or a Capstone project with an organisation.
Programme teaching
The programme combines core learning, project-based work and independent study.
Autumn Term (September – December)
You’ll begin with core courses that introduce key concepts in social innovation and organisational management, including marketing, organisational behaviour, economics, accounting and quantitative research. You’ll also start your year-long group project with a partner organisation.
Core courses include:
- Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fundamentals (MG4G6)
- Impact Measurement and Management for Social Entrepreneurs (MG4F8)
- Organisational Behaviour and Marketing for Social Entrepreneurs (MG4F9)
During this term, you’ll develop your understanding of how to design, evaluate and implement solutions to social challenges.
In Autumn Term Week 6 (around early November), you’ll complete a Virtual Research Week where you’ll work intensively with your partner organisation.
Winter Term (January – March)
You’ll deepen your learning through:
- Elective courses – choose two options to the value of one unit, tailoring the programme to your interests.
- International field trip – in Winter Term Week 6 (around late February), you’ll travel to an international location (past destinations include Cape Town and Nairobi) to collaborate directly with the organisation you’ve been working with. See the “Fees and funding” section below for the costs associated with the trip.
Spring and Summer (May – June)
You’ll complete your degree with an independent project, choosing one of the following:
- Research dissertation – an academic research project contributing to knowledge in social innovation.
- Capstone project (enterprise) – design a new social enterprise, including a viable business model and implementation plan.
- Capstone project (consulting) – work with a client organisation to address a real-world challenge.
In May, you’ll also take part in the SIE x LSE Generate Summer Bootcamp, an intensive programme focused on entrepreneurship and venture development.
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 isn't liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
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 developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are 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.
For further information on how we comply with UK consumer protection law, see your consumer rights as a student.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
Our mission
Welcome to the Department of Management. Our mission is to inspire superior management practices by fostering a comprehensive understanding of individuals, teams, organisations, and markets, along with the psychological, social, political, and technological contexts that influence them.
By studying with us, you'll gain access to a world-leading centre for education and research, uniquely positioned within a world-class social science institution at the heart of a truly global city.
The environment
Join a vibrant intellectual community comprising of world-renowned faculty, astute students, dedicated and responsive professional services staff, and high achieving alumni. Through pioneering research and high-level teaching, you'll receive comprehensive, intensive, and rigorous methodological training to help you become an expert in your specialist fields.
The rich and culturally diverse learning environment at LSE’s Department of Management, won't only enrich your experience through developing a broad perspective and understanding, but also unlock an invaluable network of global peers.
Create a better world
We go beyond the boundaries of a traditional business school by integrating diverse disciplines such as economics, marketing, data, and analytics. Our comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a profound and multifaceted understanding of the business world, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in a dynamic global environment.
Join us in our vision to create a better world, where a profound understanding of management drives positive change in both business and society.
Discover more about our programmes and research.
Who's who
Professor Saul Estrin
Dr Yally Avrahampour
Why LSE
Russell Group University of the Year and 2nd in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20271st in London for the 15th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20275th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and encourage you to apply as early as possible.
At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
An offer of a place may be conditional on attending additional courses and/or passing qualifying examinations at a suitable standard, in addition to your degree.
We carefully consider each application and examine all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose (see further information below)
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
Statement of academic purpose: specific requirements
Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you'll bring to the cohort, and what your particular strengths are.
Also, you should answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 500 words each):
- Tell us about an experience you had with social innovation/entrepreneurship/a project with high social impact. What role did you play and what did you learn about yourself?
- How will your past experience, combined with this LSE master's, help you to achieve your goals?
The total length of your statement – including the answers to the above questions – should therefore be between 1,100 and 1,600 words.
Speak to an admissions specialist
If you have any queries which are not answered on the website or would like to chat with an admissions specialist, we run one-to-one Zoom chats on a weekly basis for prospective students and offer holders:
Contact us
For questions related to your application or the admissions process, check our admissions frequently asked questions page.
If you have any queries which aren’t answered on the website, contact the Department of Management Programme and Admissions team at dom.msc.admissions@lse.ac.uk. Please note that we’re only able to assist with enquiries relating to the Department of Management.
Who attends
You’ll study alongside a diverse, global cohort of students.
We expect to welcome students from a broad mix of academic and employment backgrounds, including those currently working in socially focused organisations or CSR and sustainability teams within large companies, as well as students from a wide variety of other backgrounds wishing to move into this field.
The programme is well-suited to graduates with two or more years' work experience in social innovation, but work experience isn't a formal requirement. Applicants at earlier stages of their careers may benefit from the programme's combination of academic study and project-based learning.
This diverse mix of experience and expertise in the classroom is designed to challenge your perspectives and enrich your learning experience.
Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog, The Student Lens.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
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.
Home
Home student fee (students starting in 2027/28)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for Home and Overseas students depending on their fee status.
Tuition fee deposit
If you’re made an offer, we’ll ask you to pay a tuition fee deposit, normally 10 per cent of the published tuition fee. Paying the deposit by the specified deadline will secure your place on the programme, subject to meeting the other conditions of your offer.
Your payment deadline will usually be the earlier of six weeks after the date of your offer or 20 days before the formal start date of the programme.
Tuition fee deposits are generally non-refundable, although refunds may be available in the circumstances set out in LSE’s Tuition Fee Policy for your year of entry. Your offer letter and other correspondence from the School will also provide information about how to pay and the circumstances in which a payment deadline extension or exemption from the deposit requirement may be considered.
Find out more about tuition fee deposits.
International field trip
This programme includes an international field trip. Your student fee covers flights, accommodation and travel within the destination country. You’ll need to pay for travel to and from UK airports, visa costs, food and other subsistence costs during the trip.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (students starting in 2027/28)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for Home and Overseas students depending on their fee status.
Tuition fee deposit
If you’re made an offer, we’ll ask you to pay a tuition fee deposit, normally 10 per cent of the published tuition fee. Paying the deposit by the specified deadline will secure your place on the programme, subject to meeting the other conditions of your offer.
Your payment deadline will usually be the earlier of six weeks after the date of your offer or 20 days before the formal start date of the programme.
Tuition fee deposits are generally non-refundable, although refunds may be available in the circumstances set out in LSE’s Tuition Fee Policy for your year of entry. Your offer letter and other correspondence from the School will also provide information about how to pay and the circumstances in which a payment deadline extension or exemption from the deposit requirement may be considered.
Find out more about tuition fee deposits.
International field trip
This programme includes an international field trip. Your student fee covers flights, accommodation and travel within the destination country. You’ll need to pay for travel to and from UK airports, visa costs, food and other subsistence costs during the trip.
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 using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
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.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. 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: 22 April 2027.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding students to pursue one-year master’s programmes in the UK with full funding.
Find out more on the Chevening website.
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
The curriculum is designed to challenge traditional thinking and explore the frontiers of social entrepreneurship as it moves beyond the dominant "solutions-seeking" narrative. You’ll discover it as a means of redressing power imbalances, and explore its meaning beyond Western contexts.
You'll be asked to read the latest research to understand the underlying reasons why today’s societal issues exist as they do across the world, and the practical implications for managers of socially-focused organisations.
You'll critically assess trends, conflicts and patterns in society and in organisational management practice, with contrasting examples from regions across the world, and form your own opinions to defend and debate with your classmates in seminars.
You'll learn how to develop and communicate well-reasoned arguments, and to tackle complex decisions and problems in the context of the real socio-economic and geo-political architecture in which social organisations and entrepreneurial ventures operate across the globe.
Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow students to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study.
Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.
Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required to get the most out of the programme.
LSE’s Department of Management is committed to supporting our students throughout their journey with us. This includes:
- Academic mentor: you may meet with your mentor to discuss your studies at any point.
- Faculty office hours: advice and guidance on academic issues are available when you meet with our teaching staff during their office hours.
- Programmes team: our dedicated team can offer advice and guidance on your programme, signpost you to school support, and help you navigate the challenging year.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
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.
How you're assessed
Half-unit courses can be assessed by two-hour unseen examinations, coursework assignments, class participation or group/individual project work.
You can view indicative details of hours and assessment for all courses listed in the online Programme Regulations.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Career development
Through academic study, project work and engagement with organisations, the programme examines real-world approaches to social innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Alongside your studies, you'll have access to careers support, employer engagement activities and professional development opportunities through LSE and the Department of Management.
Graduate destinations
MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship graduates have pursued work across a range of sectors and organisations, including social enterprises, non-profit organisations, consultancies, public sector bodies and sustainability-focused organisations.
Some graduates have also founded or contributed to entrepreneurial ventures and social enterprises.
Top five sectors graduates have gone onto work in include*:
- education, teaching and research
- financial and professional services
- health and social care
- consultancy
- FMCG, manufacturing and retail.
Examples of organisations that graduates work in include*:
- TechnoServe
- Ace Education
- United Nations Development Programme
- Deloitte
- International Labour Organisation.
*Data collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and supplied to LSE as part of the 2019/20 - 2023/24 Graduate Outcomes Surveys.
Career support
Our Careers Alumni and Employer Relations (CAER) team support you in preparation for whichever path you choose to follow beyond LSE.
We work alongside you each step of the way; from researching different sectors and opportunities available, to identifying internships, jobs or further study, and then navigating the application and interview process.
You can take advantage of one-to-one careers appointments (that continue when you're a graduate), complemented by a wide range of events and engagements throughout the duration of your programme, including:
- industry-focused alumni panels
- alumni and employer networking evenings
- employer skills seminars
- business projects
- office visits
- mock assessment centres/interviews
- careers skills boot camps.
Department of Management careers consultants offer support and organises events specifically for SIE students. From social impact consulting and sustainability to working in international organisations, our events are designed to support your goals.
If you plan to launch and scale your own social enterprise, LSE Generate, the School’s award-winning home for entrepreneurship, offers an all-year-round programme to help at every stage of your journey.
All Department of Management students have access to the services of our team in addition to the support of the central LSE Careers team, who support the wider university.
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