About the MSc programme
The programme offers a multidisciplinary analysis of contemporary European Union government, politics and public policy, including its impact on the EU member states and the broader international system. The programme’s broad spectrum of courses draws on comparative political science, international relations, European Union law and European political economy and is based across three Departments: the European Institute, Government and International Relations. This allows the programme to cover a wide array of topics taught in more than fifty courses, and students have the opportunity to draw on the expertise of the largest number of academic experts in European government, politics and public policy to be found anywhere in Europe. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme ensures that, in addition to building extensive and deep knowledge of the EU, students are able to analyse it in a multifaceted way which combines problem-solving detailed empirical knowledge with the latest theoretical perspectives. We teach our students advanced analytical research skills combined with hands-on practical insights into EU politics and policy-making.
We consider applicants with an upper second class honours degree in any discipline, but prefer applicants with a degree in one of the social sciences.
Programme details
The programme is divided into three main parts: Part I. Foundation: a choice of two out of three courses which provide a basic training in the history and theory of European integration, an introduction to central debates in European Union politics and government, and analyses of the EU in the World. Part II. Specialisation: where students can choose courses from a range of specialist clusters, including, but not limited to, policy-making and public policy in the European Union; democracy and representation; state and economy; ideas of Europe; regional and domestic politics in Europe; and the international relations of Europe. Students may choose their optional courses in accordance with the requirements laid out in the programme regulations to qualify for a degree specialisation within one of the programme’s course clusters. Part III. Dissertation: a 10,000 word essay on an advanced topic of relevance to the programme. Additionally, all students must take Research Methods and Design in EU Politics to prepare for the dissertation, and are recommended to attend Engaging with Europe: Professional Skills - a programme of guest lectures from distinguished external speakers, including policy-makers, journalists and analysts from think tanks and business. Students can expect an average of 180 hours of teaching.
Compulsory courses
(* half unit)
Dissertation
Students must choose two out of the following three courses:
Optional courses
Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of one and a half/two units (depending on compulsory course selections) from a range of options.
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Cluster 1: Policy Making and Public Policy in the European Union
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Cluster 2: Integration and Forms of Governance in the European Union
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Cluster 3: Democracy and Representation in the European Union
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Cluster 4: State and Economy within the European Union
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Cluster 5: Ideas of Europe
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Cluster 6: Regional and Domestic Politics in Europe
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Cluster 7: The International Relations of Europe
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Cluster 8: Methods
You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc EU Politics in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.
Graduate destinations
The programme is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues. The programme is an excellent preparation for further research work. Former graduates pursue successful careers in EU institutions, national governments, business, politics, academia, journalism and non-governmental organisations. LSE maintains excellent links with leading centres for the academic study of contemporary Europe and with the EU and national institutions.