PP478E      Half Unit
Political Science and Public Policy

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Availability

Requisites

Additional requisites:

There are no formal pre-requisites, but recommended advance readings will be distributed ahead of the course

This course introduces students to core concepts and problems in politics and policymaking. Among the questions we address: What determines political preferences and electoral outcomes? How are interests represented? How do political institutions shape policy outcomes? We focus on tools that students should be able to apply broadly in analyzing the political world.

30 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.

A one-week modular teaching block. This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures delivered in one week.

The default mode of instruction is in-person in the classroom at LSE. Remote attendance is available in case of challenges preventing in-person attendance. 

One mock examination will be provided.

A full reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

Essay (50%, 2000 words)

Short answer questions (50%)

Assessments for this course are an essay (50%) and an online assessment (50%). Online assessments take place on the third weekend after the module teaching concludes. The online assessment is available for 3 days and students have 3 hours 15 minutes to complete the assessment once they have started. Assessed essays are due on the sixth Sunday after module teaching concludes. Further details will be provided at the Executive MPA/ Executive MPP programme inductions.