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Master of Public Policy

Applications for 2026 entry open in October

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an intensive 9-month programme designed for professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and analytical skills to effectively address complex public policy challenges, and advance their career in any policy-relevant sector.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP offers public policy education that is designed for operating in today’s world. Organisations today are faced with vast amounts of information and competing opinions with different calls to urgent action. Successful policy-makers need to understand and navigate between the different opinions and perspectives of economists, lawyers, financiers and philosophers in order to make effective policy decisions.

The intensive 9-month programme enables students to take a short career break to join an experienced global cohort, gain new perspectives and develop an understanding of how to analyse and navigate the different perspectives which form the "craft of government". This integrates theory and analysis, politics, and implementation of policy.

Students will develop a unique understanding of the complex challenges of contemporary governance across core discipline perspectives including economics and econometrics, political science, quantitative methods, public management and philosophy. This offers tools and knowhow to understand and address the world’s most pressing public policy challenges. with a unique understanding of the complex challenges of contemporary governance, providing a real-world context to the policy-making skills you will develop.

Whether moving into public, private, international, or non-profit roles, our graduates will take with them enhanced knowledge, expanded thinking and elevated skills to be able to make formidable contributions to public policy and advance in the next stage in their career.

Key features:

  • A strong discipline focus core, plus room to specialise.
  • Opportunity to build your professional network and learn from a diverse global cohort, all with well-established policy-relevant experience.
  • Be able to better understand and challenge the advice received from experts.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the public management profession and the tools and approaches needed to reform and enhance public service provision.
  • An intensive 9-month programme to prepare you for the next step in your career and help you to return to your profession equipped and confident to take on new challenges.

The SPP has had a long-lasting impact on my career. When I came to LSE, I was clear on the new subjects I wanted to learn and the familiar areas where I wanted to build greater depth. The MPP provided me with all the necessary tools, theoretical grounding, and real-world examples.

Ishita Aryan, MPP Class of 2023

MPP overview

Applications openOctober 2025
Application deadlineWe encourage applicants to apply by our early deadline 22 January 2026, however we accept applications on a rolling basis and will close to applications once places are full.
Duration and formatNine months, full time only
Expected intake70-90
Minimum entry requirementsUpper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.
In addition, applicants must have at least five years of policy-relevant experience, though exceptions may be granted for outstanding candidates with slightly less experience.

GRE/GMAT:
Not required

English Language requirements:
'Higher' see 'your application' section below
LocationHoughton Street, London

MPP programme

MPP students

Andrea Vega Talledo, Master of Public Policy

Professional development, alumni and careers

School of Public Policy: Student community

Hear more about professional development opportunities and networks for our SPP students.

“The World Turned Upside Down” sculpture on the LSE campus

Your application

Fees and funding

Next steps

Start your application

How to apply

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