Master of Public Policy

Prior to your arrival at LSE you will receive details about optional readings and online learning materials which are designed to help you to prepare for the programme.

During August and early September we will offer a 5-week course, Introduction to Mathematics and Statistics for Public Policy. The first three weeks will be online and the final two weeks will be in person at LSE as part of your welcome weeks on campus. The course is designed in preparation for the MPP core course Quantitative Methods for Public Policy (PP402).

From mid-September you will need to attend MPP Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place prior to the start of the LSE Autumn Term dates. The welcome sessions include campus enrolment, a programme introduction, and various introductory and practical sessions covering different opportunities and available support for your time at LSE.

The programme consists of four units in total – including three units of core courses, listed below, and a further one unit of options courses from a range of courses from within the LSE School of Public Policy.

This combines a fundamental grounding in core disciplines that are central to public policy, and allows you to tailor your options to your own interests and career goals. Some of the option courses will require prior study in economics, and would require the permission of the Course Convenor. Indicative options are listed below.

Political Science for Public Policy*
You will learn how to understand and analyse empirically the political context of policymaking. This will include how political behaviour (such as voting behaviour, elections and lobbying), interacts with political institutions (such as electoral systems, different models of government or central banks) to create political outcomes (such as economic policies, development aid and ethnic conflict).

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy*
This course will introduce you to some of the key principles and tools of quantitative evaluations which underpin policy interventions and outcomes. The emphasis is on the practical application of these tools to real-life situations, including the difference between correlation and causality, the use of randomised experiments, and understanding of how and when difference-in-differences regressions can be effectively used.

Public Management*
This course offers an intensive introduction into key literatures and themes in the study of public management. Applied to both developed and lesser developed world contexts, you will learn about public sector reform, coordination and collaboration, bureaucracies, professionalism and motivation, performance management, crisis management, leadership, institutional capacity building, cutback management and organisational learning. Your teaching will be paired with insights to the success, or otherwise, of different models and approaches.

Economics for Public Policy*
On this course, you will learn the key principles of economic policy-making. Both micro- and macro-economics will be covered, including price theory, understanding markets, externalities, public goods, principal-agent problems, economic growth, inflation business cycles, unemployment, and fiscal and monetary policies.

Public Policy Applications*
This course will introduce students to the application of social science literatures to concrete policy issues. It will be organised around topics which are being actively discussed in both the policy and academic spheres/realms/domains.

This course will emphasise illustrating how different theoretical and disciplinary approaches analyse a particular policy topic and problem. The precise policy topics will be decided each year, depending on the academic and practitioner availability. We attract from either the cutting edge of a particular research topic or those who are working directly on a topic area.

Philosophy for Public Policy*
This course has been designed to help you develop the skills and insight to apply philosophical reasoning to your understanding and practice of the 'craft of government'. It includes a strong grounding in moral and political philosophical principles and emphasises their application in modern policy-making toolkit. You will study a range of philosophical theories and concepts, then discuss and learn to evaluate them by focusing on specific policy proposals. Taught by leading LSE philosophers, the emphasis is on applying theory and concept in practical and policy-relevant ways.

Option courses (electives)

You will also select courses to the value of one unit from a range of options.

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page

Professional Skills Accelerator

Alongside their degree the School of Public Policy requires that students complete the Professional Skills Accelerator, a programme of applied sessions designed to help students develop and refine the skills required of highly capable public policy professionals.

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.

A few important points you’ll need to know:

Please note that the nine-month and ten-month full-time master's programmes aren't compliant with the Bologna process, which may affect the extent to which they're recognised. For more information, see Bologna process.

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.

The MPP attracts a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. Our 2026 cohort of 76 students represent 30 nationalities

Our MPP students have a range of professional backgrounds and experience and have an average of 9 years' working experience.

We welcome students from wide-ranging areas of expertise including government administration, education, healthcare, consultancy, financial services, and many more. Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPP.

This diversity is a major strength, providing many different national, economic and societal perspectives to problems and solutions of public policy.

SPP Student networks

Association of Public Policy Students (APPS)

The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of SPP students that serve as a resource for the student community. Throughout the academic year, the APPS’s numerous committees and initiatives provide opportunities for students to engage with other classmates in professional and social activities.

Public Sphere Journal (PSJ)

The Public Sphere Journal (PSJ) is a journal of international policy studies produced by SPP students which features evidence-based research in economic policy, public management, international affairs, development studies and social policy. The PSJ offers students an opportunity to combine their unique professional and personal experiences to create a journal of international policy studies, from the initial call for papers through to the print and launch.

Womxn’s Network

The School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Womxn’s Network is a student-run organisation focused on the advancement and empowerment of students within the SPP and broader LSE community who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality. The Network aims to further encourage the inclusion of marginalised voices within policymaking through various events and forums designed to promote learning and open discussion.

SPP external networks

Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT)

The Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT) Competition gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in impact investing by sourcing and conducting due diligence on real-world, early-stage impact investment opportunities. The MIINT is supported by LSE's Marshall Institute. Hear from our 2025 MIINT participants.

Global Public Policy Network (GPPN)

The Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) is a partnership between 7 prestigious universities in public policy. GPPN is a platform for institutional partnership, research collaboration, and student exchange. Members of the GPPN have organised an annual international conference for the students and deans from member schools to meet and discuss pressing issues of global public policy. Hear from our 2024 GPPN conference participants.

LSE student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.

Life in London

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget.

SPP Professional Skills Accelerator

Alongside your degree the School of Public Policy requires that you complete the Professional Skills Accelerator, a programme of applied sessions designed to help you to develop and refine the skills required of highly capable public policy professionals.

The sessions are delivered by outstanding trainers and educators and take place across the year, on subjects including leadership, interview skills, data visualisation, negotiation, and persuasive communication.

Students must complete 4 sessions across the first year of their programme.

As well as attendance at these sessions, you will be required to submit two short pieces of writing, which reflect on their professional experience and ability and identify areas where they would like to improve.

Details of the 2027/28 Professional Skills Accelerator are to be confirmed.

The sessions in 2026/7 are taking place during the Autumn and Winter terms at weekends, and those in the Spring Term are scheduled on weekdays in and around the exam period. The Professional Skills Accelerator will be formally launched to new students during the Welcome period.

Alumni mentorship and Q&As

Our alumni connect regularly with our students throughout their studies and share their expertise through our alumni/student mentoring scheme and our career Q&A series.

Policy in Practice (PiP) seminars

We run regular seminars through the year to connect you with policy practitioners in a range of fields, either to learn more about the work of particular organisations and sectors or to develop new skills. These seminars provide students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real world scenarios.

Career support

At the heart of the SPP is an emphasis on helping our students shape and enhance their future careers in policy-related fields. SPP students come to LSE from very diverse professional backgrounds, and it is our priority to support each of you as you move to the next stage of your career.

LSE Careers offers students a programme of support throughout their studies and after graduation.

In particular, students at LSE SPP have access to:

• one-to-one coaching in all aspects of career planning and professional development with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
• Q&A events with SPP alumni who are working in particular sectors of interest such as international organisations and consultancy
• a weekly SPP Careers newsletter includes relevant short-term and long-term job opportunities and events
• Networking events with employers (specific for SPP students)
• Careers Impact sessions which encourage students to consider their professional values, strengths and career goals as they navigate and manage evolving career journeys. SPP alumni contribute by sharing their experiences and insights, bringing the learning to life and creating opportunities to connect and network with alumni from across a range of related careers.

In addition SPP students benefit from LSE Careers activities and support including:

• Professionals at LSE programme designed for students and alumni with 5+ years professional experience. The programme includes events focused on employer and sector perspectives, career strategy and leadership workshops and skills focused events and panel discussions.
• access to LSE MyCareer, listing hundreds of opportunities, from short-term volunteering and internships to full-time positions for experienced professionals
• LSE Careers events throughout the year including career fairs, employer presentations, recruitment and networking events, skills seminars with employers
• specialist careers seminars run by LSE Careers, including sessions on CVs and cover letters, career management, networking, interviews and advice specific to particular employment sectors

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year. LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available.

Additional resources

- Learning Lab

- Digital Skills Lab

- LSE LIFE

- LSE Generate

- LSE Volunteer Centre

Our Alumni

The SPP has an active global community of over 3,000 alumni. Our international network of alumni not only transform the world around them by designing policy to tackle some of the world’s leading problems in the top levels of government, international organisations, and NGOs – but also makes our community a vibrant and supportive one long after graduation.

As well as belonging to LSE School of Public Policy’s alumni network, SPP students will also belong to LSE’s prestigious alumni network of over 220,000 alumni across the world.

SPP alumni connect regularly with our students throughout their studies and share their expertise through our alumni/student mentoring scheme and our career Q&A series.

Alumni benefits

As part of LSE SPP’s alumni engagement programme our alumni stay connected via our regular newsletters and in-person and virtual professional development and social events throughout the year. Our annual "Alumni Symposium" offers a space for alumni to reconnect and benefit from the lifelong SPP network. Hear our alumni discuss the benefits of being able to reconnect at LSE to hear from expert panels and share their experiences at the 2025 Alumni Symposium, which focused on themes of "The New Geoeconomics: Policy making in a Fragmented World".

Alumni in action

Learn more about our alumni and how they are making an impact around the world.

Our graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors with popular destinations including;

· Government and Politics

· Consultancy,

· Financial Services,

· NGOs & Charities,

· Data, Research & Think Tanks

· International Development and Aid

· International Finance and Trade

Our SPP graduates have gone on to roles supporting Governments around the world including, but not limited to, roles in UK, India, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines.

Other notable employers have included United Nations, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Deloitte, World Bank Group, Ofgem, Civil Service, Google, Department for Education, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK), European Commission, Moody’s, Air Pollution Action Group, KPMG, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

Find out more about our alumni and their career journeys after graduation.

Explore the graduate destinations for this programme

• 

  "The best thing is that the SPP provides unparalleled access to world-class professors, remarkable course mates with decades of experience in different fields, and heads of state, senior leaders and academics who visit London and choose to stop by LSE for a talk with students."

  Linh Tran, MPP Class of 2024

  ---

• 

  "Thanks to the skills and experience gained at the MPP, I feel well-prepared to communicate to international antitrust and competition professionals what Mexico can offer in understanding an increasingly global economy and how to promote competition in every country."

  Rodrigo Rios Dordelly Head of the International Affairs Unit at COFECE, the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission, MPP Class of 2022

  ---

• 

  "I enable my clients to understand the cascading impacts of climate risk for both the public and private sectors. My work sits at the intersection of policy and economics, making compelling business cases for enabling climate investments...it also has the thrill of venturing into intersections that are probably being addressed for the first time during this climate crisis."

  Ishita Aryan, Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Programme Manager for Arcadis, MPP Class of 2023

  ---

• 

  "The MPP gave me something I hadn't fully had before: the formal intellectual underpinning to match the instincts I had built over years in the field. It provided the right signalling to make a credible transition into the public policy space, but more importantly, it gave me the tools and analytical rigour to assess, frame and stress test policy in ways that genuinely hold up - the kind of rigour that LSE demands in its writing and thinking and that government and international organisations should rightly expect!"

  Prachetas Bhatnagar, Head of Strategy & Operations, Policy & Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), MPP Class of 2021

  ---

Find out more about our alumni and their career journeys after graduation.

Minimum entry requirement

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.

At least five years of policy-relevant experience, though exceptions may be granted for outstanding candidates with slightly less experience.

English language requirement: 'Higher' - see English language requirements

Who should apply

Our diverse cohort is one of the key strengths of our MPP programme. In particular the MPP is designed for professionals who have 5 or more years of policy-relevant experience.

We aim to bring together a cohort of passionate policy professionals who represent a wide range of nationalities, experiences and backgrounds, thus enriching the peer-to-peer learning experience.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds (with 5+ years experience) who can demonstrate a passion for public policy and making a positive impact.

Excellent candidates will possess a strong academic record and be able to demonstrate a commitment to public service as well as a clear understanding of the MPP and how they will benefit from the programme.

Whilst the MPP programme is designed to provide rigorous training in areas of econometrics and quantitative methods, there will be opportunities for individuals with less experience in these areas to develop or refresh their skills via online learning materials prior to the programme starting.

Find out more about our MPP students and their backgrounds in our 'Our Students' section below.

Information for international students

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest and refer to our Information for International students page where you can view entry requirement by country.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

When to apply

We consider applications for admission on a rolling basis and applications close once spaces are full. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible by our early deadline of 25 January 2027. If you receive an offer of a place on the programme, we encourage you to complete your admissions steps and confirm your decision by May 2027 in order to secure your place on the programme.

All applicants who want to be considered for a School of Public Policy scholarship will need to submit an application for admission by our early deadline of 25 January 2027 in order to be eligible for consideration.

How to apply

LSE's 'How to apply' webpages guide you through the application process and link to the application form. The Applicant Portal can be found here: LSE Online Application System

How your application will be assessed

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• relevant professional experience
• statement of academic purpose
• two references (see guidance on professional and academic references)
• CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

If you have further queries about the admissions process or your suitability for the programme please visit our FAQs page.

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.

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.

Tuition fees 2027/28 for the Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Home and overseas: £47,600

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

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.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reductions

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.

Cost of Living

cost of living in London

LSE School of Public Policy scholarships

The School of Public Policy (SPP) offers programme and country specific scholarship awards. If you are eligible for these awards you will need to submit a complete application for admission (including references) by 25 January 2027 as well as a complete LSE Graduate Financial Support Application (GFSA) by 8 February 2027.

Find out more about SPP specific awards and how to apply.

LSE Scholarships

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline.

Funding deadline for LSE needs-based awards from LSE is 22 April 2027.

Find out more about financial support.

Chevening & External Scholarships

A number of our MPP students are successful Chevening Scholarhip awardees who have received full funding to study with us. Find out more about the Chevening Scholarship scheme and check your eligibility to apply.

Find out about Chevening Scholarships

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, 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

Fees and funding opportunities

SPP Programme Information Sessions

From November, we will be hosting online SPP programme information sessions for prospective students. These sessions provide an opportunity for prospective students to interact with our faculty and students to find out more about a specific SPP programme:

Details of upcoming sessions can be found on our website and we also encourage you to register your interest to hear more.

LSE information events and videos

LSE also have a number of webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries which will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study more broadly at LSE. Experience LSE from home.

LSE representatives also travel around the world to meet with prospective students at information fairs and events Find details on LSE's upcoming visits.

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE.

LSE and SPP Speaker Series

LSE's SPP is a hub of global debate which attracts expert guest speakers from around the world. Discover more about our events and podcast series where experts come together to debate some of the world's most pressing policy challenges.

Discover more about SPP's guest speaker series and catch up on past events.

Admissions:

Visit our FAQ's page

If your query is not answered on our FAQs page please contact: Spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk

Fees and Funding queries: Visit LSE Financial Support Office webpages

Visa queries: Visit LSE Student Advice and Engagement webpages

You can find out more about SPP activities, faculty news, upcoming events and student life by connecting with us on social media:

LSE SPP Linkedin LSE School of Public Policy

LSE SPP Instagram @lsepublicpolicy

LSE SPP Youtube @lseschoolofpublicpolicy

LSE SPP X/Twitter @lsepublicpolicy

Register your interest to hear more