Master of Public Administration

Preparation before your arrival

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.

MPA Welcome & Introductory Teaching (on campus)

From mid-September, the dates will be confirmed in your offer letter, you will need to attend MPA Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place before the start of LSE Autumn Term. These sessions include campus enrolment, a programme introduction, information sessions, networking opportunities, academic skills training, and compulsory introductory teaching in mathematics and statistics.

If you have not studied mathematics and statistics for some time, the MPA introductory teaching provides a challenging but accessible introduction to some of the key skills and techniques required for the degree. For other students, it serves as a refresher course.

In the first year, you will take three compulsory courses. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you in your second year.

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

PP440: Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy 
You will learn macro- and micro- economic concepts, models and methods suitable for appraising policy, applicable in a wide variety of contexts. This includes the study of demand and supply, the labour market, public goods, market failure, inflation and monetary policy, fiscal policy and debt, and exchange rates.

PP478: Political Science for Public Policy
You will learn concepts and models for understanding the behaviour of political actors and why they lead to particular outcomes. This includes the study of voting, political parties, interest groups, legislative politics, corruption, democratisation and ethnic conflict. These tools are essential for designing policy interventions to achieve desired future outcomes.

PP455: Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis
You will learn skills for the quantitative evaluation of public policies, such as causal relationships; randomised control trials; difference-in-difference estimation; instrumental variables; regression discontinuity designs and cost-benefit analysis.

Option courses (electives) - Year one

In addition to your required core courses, you will take full unit or half-unit option courses (electives). The SPP offers a wide range of courses as options.

You can review the current 2025/26 option list here.

The key features of the second year are:

Core Course

PP425: Strategic Policymaking: Economic Analysis, Narrative Development, Political Feasibility, and Implementation which will consolidate your learning from Year One and enable you to continue to apply this throughout Year Two.

You will additionally select option courses (electives) from the School of Public Policy (or elsewhere in LSE, subject to permission and availability).

The MPA Capstone

The MPA Capstone is a compulsory one unit course. You will carry out analysis and research, as part of a team, in order to address a practical policy issue relevant to a real-life client organisation. It allows you to extend your capabilities by applying what you have learned in the MPA core courses in a professional context.

Option courses (electives)

Your remaining second year course units will be made up of option courses (electives) from a wide range available in the School of Public Policy or (with permission and subject to availability) from elsewhere in LSE.

Specialisms

In Year Two, you can nominate one of the following specialisms to be added to your degree title. If you prefer not to add a specialism to your degree title, you can still take courses belonging to the specialisms as option courses (electives)

The current specialisms are:

• Economic Policy
• International Development
• Inequality and Poverty
• Social Impact
• International Political Economy

Each specialism has one or more courses attached to it (please refer to the programme regulations for details). To be eligible for a specialism to be added to your degree title, you must meet the requirements to be eligible for the overall degree and pass the courses attached to your chosen specialism. You can only choose one specialism but you can take courses from other specialisms as option courses (electives).

For the most up-to-date list of option courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

_{^{You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that 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 events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.}}

_{^{You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. 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}}.

First year MPA students have the option to apply to complete a dual degree with one of three partner schools from the Global Public Policy Network of top policy schools:

The SPP's dual degree international partner schools and their corresponding programmes are:

• The MPP at the Hertie School, Berlin's University of Governance
• The MPP at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY), National University of Singapore
• The MPP at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) at the University of Tokyo

The application process takes place during Year 1 and further information will be provided during the first term.

Successful applicants will spend their second year of study at one of the above partner institutions and will receive two degrees: one from LSE, and one from the partner institution at which they studied.

Find out more about the GPPN dual degree

LSE SPP also offers three double degree programmes with University of Toronto, Sciences Po and Columbia SIPA. Applicants for the double degree programmes will need to apply via the standard school admissions process. You can find out more about the double degree programmes and the application process here.

The MPA attracts a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. Our 2025 Year One cohort represent over 22 nationalities.

There is no formal work experience requirement to study the MPA, however MPA students have an average of 3.5 years' prior professional experience.

We welcome students from wide-ranging areas of expertise including economics, law, social sciences, political science, business and international relations.

Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPA.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. GPPN members have also established exchange and dual degrees programs, allowing students to benefit from this international network of the most prestigious public affairs schools in the world. 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

The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.

You will benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.

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.

The SPP boasts of a strong global community of over 2,300 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.

Our alumni also connect regularly with our students throughout their studies and share their expertise through our 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'.

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 in Action

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

Rigorous coursework in econometrics, social impact, and quantitative analysis gave me the tools to begin answering the questions I had long held, and spurred my interest in leveraging impact evaluation tools in policy research.

Vyana McIntyre, MPA Class of 2018

Senior Policy Advisor at the Canadian Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Read Vyana McIntyre profile

My mind was quite set on being a public servant at the start of the MPA, but throughout the programme, and as I met students with very different backgrounds, I came to realise the number of fascinating public policy roles that existed in the private sector.

Alexandra Belias, MPA Class of 2011

Head of Product Policy & Partnerships at Google DeepMind.

Read Alexandra Belias profile

I gained the confidence to branch out into new areas, and loved doing the research for my dissertation which helped me to discover new interests and possible life paths.

Oluwagbemileke Joy Jegede, MPA Class of 2020

Ecosystems Research Lead for the Government of Sierra Leone in the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation

Read Oluwagbemileke Jegede profile

I am now equipped with the necessary theoretical and empirical skills to engage in rigorous analysis of public policies.

Akash Mehta, MPA Class of 2020

Environmental Analyst for the World Bank

Read Akash Mehta profile

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
• a weekly SPP Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term job opportunities and events
• Q&A events with alumni working in particular sectors of interest such as international organisations and consultancy
• SPP networking evening with employers
• access to LSE Careerhub, listing hundreds of opportunities, from short-term volunteering and internships to full-time positions for experienced professionals
• a Careers Impact Sessions which takes place early in the academic year, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors
• 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.

Graduate Destinations

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, Public Policy, and International Finance and Trade.

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.

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

Who we are looking for

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 who can demonstrate a passion for public policy and making a positive impact. Our students have a range of prior professional experience ranging from new graduates to 15+ years' experience.

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 MPA and how they will benefit from the programme.

Whilst the MPA 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 MPA 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

Our early application deadline is 20 January 2025. We encourage all applicants to apply by this date and as early as possible once applications open in October. All applicants who want to be considered for a SPP scholarship will need to submit a complete application for admission (including complete references) by this date in order to be eligible for consideration for a SPP scholarship.

Whilst we will consider applications for admission after this date, our applications will close once spaces are full.

How to apply

LSE's 'How to apply' webpages guide you through the application process and link to the application form.

You can also view the Application Top Tips information by Kathryn Ward, Graduate Admissions Premium Service Manager, on how you can make the most of your application.

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.

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. 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 2026/27 for the Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Home students, first year: £34,100 (2025/26) 
Overseas students, first year: £34,100 (2025/26) 
Home students, second year: £34,100 (2026/27, continuing students) - provisional
Overseas students, second year: £34,100 (2026/27, continuing students) - provisional

Fee status

For this programme, the tuition fee is the same for all students regardless of their fee status. However, any financial support you are eligible for will depend on whether you are classified as a home or as an overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reductions

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

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 22 January 2026 as well as a complete LSE Graduate Financial Support Application (GFSA) by 19 February 2026.

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: 24 April 2025.

Find out more about financial support.

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

Throughout the year 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:

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 queries:

LSE Graduate Admissions Knowledge Base (An online resource for quick answers)

Visit our FAQ's page

Spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk

Programme queries: mpa@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

Start and submit your application (opening mid-October)