The Double Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers students the unique opportunity to study at two internationally renowned institutions, the LSE’s School of Public Policy, and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). The double degree candidates will profit from the extensive resources available in London and New York City, as well as the global reach of the combined alumni networks of both schools. Throughout the two-year programme students will develop essential skills in core disciplines of public policy and will benefit from the resources, networks and opportunities of two historic institutions in the vibrant cities of London and New York.
In their first year of study, students will experience being a part of LSE’s international community in the heart of London. They will draw upon the unique institutional strengths of LSE’s School of Public Policy to develop key skills in political science, economics and quantitative analysis alongside an understanding of the philosophical principles underlying good public policy. Students will complete their first year equipped with the skills and practical tools to be able to confidently analyse and address real-world policy challenges.
The second year at SIPA will build upon the methodological skills gained at LSE and provide students with the substantive knowledge of a policy concentration. Through the completion of a Capstone Project, students will have the opportunity to gain professional experience and apply their learnings to a real-world problem in policy and management. Students will work in teams of 6-8 students to provide external clients with innovative analysis and practical recommendations based on the skills learned throughout their studies at LSE and Columbia University.
As they advance in their career, graduates will benefit from the expertise, resources and international alumni networks of both prestigious institutions and will be equipped with the skills and experience to confidently engage with complex policy issues in national and global policy making.
Key features:
- Study at two prestigious institutions in two international cities – Year One at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Year Two at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in New York.
- Academic core skills (Year 1 - LSE) - rigorous empirical training, particularly in micro- and macro-economics, political science and quantitative methods of analysis.
- Concentrations and specializations (Year 2 – SIPA) – Students will tailor their learning by selecting a policy concentration and specialisation focused on a skill or area of specialised knowledge from the broad curriculum.
- Capstone Project (Year 2 - SIPA) - an opportunity to engage on a live consulting project with external clients where students practically apply their learnings and work on a real-world policy challenge.
- With diverse, international student bodies at both institutions, students benefit from being exposed to a range of different perspectives and the opportunity to be a part of an international community with alumni in over 150 countries.
- Opportunity to apply for a post-study work visa in the U.S. - After graduation, students on F-1 visas can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) which will permit them to remain in the U.S. and work in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students who pursue a STEM (Science, Technology and Mathematics) designated degree (the combined curriculum of the International Finance and Economic Policy concentration and the Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis specialization in the Econometrics and Quantitative Economics field or the combined curriculum of the Energy and Environment concentration and the Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis specialization in the Environmental Studies field) are eligible to apply for up to three years of OPT through work experience in the U.S. after finishing their degree.