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Compare Our Degrees

Which is the best course for you?

The LSE School of Public Policy offers seven masters degree programmes which are designed to equip early-stage to executive level professionals with the knowledge and skills to become a more effective policy professional.

Each year we welcome students who represent 50+ nationalities and a range of academic and professional backgrounds who all share a passion for making a positive impact through public policy around the world. 

Comparison table for all SPP degrees

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Each of our degrees are tailored to a different stage of your policy career, but they all put the same emphasis on a strong foundation in economics, political science and quantitative methods. 

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Our two-year MPA programme is designed for early-stage to estabished professionals who are seeking to develop the academic and practical skills required to be a successful policy professional. Key skills are taught in-depth through the first year, while in the second year students can choose a specialism for their MPA. All students take part in a Capstone Project, working with on a real-world policy challenge with an external client.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

For students with five or more years of professional experience, we offer a 9-month Master of Public Policy (MPP). The MPP is a rounded policy degree, including Public Management alongside economics, political science and quantitative methods. The degree allows students to take a career break and quickly return to the workplace equipped to take on new challenges.

Master of Public Administration in Data Science for Public Policy (MPA-DSPP)

Our MPA in Data Science for Public Policy is a two-year degree programme is designed to equip professionals with the core quantitative, technical and analytical tools to address modern policy challenges in a world of big data and rapid technological change. All students take part in a Capstone project, working with on a real-world policy challenge with an external client.

Master of Public Administration - Double Degrees

Our three MPA double degree programmes offer students an outstanding opportunity to study at two world-leading universities in two global cities. Students have the opportunity to spend one year at LSE as well as one year at one of our three partner universities:

  • University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs (MPA/MGA double degree) - 1st year at LSE
  • Columbia University, SIPA (MPA/MGA double degree) - 1st year at LSE
  • Sciences Po (MPP/MPA double degree) - 1st year at Sciences Po

Throughout the two-year programme students will develop key policy skills and gain professional experience and will benefit from access to the expert faculty, resources and networks of both prestigious institutions.

Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)

Our most experienced students choose the Executive MPA, which is taught over 22 months. This degree runs in a modular format, with students attending teaching for 8 intensive week-long or weekend blocks. This format allows students to remain in their jobs and combine work with study. Students have at least five years of post-degree professional experience and often substantially more, creating a network of contacts to drive career progress at the senior levels.