LSE/Columbia University (SIPA) Double Degree: 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 Double Degree Welcome & Introductory Teaching

From mid-September, the dates of which are confirmed in your offer letter, you will need to attend MPA Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place prior to the start of the LSE Autumn Term dates. 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, in micro- and macro-economics, political science for public policy and quantitative approaches and policy analysis. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you during the rest of the degree.

Enlarge image to view

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.

You are also required to choose one unit of courses from a list of choices to further develop core skills but in a direction you choose – see below. Your choice of option courses (electives) should be based on your academic strengths and interests.

Course options/electives: Courses to the value of one unit from course options. Current 2026/2027 course options.

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

School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University – Year Two

Find out more about Year Two curriculum at SIPA

Year Two: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University

Concentration courses

All students have to choose:

• One concentration

Students can choose to concentrate in Climate, Energy, and Environment; Data Science for Policy; Development and Governance; Human Rights, Gender, and Equity; International Finance and Policy; International Security and Diplomacy; Technology Policy and Innovation; and Urban and Social Policy.

Browse the list of concentrations

The student’s second year curriculum will therefore be dependent on what they choose to concentrate in.

Capstone Workshop

All students are required to enrol in a faculty-supervised Capstone workshop which give them an opportunity to put learning into practice. Find out more

Assessment

Most courses are assessed with a combination of exams, written assignments, class participation, and group projects depending on what is best suited to the subject matter.

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

A few important points you’ll need to know:

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.

School of Public Policy student groups:

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.

LSE & 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. Find out more about the experience from our 2022 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.

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.

SIPA Students

SIPA students and faculty come from nearly 100 countries, with approximately half of the student body from overseas. Varied student organizations like the Columbia SIPA Veterans Association, SIPA Pan-African Network, and Gender Policy Working Group provide opportunities for intellectual exploration, social activities, and more.

Find out more about SIPA students

Our LSE SPP degree programmes attract a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. In 2024 we welcomed students representing 50+ nationalities and a range of academic and professional backgrounds.

The LSE SPP offers three MPA double degree programmes with partner schools, Columbia SIPA, Toronto University and Sciences Po. Our MPA double degrees are a special cohort of approx 15 students per partner school programme. They benefit from belonging to a smaller cohort whilst also learning alongside our larger MPA cohort of 90 students.

There is no formal work experience requirement, however our students have a wide range of prior experience. Our MPA students have an average of 3.5 years' working 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 reflective approach to study that draws on skills and experience gained prior to the programme. This diversity is a major strength, providing many different national, economic and societal perspectives to problems and solutions of public policy.

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.

Life in New York City

Renowned for its parks, theatres, museums, restaurants, and cultural events, New York City is an incredibly exciting and dynamic place to live. Exploring the city is one of the great joys of being part of the Columbia community.

As a student at Columbia University you'll participate in a practicum designed to meet the needs of real-world clients. You'll hear from visiting heads of state, government leaders, and business executives. You can gain experience during the semester as an intern—at the United Nations, a major private company, or a small non-profit organization. In New York City and around the world, SIPA students see the impact of public policy and apply the lessons to the next challenge.

One of the integral functions of the Office of Student Affairs at SIPA is supporting and facilitating co-curricular activities and opportunities which will enhance your life on campus. A vibrant array of student groups organize programming on a variety of issues in international and public affairs, along with social events and community service. Learn about SIPA networking resources, publications, and campus services that will add value to your graduate school experience. Find out more here.

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.

The LSE-Columbia (SIPA) MPA double degree provides students with the opportunity to develop professional skills and experience to give them a head start over other graduates in seeking post-study employment in a relevant sector. The double degree is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted to both the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course. The degree equips professionals with the skills to make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world.

Students will benefit from the careers support, resources and networks of both prestigious institutions.

London School of Economics and Political Science

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.

Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

Through career advising, a professional development course, career events, recruitment and employer outreach programs, and networking opportunities, the Career Advancement Center provides students and alumni with the necessary tools to successfully manage their professional development throughout their careers.

Find out more about careers support and resources at SIPA: Career Advancement Center | Columbia SIPA

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.

Minimum entry requirement

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

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

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.

Application deadline: 17 March 2027

To be considered for the programme applicants will need to submit a complete application for admission to LSE by the deadline of 17 March 2027.

A complete application for admission means that the programme application has been submitted, all necessary documents have been uploaded, the application assessment fee has been paid and both referees have replied to their reference requests.

Please note that submitted applications will be considered prior to the closing date, so we encourage applicants to submit their application as early as possible once applications open and not wait until the deadline to apply.

How to apply

Applicants for this programme will need to apply for the LSE/Columbia MPA double degree programme directly via the LSE application process. Applicants cannot be considered for the double degree programme by submitting an application for the individual LSE or Columbia MPA programmes.

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

Applicants do not need to apply separately for the MPA programmes at both universities to be considered for the double degree programme. However applicants may apply simultaneously for the 2-year LSE MPA and LSE/SIPA MPA double degree programme if the LSE/SIPA MPA double degree programme is selected as first choice.

Applicants may also apply simultaneously to both the 2-year SIPA MIA/MPA programs and the LSE/SIPA MPA double degree programme. Students interested in applying to SIPA MIA/MPA degree programs, must complete a separate application found on Columbia SIPA website https://apply.sipa.columbia.edu/apply/

How your application will be assessed

All applications are considered by an admissions panel composed of representatives from both LSE and Columbia SIPA.

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
• CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

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 first-year 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.

Data sharing

Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the EU and EEA and in an adequate country. Standard contract clauses will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer, Rachael Maguire, via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.

Tuition fees 2027/28

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.

Year one (LSE): £35,900

Year two (Columbia - SIPA): View Columbia fees webpages for detailed information regarding fees and additional supplementary costs (provisional)

Funding for first year at London School of Economics & Political Science

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The year one LSE 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 does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Fee status (LSE)

For this programme, the LSE 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 (LSE)

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.

Funding for the first year at LSE:

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. You must apply for these needs-based awards from LSE, during your first year of study. 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 application deadline for needs-based awards from LSE is 22 April 2027.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding (LSE)

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

Fees and funding opportunities

Funding for the second year at Columbia University (SIPA)

View Columbia fees webpages for detailed information regarding fees and supplementary costs (provisional).

There is a scholarship application process, which opens in the summer prior to the year of matriculation at SIPA. Students are strongly encouraged to seek external funding as funding at SIPA is limited and not guaranteed. Information about other sources of funding is available on SIPA's Office of Financial Aid website

Students may be eligibile for SIPA Assistantships. Find out more information: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/admissions/financial-aid/sipa-columbia-university-funding or https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/students/resources

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.

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 queries:

Visit our FAQ's page

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

Year one programme queries: spp.doubledegrees@lse.ac.uk

Year two programme queries:

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