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MPA in Data Science for Public Policy

Applications open in October for 2026 entry

The MPA in Data Science for Public Policy (MPA-DSPP) is a two-year degree programme 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.

The programme fosters a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to public policy that tackles policy challenges with the tools and frameworks of political science, economics, econometrics and data science. Computer programming and quantitative skills play a key role in the programme.

Students will commence their time at LSE with a dedicated pre-sessional coding bootcamp to learn the foundational packages in the Python programming language and refresh key concepts in mathematics. The core curriculum and electives in the first and second years will build on these skills and deploy them to the world of public policy.

The MPA-DSPP offers students the tools and frameworks to analyze and address pressing challenges in an increasingly complex and data-driven world. Students will hone their quantitative and analytical skills, positioning them for a variety of technical, policy, strategy and leadership roles across Government, NGOs, IFIs and the private sector.

Key features:

  • Introductory programming bootcamp- A mix of lectures and open-study exercises designed to equip students with foundational computer programming skills and review key concepts in statistics and mathematics.
  • Core skills (Year 1)- rigorous training in data science, econometrics and quantitative tools, economics (micro + macro), and political science
  • Specialization (Year 2)- two and a half units of electives to deepen knowledge in specific policy or data science domains
  • MPA-DSPP Capstone- an opportunity to bring qualitative, quantitative and coding skills together on a real-world policy problem for an external client as part of a six month project
  • A global outlook– be a part of LSE’s international community as well as a network of prestigious policy schools around the world as part of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN).

MPA in Data Science for Public Policy Overview

Applications openOctober 2025
Application deadlineWe encourage applicants to apply by our early deadline 22 January 2026, however we accept applications on a rolling basis and will close to applications once places are filled.
Start dateEarly September 2026
Duration and format21 months, full time only
Expected intake25-30
Minimum entry requirements2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline.
There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the LSE MPA-DSPP would normally have one year of professional experience and many would have two or more years of experience.

GRE/GMAT Requirement: None


English Language requirement: Higher
(see 'your application' section below)
LocationLSE, Houghton street, London

The MPA DSPP programme

MPA DSPP students

Trisha Punamiya, MPA in Data Science for Public Policy

Professional development, alumni and careers

SPP student and graduate profiles

Hear what our students have to say about their time at LSE School of Public Policy.

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Your application

Fees and Funding

Next steps

Start your application

How to apply

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