MPA in Data Science for Public Policy

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-DSPP Introduction and Programming Bootcamp

Prior to the start of the Autumn Term in September, you will need to attend an introductory programming bootcamp. This will take place on campus and will commence from early September.

This bootcamp serves not only to introduce and review technical material but also to build camaraderie within the cohort and facilitate the transition to the more collaborative work and learning environment which differentiates graduate studies from many undergraduate programs. These introductory sessions are designed to accommodate and challenge students with various levels of prior experience in data science.

Class sessions will equip students with foundational computer programming skills and review key concepts in statistics and mathematics. Through a mix of lectures and open-study exercises, students will learn how to conduct independent data analysis across a range of public policy challenges they will study throughout the MPA and in their future careers.

In the first year, you will take four compulsory courses. These are in micro- and macro-economics, political science, quantitative methods of analysis and data science for public policy. The first three of these courses will be shared with the SPP’s MPA programme.

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.

PP422: Data Science for Public Policy You will learn key technical skills and tools in data gathering (web scraping and APIs), management and visualization. You will also study the main types of (non-causal) predictive models, Machine Learning, Supervised and Unsupervised Learning techniques and Text Analysis and related concepts with an emphasis on implications and applications for public life.

The second year includes one and a half units of core courses and two and a half units of optional courses (electives). The one and a half units of core courses include the one-unit MPA-DSPP Capstone and half-unit course, Technology, Data and Policy.

You will also choose 2.5 units (*denotes a half unit) from a range of option courses (electives) from the School of Public Policy and from experts in other LSE departments including Statistics, Methodology and Mathematics, subject to permission and availability.

PP485: MPA-DSPP Capstone is a compulsory one unit course. You will learn to carry out reproducible analysis and research, as part of a team, in order to address a practical policy issue relevant to a real-life client organisation. You will submit both a written report and the code used for quantitative analysis. The capstone allows you to extend your capabilities by applying what you have learned in the MPA-DSPP core courses in a professional context.

PP415: Technology, Data Science and Policy*

This compulsory half unit course presents a comparative and historically informed perspective on policy issues in technology, data science, and emerging technologies. The course has a non-technical, interdisciplinary approach that considers policy issues from the point of view of governance, security, ethics, and the law.

Option Courses (electives)

In addition, you will also take 2.5 units of option courses (electives) to focus your studies in particular technical or non-technical areas in policy or data science. These electives may be chosen from a wide range available in the School of Public Policy or (with permission and subject to availability) from elsewhere in LSE, especially the Statistics, Methodology and Mathematics departments.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit 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.

In 2026 we were delighted to welcome 33 students, who represent 17 nationalities and who have academic backgrounds in subjects including Economics, International Affairs, Business Studies, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, Finance and Languages. They also represent professional backgrounds including consultancy, NGOs, Military, Financial Services, Communications and Government administration.

SPP Student Networks

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

LSE Data Science Institute

The LSE Data Science Institute forms the institutional cornerstone of data science activity at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Working alongside the academic departments across the School, the DSI's mission is to foster the study of data science and new forms of data with a focus on their social, economic, and political aspects.

The DSI aims to host, facilitate and promote research in social and economic data science through an annual programme of seminars, workshops and research projects delivered by a range of academic experts and research students.

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 2025 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.

You can find out more about LSE SPP Student Community on our webpages.

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.

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  "You do not have to see yourself purely as a data scientist, economist or traditional policy practitioner. The value of the programme is precisely in bringing these areas together. I would also recommend it to people who are curious, comfortable being challenged and interested in learning from an international cohort."

  Ibrahim Al Jahwari, MPA DSPP Class of 2027

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  "I believe the combination offered by the programme will help me develop essential skills and make me a strong candidate for a variety of roles. Not many programmes offer this ideal mix of data science and public policy, which makes it a unique opportunity to gain both technical/quantitative expertise and policy insight."

  Ania Latrofa, MPA DSPP Class of 2027

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  "The MPA-DSPP, a programme which is at the intersection of data science and public policy, perfectly aligns with my interests. While attending LSE has been a long-standing dream of mine, the SPP programme stood out to me because of its exceptional faculty, who bring both academic expertise and real-world experience."

  Nethra Natarajan, MPA DSPP Class of 2026

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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.

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.

Additional resources

- Learning Lab

- Digital Skills Lab

- LSE LIFE

- LSE Generate

- LSE Volunteer Centre

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.

Studying at the LSE School of Public Policy is an excellent career decision with employers across the globe attracted both to the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of our curricula.

The MPA-DSPP is designed to produce well-rounded professionals who make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world, including government departments and agencies, consultancies and international development agencies. The MPA-DSPP will be especially attractive to the growing number of employers that value computer programming skills and quantitative analysis.

The MPA-DSPP welcomed its first cohort in 2023 and celebrated our first graduates in 2025. Graduates of the MPA-DSPP have gone on to work at World Data Lab, Harvard Growth Lab, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Deutsche Bank University of Oxford, Centre for Economic Performance.

Many of our SPP graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors with popular destinations including; Government and Politics, Consultancy, Financial Services, NGOs and Charities, Data, Research and 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.

Explore the graduate destinations for this programme

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

The MPA DSPP is a competitive programme and we are seeking applicants who can demonstrate a strong passion for both public policy and data-science. We particularly value applicants who have prior professional experience in related policy or data fields, but are open to promising recent graduates and those who are seeking a career pivot from a non-quantitative background. The programme will be small and highly curated.

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 25 January 2027.

We consider applications for admission on a rolling basis and applications close once spaces are full. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible by our early deadline of 25 January 2027. If you receive an offer of a place on the programme, we encourage you to aim to complete your admissions steps and make your final decision by May 2027 in order to secure your place on the programme.

All applicants who want to be considered for a School of Public Policy scholarship will need to submit a complete application for admission (including all documents and references) by our early deadline of 25 January 2027 in order to be eligible for consideration.

How to apply

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

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

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.

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.

Tuition fees 2027/28 for the MPA in Data Science for Public Policy (Home and Overseas)

Year 1 (2027/28): £35,900

Year 2 (2028/29): £35,900

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

Fee status

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reductions

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.

LSE School of Public Policy scholarships

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. The School of Public Policy (SPP) offers programme and country specific scholarship awards.

Find out more about SPP specific awards and how to apply.

LSE Scholarships

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 22 April 2027.

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed 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:

Visit our FAQ's page

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

Fees and Funding queries:  LSE Financial Support Office webpages

Visa queries: 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)