Minimum entry requirements for MPA - Data Science for Public Policy

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline. There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the LSE MPA would normally have one year of professional experience and many would have two or more years of experience.

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.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. We receive a high number of applications early in the admissions cycle (from November to February) and would encourage you to apply during this time.

In addition, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

Considering your application

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.

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The 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.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for the MPA - Data Science for Public Policy

Home students, first year: £30,792 (2024/25 entry) 
Overseas students, first year: £30,792 (2024/25 entry)
Home students, second year: £30,792 (2025/26 continuing students) - provisional
Overseas students, second year: £30,792 (2025/26 continuing students) - provisional

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

For this programme, the 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

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. 

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 deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

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

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

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students. 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page. 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

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 a four-week introductory programming bootcamp from late August. 

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.  

Curriculum overview

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First Year 

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. 

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. 

Political Science and 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. 

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.

Data Science for Public Policy You will learn key technical skills and tools in data gathering, management and visualization as well as the main types of (non-causal) predictive models in Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence and related concepts with an emphasis on implications and applications for public life.

Second year

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 elsewhere in LSE, subject to permission and availability.

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. 

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. 

Our Students

LSE SPP is a dynamic community of global policy professionals. In 2022 we welcomed over of 350 new and returning students who represent over 50 nationalities.  

We welcomed our first ever MPA-DSPP cohort in August 2023. Our MPA-DSPP are a special smaller cohort of 18 students representing 12 nationalities and a range of professional backgrounds. They benefit from belonging to a smaller cohort whilst also learning alongside our larger MPA cohort of approx. 75-100 students.  

Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional 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. 

School of Public Policy student groups, networks and development opportunities:

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

SPP Professional Skills Accelerator

The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.  

You will benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.

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.

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. 

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. 

Graduates of the MPA-DSPP will be well placed to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors including Government and Politics, Consultancy, Financial Services, NGOs & Charities, Technology Firms, Research & Think Tanks, International Development and Aid, Public Policy, and International Finance and Trade. 

The MPA-DSPP is a new programme which welcomed its first cohort in 2023 and we will celebrate our first graduates in 2025. 

Find out more about our SPP alumni and their career journeys after graduation.

Support for your career

Find out more about LSE Careers and SPP Careers support. 

Throughout your studies and beyond you will have support to navigate your career journey and achieve your goals. 

LSE Careers Consultants make sure that you get the best possible support in developing your career plans during your time studying. Whether you are looking for a general policy or data science role in government or a niche, technical role in the private or third sector, we can help you develop and hone your plans and profile.     

In particular, MPA-DSPP students at LSE have access to: 

• careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant

• a Careers Impact Day which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors

• 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 

• access to LSE Careerhub, with thousands of short-term and long-term opportunities including internships

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.

SPP Professional Skills Accelerator

The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.  

You will benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.

Contact hours and independent study

You will normally have two to three hours of classroom-based teaching each week for each course that you take. This will usually add up to around 12-15 hours per week in class.

As the MPA-DSPP is a full-time programme, you would be expected to spend the equivalent number of hours studying as you would spend working if you were in full-time employment (35-40 hours per week in total).

For the MPA-DSPP Capstone, there is less classroom-based teaching. Capstone groups determine how and when they are going to work on their project.

Teaching hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide. 

Teaching methods

We use a variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status, including LSE faculty, teaching fellows, guest teachers and practitioners. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide. 

Assessment

All taught courses include formative coursework which does not contribute towards the final grade. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. We use a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final assessment/examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Information Events

SPP 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. Details of upcoming sessions can be found on our website and we also encourage you to register your interest to hear more about our upcoming sessions.

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. 

Contact us

Admissions:

LSE Graduate Admissions Knowledge Base (An online resource for quick answers)

For applicant and offer holder queries not covered by the Knowledge Base (please state your LSE ID in the title of your message): Spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk

Programme queries: spp.datascience@lse.ac.uk

Fees and Funding queries: Visit LSE Financial Support Office webpages

Visa queries: Visit LSE Student Advice and Engagement webpages

Connnect with us

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 X/Twitter @lsepublicpolicy