Minimum entry requirements for MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline but preferably in social science. We will consider appropriate work experience in addition to a sound academic background. 

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our 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.

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)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic 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.

This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, 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. 

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 2023/24 for MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation

Home students: £18,744 
Overseas students: £27,816

Table of fees

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or 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 reduction

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: 27 April 2023.

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.

Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

You will take two compulsory courses, a dissertation, and either one or one and a half units of optional courses.

If you are planning to apply for a PhD within the Department, please be advised that you need to take some methods training as part of the MSc. Contact your MSc programme director and the Director of Graduate studies to discuss this requirement.

(* denotes a half unit)  

Environmental Regulation: Implementing Policy 
Provides critical insights into the characteristics, processes, instruments and evolving dynamics of environmental policy, regulation and governance.

Either
Economic Development and the Environment*
Or 
Politics of Environment and Development*

Dissertation
An independent research project of 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options

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

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Contact hours and independent study

You can expect to receive approximately 120 hours of contact time excluding the dissertation. Teaching is mainly through lectures and graduate level seminars. Hours vary according to courses you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide. 

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. The teacher responsible for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Assessment

You will be assessed on a combination of unseen examinations and research essays. You will develop a detailed proposal for your dissertation on a topic in the field of environment, but of your own choosing and design. You will work on your own on the dissertation, with limited advice from a supervisor.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others.

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.

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library – founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advocates and advisers – we have a School Senior Advocate for Students and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

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. 

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. 

The campus 

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. 

Life in London 

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. 

Molly Morabito

MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

Coming from a fairly broad, interdisciplinary academic background, I was eager to narrow my focus to a subject that I was interested in and passionate about. I thought the EPR MSc offered the perfect complement to my existing knowledge, while allowing me to develop greater understanding of a multitude of key environmental issues and their many intersections. Having reached out to former peers of mine who studied at LSE, I knew from their testimonial that the school would provide the right amount of academic rigor while also offering a supportive and engaging social community.      

What was the highlight of your LSE experience?

The highlight of my LSE experience was meeting brilliant people from all over the world, who each brought their own unique experiences and nuanced perspectives to bear on class concepts. On top of the excellent teaching throughout the course, engaging with my peers during class discussions really brought the course material to life, linking it to real-world barriers and applications in fascinating ways. Beyond what they offered in the classroom, my classmates were also some of the most kind and genuine people I’ve met. I felt very lucky to have been part of such a special, close-knit cohort. These are truly friendships that last long after the programme ends. 

How has your degree been useful for your career?

First, this degree allows you to go in almost any direction with your career. Understanding the efficacy of policy interventions under various conditions will be useful regardless of whether you choose to enter government, private, non-profit or academic sectors upon graduation.

Second, in addition to providing me with knowledge of a vast array of environmental topics, this program taught me make connections across sectors and disciplines, which is an important skill in any profession.

Finally, completing this MSc has made me more effective at building and structuring arguments, engaging critically with a concept, and articulating my thoughts clearly and persuasively.  

Sum up your LSE experience in 3 words:

Exciting, enlightening, & fun! 

Alice Byers

MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation
Victoria, Canada

I chose LSE because it is the only programme that combines the interrelated and interdependent areas of regulation, policy, and planning, which makes it the most effective and exciting programme for environmental governance.

Studying with such a great group of people, and benefiting from the high quality of our lectures and tutors has made my world bigger and more interesting. It has made me aware of job opportunities and career paths that I would never have discovered otherwise, and given me the skills to take advantage of them. It has afforded me with the opportunity to attend lectures by world leaders in a variety of fields, and put me in touch with people who can help me achieve my academic and professional goals.

Rhonda De Freitas

MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation
New York, USA

From an academic background in the natural sciences the format of the MSc programme seemed to have the right blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that would equip me to deal with real world issues.

With its research facilities and the ease of access to information - provided both by LSE and by the school's location in the centre of the city and its convenient proximity to other institutions and libraries, LSE seemed the appropriate place to achieve this.
My time at LSE has made me more aware of the importance of study skills and the need for discipline. After LSE I plan to work with a NGO focused on developing environmental policy and putting that policy to practical use.

S Bell, D McGillivray, O Pedersen, E Lees and E Stokes Environmental Law (9th edition, Oxford University Press, 2017)

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Geography & Environment

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £31,500 

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Real Estate, Environment and Energy
• Financial and Professional Services
• Government, Public Sector and Policy
• Consultancy
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2019-20 were the third group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

You will have the skills to enter a wide variety of employment opportunities in the public sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, research, consultancy and national/multinational firms.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Meaghan Krohn

MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation, 2013
Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellow, Syniverse

I chose my degree subject at LSE because I thought it would best help me move in the career path of my choice. My undergraduate degree was entirely unrelated to what I now know I want to do, so I was looking for something to help me bridge that gap. Thusfar, LSE alumni events have helped me get a few interviews at one company and generally allowed me to meet interesting people who may be great resources for future career moves. LSE Careers has also been a great resource in helping me refine my resume. I wouldn’t be where I am professionally without my degree from LSE. 

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home. 

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 visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits.