For a video interview about the MSc Philosophy and Public Policy, click here|.
Context
Taught at an institution which is a major centre for national and international public policy debates, this degree provides a foundation in the conceptual and normative questions underlying public policy formulation. It prepares you for policy-oriented careers in intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as for PhD work in philosophy or related disciplines.
It is distinctive in three ways: First, it is resolutely interdisciplinary. We take philosophical analysis to be continuous with scientific approaches to the study of political, social and economic problems. Second, it offers a thorough background in the classics of moral and political theory, which students learn to apply to issues in public policy. Third, students have access to a wealth of courses and resources at the Philosophy Department and LSE generally that are relevant for the philosophical analysis of public policy, for example:
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Research seminars on philosophy and public policy, rational and social choice, scientific evidence and policy-making. See CPNSS Events;
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The LSE Parliamentary Internships Programme and related internship programmes in public policy, social issues, and public affairs;
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The many policy-related courses and colloquia in the LSE.
The Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method| has a strong reputation in philosophy of the social sciences and economics, philosophy of the natural sciences, moral and political philosophy, philosophy and policy, and rational and social choice.
The Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Sciences| at LSE is one of the international centres of the discipline and attracts a series of eminent visitors.
The Department has close links with other Philosophy departments in the University of London|. Many graduate level lecture courses given in other colleges of the University are available to MSc students. This gives students access to the rich philosophical environment that London has to offer.
The Programme
We will consider applicants with a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages).
We approach philosophical issues in public policy through the lenses of historical and contemporary developments in ethical theory and political philosophy. Topics include various policy areas (eg health care, development, social security, the environment), approaches to the study of society (eg rational, social and public choice) and central topics in political philosophy (eg democracy, liberal neutrality, equality, human rights, punishment and just war).
Courses 1 and 2
Course 3
One from:
Alternatively, you can choose a course from a wide array of policy courses at LSE on a space-available basis.
Course 4
Students must also take Dissertation Seminar - Philosophy and Public Policy (non-assessed).
When to apply
We urge students to apply early. We will continue to accept applications while space is available. Please see Graduate Admissions| to apply.
Financial Support
For information about financial support click here|.
Additional Information
See MSc Philosophy and Public Policy| in the Graduate Prospectus.
Student Profiles
The MSc Philosophy and Public Policy will be of interest to students from various backgrounds, e.g. from philosophy, history, economics, sociology and political science. We consider applicants with good first degrees in any discipline, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc. If your first language is not English, please submit with your application a sample of your work in English (five to ten typewritten pages).
We recruit students from all across the world to assemble a genuinely international group, which enriches discussions of policy matters in a global environment.
Internships
We encourage our students to apply to the LSE Internships programmes in Parliament, Policy, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility. These internships have provided many of our students with valuable and fascinating experience in policy-making and research and laid the foundation for many of our graduates to work in leading think tanks after completing their studies. For more information, visit the Careers Service website here|.
Student Life
Our students typically form a tight social group. We try to arrange a host of social occasions, like dinners after the bi-weekly Philosophy and Public Policy Seminar, and a Holidays party. Needless to say London has a wide range of social opportunities to offer.
Testimonials and Career Development
The course prepares you for PhD work in philosophy as well as for policy-oriented careers in governmental, non-governmental or trans-governmental organizations. We have a very good record of students moving on to good PhD programmes and to high-level jobs with think tanks, in government, or in business. For some reports about what some of our former students are presently doing, see MSc Philosophy and Public Policy career placement|. We are committed to supporting students in their future career choices.
We have formed a LinkedIn Group for the MSc Philosophy and Public Policy Alumni. This membership list| will give you some impression of their current professional activities.