This page is designed to provide you with up-to-date information on LSEs Dual MPA Degrees. You can also find information on these Programmes by visiting the websites of our partner institutions; SIPA|, Sciences Po|, Hertie| and Lee Kuan Yew|.

The Dual Degree involves studying for one academic year in London, on the LSE MPA degree, and for one academic year on one of the following programmes:

the MPA or MIA at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University, New York
the MPA at the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques (Sciences Po), Paris
the MPP at the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin
the MPP at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY), National University of Singapore (NUS)

How does the Dual Degree admissions process work?

There is no direct entry into the Dual Degree Programme for prospective applicants to the MPA. To be eligible to apply for the LSE Dual MPA Degree Programme you need to apply to, be accepted by and commence studying at one of the Dual MPA Degree partner institutions.

For example, if you are accepted and commence your MPA studies at LSE, you will be given the opportunity early in your first academic year at LSE, to apply to spend your second academic year abroad at one of our MPA partner institutions, leading to graduation with the MPA Dual Degree from LSE. Students commencing their studies at a partner school will be informed of the Dual Degree application process by their first year school.

The application process is competitive and decisions on acceptance onto the Dual Degree Programme are made by the institution where students apply to spend their second year. The number of LSE MPA first year students applying for the dual degree varies each year, and there is also variation each year in the number of applications to each partner institution. While all interested students are welcome to apply, there can be no guarantee of a place on the Dual Degree Programme or at a particular partner institution.

How many students are accepted onto the Dual Degree Programmes each year?

The number of students accepted to undertake the Dual Degree varies from year to year, depending on the level of interest from students at each institution. On average, each year around 15 students from a cohort of approximately 90 first year students go abroad to one of our partner institutions, having spent their first academic year at LSE, and a similar number come in to the LSE MPA second year, having spent their first year abroad.

Which partner institution/MPA programme could I join if I am accepted to the Dual Degree Programme?

Students who start at LSE

Students accepted onto and commencing studies on any stream of the LSE MPA (MPA Public and Economic Policy, MPA Public Policy and Management, MPA International Development, MPA European Public and Economic Policy or MPA Public and Social Policy) are eligible to apply to spend their second year abroad at any of our partner institutions. Students who accept the offer of a dual degree place from a partner institution will transfer from their original programme to the MPA Dual Degree programme at the end of their first year.

In your application to the LSE MPA, you are encouraged, though not required, to articulate your interest in the Dual Degree Programme as part of your Statement of Purpose.

For information on how to apply to the LSE MPA Programme visit our FAQ's| page.

Students who start abroad

Students accepted and commencing studies on the MPA or MIA at SIPA, the MPA at Sciences Po or the MPP at Hertie or Lee Kuan Yew are eligible to apply to enter the second year of the LSE MPA. All incoming dual degree students will join the MPA Dual Degree programme for their second year at LSE.

For more information on how to apply to commence studies at our partner institutions, go to: SIPA|, Sciences Po|, Hertie| and Lee Kuan Yew|.

What is the curriculum of the Dual Degree programme?

Students who start at LSE

Students who start at LSE will follow the first year curriculum of the two-year MPA programme they are originally admitted to. At the end of their first year, they will transfer to the LSE MPA Dual Degree programme and will follow the second year curriculum of the partner school they join.

Students who start abroad

Students who commence their studies abroad will follow the first year curriculum of the partner school they attend for their first year. The second year curriculum for the MPA Dual Degree at LSE will be:

GV4D5 - Organisations, Power and Leadership (0.5 unit)
MPA Capstone Project (1.5 units) See here for more information
Option courses to the value of 2 units (selected from the MPA Approved Options List)

All dual degree students who successfully complete their programme will graduate from LSE with the MPA Dual Degree.

What happens if I apply to the Dual Degree programme and I am not accepted?

If you are admitted to LSE your offer will be for the 21 month programme. You are therefore automatically guaranteed a place in the LSE second year if you are not accepted onto the Dual Degree Programme.

Tuition fees

Under current arrangements, if you apply and matriculate through LSE, you will pay LSE fees in year 1 and the , fees/tuition of SIPA, Sciences Po, Hertie or Lee Kuan Yew in year 2.

Current annual tuition fees: these are guideline figures only. For detailed fee information please visit our partner institution websites.

LSE MPA: £18,024 (2011-12 figures)

Columbia MPA (tuition only): $41,472 (2011-12 figures)

Sciences Po MPA: €24,500 (2011-12 figures)

Hertie: €12,830 (2011-12 figures)

LKY Singapore: S$8,850 (2011-12 figures)

What are the differences in the curricula of the Programmes?

All programmes have a capstone or equivalent professionally focused course, but these vary considerably between institutions. See The MPA Capstone Project| for further information on LSE's MPA capstone, and visit the websites listed above for detailed information on the second year curricula of our partner institutions. LSE also has an option for Dual Degree students who spend their second year at LSE to complete a 10,000 word dissertation.