About the MSc programme
This programme is based in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method| and offers the following benefits:
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It provides a foundation in the conceptual and normative questions underlying public-policy formulation.
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It prepares for a wide variety of policy-oriented careers.
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It is distinctive in three ways:
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It is resolutely interdisciplinary. We take philosophical analysis to be continuous with the scientific study of political, social and economic problems.
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It offers a thorough background in moral and political theory, which students learn to apply to issues in public policy.
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It provides a foundation in evidence-based policy, which is now widely mandated at all levels of policy-making.
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Students have access to a wealth of courses and resources within the Philosophy Department and at LSE 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.
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The LSE Internships programme in Public Policy, Social Issues and Public Affairs;
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The many policy-related courses and colloquia in LSE.
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It is taught at an institution which is a major centre for national and international public policy debates.
The MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy will be of interest to students from various backgrounds, eg 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 the social and intellectual environment that the programme offers.
We approach philosophical issues in public policy through the lenses of historical and contemporary developments in ethical theory and political philosophy and we teach students how to use results of the natural and social sciences in evaluating policy. Topics include various policy areas (eg health care, development, social security, climate change), approaches to the study of society (rational, social and public choice), central topics in political philosophy (eg democracy, liberal neutrality, equality, human rights, punishment and just war) and science and policy (eg the nature of evidence, objectivity, theory choice, facts and values).
Instruction consists of lectures, seminars and one-on-one supervision sessions. Seminar sizes are kept small (less than 16 students). The average number of contact hours on this MSc is 180 hours.
Internships
Students will be able to apply to the LSE Internships programme in Public Policy, Social Issues and Public Affairs. This initiative, led by the Careers Service and the LSE Public Policy Group, offers internships to LSE graduate students in key organisations working across the field of public policy, social issues and public affairs. The initiative builds on the success of an existing Parliamentary Internship Scheme founded in 1998.
The LSE Internships programme in Public Policy, Social Issues and Public Affairs offers students flexibility in the nature of the intern's work and the duration of the internships. MSc and PhD students commit to do one to one and a half days per week with an organisation.
Student life
Our students typically form a tight social group. The Department organises social occasions through the year. Needless to say London has a wide range of opportunities for socialising to offer.
Career development
The programme prepares you for PhD work in philosophy as well as for policy-oriented careers in governmental, non-governmental or international organisations. 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. We have an alumni/alumnae network and keep data on employment. Our data show that our graduates are currently working or studying in the following branches:
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Non-government organisations and think tanks: 17%
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Governmental organisations: 16%
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PhD programmes: 15%
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Law school or legal practice: 13%
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Commercial enterprises: 10%
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Banking and finance: 9%
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Consultancy: 8%
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International organisations: 6%
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Academic research and teaching: 6%
For a selection of reports from graduates, see: www2.lse.ac.uk/philosophy/Study/mastersProgrammes/testimonials.aspx|
Compulsory courses
Options
(* half unit)
Choose one from:
Given the specific interests and background training of the student, students can obtain permission to substitute a course from another department at LSE in place of one of the courses listed above. Popular courses have been: