Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose the MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy over a more traditional Masters programme?

This Executive Masters programme at the LSE has been designed to enable busy professionals and high-flyers to continue in their positions without the need to take a career break. Participants will be coached to challenge conventional thinking, especially on threats that could arise from outside their area of expertise and what is needed to make strategies effective in the 21st century.

Who should apply to the MSc programme?

The programme is designed for senior and mid-level diplomats, civil servants, military officials, international NGO employees as well as executives from international firms and corporations (finance, consultancy, manufacturing, technology). Candidates should have at least 4 years professional experience.

What is the application deadline?

Candidates are considered on a rolling admissions basis, as early as November for the following September intake. However, we recommend applying as early as possible as competition is intense.

What is the Programme's application code?

With the introduction of the two-mode of participation model, the Executive MSc Programme has two application codes. To apply for the residential option, please use L2UJ as the application code. To apply for the non-residential option, please use L2UV as the application code.

What are the application criteria?

The formal criteria for admission is a good first degree, two references (academic or professional), and several years' working experience (ideally 4-10 years). Applicants must also provided a personal statement of 1-2 pages, setting out their interest in the course.

How do I check the status of my application?

For information relating to applications, and access to the on-line application viewer which will give you full details on the status of your application and any outstanding documents, please visit the Graduate Admissions website. 

How do I contact the Graduate Admissions Office?

You can call the Graduate Admissions Office directly on (+44) 020 7955 7160.  Alternatively, please email ard.exec.admissions@lse.ac.uk; 

(http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/gettingInTouch.aspx)          

What are the language requirements?

An English level of 107 (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS) minimum for those whose previous degree(s) were not taught in English (please see further details on English requirements on the LSE website).

Will I need a visa to study on this programme? 

If you are an international student and wish to participate on the Programme via the Residential Option, you may need a student visa to live and study in the UK for the duration of Programme. As this option will be classified as ‘full-time’, you will not be able to study using visitor visa routes and you may be unable to register without the correct immigration permission.

If you are an international student but wish to participate on the Programme via the Non-Residential Option, you will not need a student visa. You may nonetheless need a different visa to enter the UK for the 4 intensive weeks and 2 policy weekends. Please contact the International Student Visa Advice Team for advice prior to your travel, to arrange the most suitable visa for you.

Please visit the relevant pages below for further information:

ISVAT General information for prospective students

UK Visas and Immigration

What are the fees?

2024/25: £33,000

See here for Executive programmes fees.

In order to secure your place on the course, you will be required to pay a pre-registration fee of 10% within 30 days of acceptance of your place.

For sponsored students, the remainder of the fees should be paid in one lump sum at the time of registration. For privately funded individuals you may pay in 3 instalments due October, January, and April.

If you have any query about Fees and Loans, please contact fees@lse.ac.uk.

Scholarships and Funding

There are no internal LSE scholarships for this programme at present.

However, the following organisation offers scholarships. Please contact them for further information.

British Chevening Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships

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.

If you are UK, US, or Canadian citizen, please see here for information about higher education loans.     

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Find out more about external funding opportunities

Will the MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy use Distance Learning?

The LSE IDEAS Executive MSc Programme offers a way for students with working and caring responsibilities outside of the UK to participate in the 20 weekly evening sessions from their places of residence.

If you are unable to reside in the UK for the entirety of the Programme, you may choose to attend the programme on the Non-Residential Option. Students on the non-residential option will participate in the weekly Wednesday evening sessions remotely. They will join all other teaching sessions in-person, i.e. the 4 intensive weeks and the 2 policy weekends. For visa purposes, this option will technically be registered as a part-time mode of study.

Students who can reside in the UK for 12 months and join all teaching sessions in-person, will be on the ‘Residential Option’. These students will be required to be on campus and physically present in London for the duration of the Programme. International students on this option will be sponsored by LSE for the Student visa.

Students will be required to choose one of the above options. You will not be able to switch between the options during the year. Student visa sponsorship will not be available for the non-residential option at any point during your studies.

When does the MSc programme begin?

Seminars begin in September 2024 at the London School of Economics. You can see the full programme calendar here.

What is the class size?

Approximately 30 places are granted.

What kind of teaching methods will be used?

The course is taught using a combination of lectures, interactive seminars and workshops, where participants will engage directly with both senior academic and practitioners. For more information see our Curriculum Page.  

Do I have to write a final dissertation?

As an integral part of this course, you have the opportunity to undertake a substantial project on a topic of your choosing, under the guidance of senior academics on the programme. This is your chance to hone your strategic and risk assessment skills whilst addressing a critical contemporary issue, and adding value to your organisation.

How is the course assessed?

There are four compulsory courses:

• IR442E: Diplomacy and Challenges One summative assessed policy paper of 3,000 words
• IR443E: Strategy in a Changing World One summative assessed essay of 4,000 words
• IR444E: Strategy in Action This course is assessed in conjunction with the Dissertation
• IR496E: Dissertation MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy 15,000 words to be submitted by 26 August 2024

How can the programme help benefit my career?

Whether you seek to move up within your current affiliation, change organisation within the same field, set up your own enterprise, or change your career entirely into a new sector, the executive MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy will help you transform your career. 

Not only will the course give you the skills and knowledge to help benefit your career, it will give you access to a wide range of services and opportunities to your help you prepare for your future career challenges.

See our Career page for further information on how the programme can benefit your career and support provided.

What opportunities are available for the programme Alumni? 

Once you have graduated from our/this programme, not only will you become part of the Schools general international Alumni community, which comprises more than 222,000+ people drawn from almost 200 countries, you will also become part of the IDEAS Alumni Network programme.

The increasingly active IDEAS Alumni Network programme will give you with access to bespoke events and provide you with excellent networking opportunities.