Master of Public Policy

The LSE MPP met and exceeded what I was looking for in a program. It gave me the ability to tailor my time at the SPP to my professional interests while meeting my educational objectives within nine months.

Yohann Sequeira, MPP Class of 2021

The MPP offers public policy education that is designed for operating in today’s world. Organisations today are faced with vast amounts of information and competing opinions with different calls to urgent action. Mid to senior level policy-makers need to understand and navigate between the different opinions and perspectives of economists, lawyers, financiers and philosophers in order to make effective policy decisions.

The intensive 9-month programme enables students to take a short career break to join an experienced global cohort, gain new perspectives and develop an understanding of how to analyse and navigate the different perspectives which form the “craft of government”. This integrates theory and analysis, politics, and implementation of policy.

Students will develop a unique understanding of the complex challenges of contemporary governance across core discipline perspectives including economics and econometrics, political science, quantitative methods, public management and philosophy. This offers tools and knowhow to understand and address the world’s most pressing public policy challenges.

Whether moving into public, private, international, or non-profit roles, our graduates will take with them enhanced knowledge, expanded thinking and elevated skills to be able to make formidable contributions to public policy and advance in the next stage in their career.

Key features:

A strong disciplined focus core, plus room to specialise.
Opportunity to build your professional network and learn from a diverse cohort all with well-established policy-relevant experience.
Be able to better understand and challenge the advice received from experts.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the public management profession and the tools and approaches needed to reform and enhance public service provision.
An intensive nine-month programme to prepare you for the next step in your career and help you to return to your profession equipped and confident to take on new challenges.

Start date	13 September 2022
Application deadline	None – rolling admissions. However please note the funding deadlines
Duration	Nine months full-time only
Tuition fee	£36,558
Financial support	Graduate support scheme (deadline 28 April 2022)
Minimum entry requirement	Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline. In addition, applicants must have at least five years of policy-relevant experience, though exceptions may be granted for outstanding candidates with slightly less experience.
GRE/GMAT requirement	None
English language requirements	Higher
Location	Houghton Street, London

Apply for the MPP by using the online application system. You must also submit your supporting documents via the online application system.

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.

As part of the application process you will need to submit:

Two references
Personal statement
Résumé or CV

Detailed curriculum information can be found in the 'Programme structure and courses' section of the MPP admissions pages.

Preparation

Prior to starting your studies you will have the opportunity to complete online pre-arrival modules to help you to prepare for your studies.

You will also attend introductory classes from mid-September which include a welcome session, registration and compulsory Introductory courses in mathematics and statistics.

Course structure (2021/2)

The MPP has a core curriculum of economics, political science, quantitative methods and philosophy for public policy, combined with an in-depth review of contemporary theories and practice for the management of public organisations. It is these skills and competencies that you will need to take you to the next step in your career in public policy.

The MPP programme is comprised of eight half-unit courses. It is designed to ensure that you learn foundational policy subjects, as well as topics of personal, academic, or professional interest.

Compulsory courses

PP401 Political Science for Public Policy (0.5 Units)

PP402 Quantitative Methods for Public Policy (0.5 Units)

PP403 Public Management (0.5 Units)

PP404 Economics for Public Policy (0.5 Units)

PP405 Public Policy Applications (0.5 Units)

PP406 Philosophy and Public Policy (0.5 Units)

Optional courses

In addition to your required core courses, you will take full unit or half-unit option courses (electives).

The SPP offers a wide range of courses as options. You can review this current year’s (2021/22) option list here.

You may also apply to take options courses from other departments in the LSE.

The MPP attracts a highly diverse range of students from around the globe. Our 2021 intake represents over 26 nationalities.

The MPP is a professional degree with students having on average seven years' working experience. Our students' experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPP.

This diversity is a major strength, providing many different national, economic and societal perspectives to problems and solutions of public policy.

View our class profile.

Studying at LSE's School of Public Policy is an excellent career decision with employers across the globe attracted both to the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of our curriculums.

Throughout your studies and beyond you will have support to navigate your career journey and achieve your goals.

Find out more about LSE Careers and SPP Careers support.

Our graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors with popular destinations including; Government and Politics, Consultancy, Financial Services, NGOs & Charities, Data, Research & Think Tanks, International Development and Aid, Public Policy, and International Finance and Trade.

Find out more about our alumni and their career journeys after graduation.

LSE and SPP Speaker Series

LSE's SPP is a hub of global debate which attracts expert guest speakers from around the world. Discover more about our events and podcast series where experts come together to debate some of the world's most pressing policy challenges.

Discover more about SPP's guest speaker series and catch up on past events.