Programmes

LSE- Sciences Po Double Degree (MPP/MPA)

  • Graduate taught
  • School of Public Policy
  • Application code L2SP
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London, Paris

The double MPP-MPA degree offers students a multi-disciplinary and applied public policy education that harnesses the best of two world-leading social science institutions. 

Upon successful completion of the two-year programme, students will receive two degrees: a Master's in Public Policy from Sciences Po and a Master's in Public Administration from LSE. The programme is an ideal choice for early-stage professionals who want to gain expertise in the management and evaluation of public policy in the European context whilst based at the heart of two historic European cities.   

The first year at Sciences Po will provide students with core skills in economics and politics as well as the opportunity to tailor their learning and specialise in one of eleven policy streams. Students explore the challenges of policy-making in the contemporary age, with an emphasis on a hands-on approach. Students also have the possibility to apply to participate in different innovative programmes offered by the school, such as the SDG Certificate (in English), the Gender Equality and Public Policy Certificate (in French), and the Public Policy Incubator programme, where they will work alongside researchers and external partners to develop practical solutions to public policy challenges.   

The second year at LSE’s School of Public Policy complements this learning by drawing on its institutional strengths in empirical methods, political science and economic analysis. Students have the opportunity to select a second area of specialism – either complementary or distinct from – their choice during the first year. The programme further adds to students’ professional experience with a capstone project in which students work in teams with a partner organisation to solve a real-world policy problem. 

As they advance in their career, graduates will benefit from the resources, opportunities and networks of both prestigious institutions and will be equipped with the professional and international experience to be able to thrive as professionals in international, private and public sectors.  

Key features:  

  • Study at two prestigious institutions in two cities – Year one at the School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po in Paris and Year two at the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Choice of specialisms - a broad curriculum allows you to identify your key interests and strengths and choose a specialisation from a range of electives in both your first and second year of study.  
  • The ‘Public Policy Incubator’ (Year 1) – put your skills into practice and work in groups alongside researchers, representatives from public, private and civil society organisations to propose innovative, practicable solutions to an identified policy challenge. 
  • MPA Capstone (Year 2) - an opportunity to work on a real-world policy challenge as part of a six-month consultancy style project with an external client. 
  • A global outlook – be a part of the international communities at LSE and Columbia as well a network of prestigious policy schools around the world as part of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN). 

Programme details

Key facts

Master of Public Policy (MPP), Sciences Po - Master of Public Administration (MPA), LSE 
Start date September 2024
Application deadline 11 February 2024 (Apply via Sciences Po)
Duration 21 months full-time only
Applications 2021 103
Intake 2021 15
Financial support Graduate support scheme for LSE financial support (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement Find out more about entry requirements here: https://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/content/graduate-dual-degrees.html
A minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) in the UK system or international equivalent grade, in any subject discipline. 
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Higher (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Sciences Po, Paris, France (year one) and London School of Economics and Political Science, UK (year two)
For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements 

The admissions process for the degree is managed by Sciences Po. Find out more about the admissions process and entry requirements here: https://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/content/graduate-dual-degrees.html

  • A minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) in the UK system or international equivalent grade, in any subject discipline. 

There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the LSE MPA normally have one year of professional experience and many have two or more years of experience.

Applications are administered by a joint admissions board of representatives consisting of both LSE and Sciences Po. 

 

Assessing your application

When to apply

Application deadline: 17 February 2024

The admissions processes for the MPP/MPA Double Degree are managed by Sciences Po and any queries about the process should be directed to Sciences Po. You can find out more about the application and admissions process and deadlines on their website: https://www.sciencespo.fr/admissions/en/content/graduate-dual-degrees.html

All applications are considered by an admissions panel which is composed of representatives from both LSE and Sciences Po.

 

Fees and funding

 Students must pay the applicable tuition fees to their host institution.

Tuition fees 2024/25 

Year 1 (Sciences Po): Calculated based on circumstances - see the tuition fees webpages.
Year 2 (LSE): (provisional) £30,792 (2025/26, continuing students) 

The LSE Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Year one - Sciences Po

You can calculate your tuition fees for your first year at Sciences Po by identifying your situation on the Sciences Po tuition fees webpages.

Year two - London School of Economics and Political Science

The year two at LSE fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Fee status

For this programme, the LSE tuition fee is the same for all students regardless of their fee status. However, any financial support you are eligible for will depend on whether you are classified as a home or as an overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reductions

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

Funding for the second year, at LSE

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. You must apply for these needs-based awards from LSE, during your first year of study. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

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.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Programme structure and courses

First year at Sciences Po

Students can find out further details about the content and classes in each category listed below by viewing their relevant policy stream page on the Sciences Po website, and then to click on MPP Semester 1 and Semester 2 for the details.

· Sciences Po Common Core

· Public Economics Course

· Governance, Democracy and Public Policy course

· Policy Analysis and Policy Evaluation

· Management, project management and negotiations (or substitute the Policy Incubator)

· Policy stream courses

· Elective courses

· Language courses

Second Year at LSE

· Capstone Project

· Courses to the value of three units from the options of an MPA course list.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant LSE School Calendar page  

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Our students

Studying at Sciences Po in Paris - Year 1

Students will begin their studies at the School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po in Paris. Find out more about student life at Sciences Po: Student associations and initiatives | Sciences Po Students

Studying at LSE in London - Year 2

As a student at LSE in your second year of your double degree you’ll be based at our central London campus.

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do. LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.

The School of Public Policy at LSE also has an active student community and extracurricular activities:

APPS

The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of students that serve as a resource for the student community. Throughout the academic year, the APPS’s numerous committees and initiatives provide opportunities for students to engage with other classmates in professional and social activities. The APPS fosters links and togetherness between the student community - past, present and future. 

Womxn’s Network

The School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Womxn’s Network is a student-run organisation focused on the advancement and empowerment of students within the SPP and broader LSE community who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality. The Network aims to further encourage the inclusion of marginalised voices within policymaking through various events and forums designed to promote learning and open discussion.

 

Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT)

The Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT) Competition gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in impact investing by sourcing and conducting due diligence on real-world, early-stage impact investment opportunities. The MIINT is supported by LSE's Marshall Institute. Find out more about the experience from our 2022 participants.  

 

Global Public Policy Network (GPPN)

The Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) is a partnership between 7 prestigious universities in public policy. GPPN is a platform for institutional partnership, research collaboration, and student exchange. Members of the GPPN have organised an annual international conference for the students and deans from member schools to meet and discuss pressing issues of global public policy. GPPN members have also established exchange and dual degrees programs, allowing students to benefit from this international network of the most prestigious public affairs schools in the world.

 

Public Sphere Journal (PSJ)

The Public Sphere Journal (PSJ) is a journal of international policy studies produced by SPP students which features evidence-based research in economic policy, public management, international affairs, development studies and social policy. The PSJ offers students an opportunity to combine their unique professional and personal experiences to create a journal of international policy studies, from the initial call for papers through to the print and launch.  

 

Policy in Practice (PiP) seminars

We run regular seminars through the year to connect you with policy practitioners in a range of fields, either to learn more about the work of particular organisations and sectors or to develop new skills. These seminars provide students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real world scenarios. 

 

SPP Professional Skills Programme

The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.  

You will benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.

 

Life in London 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

You can also discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home I Find out about opportunities to visit LSE

Careers support

Support for your career

A particularly attractive feature of the Sciences Po-LSE MPP/MPA double degree is the outstanding opportunity for developing professional skills and experience to give you a head start over other graduates in seeking post-study employment in a relevant sector. The double degree is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted to both the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course. The degree equips professionals with the skills to make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world, including government departments and agencies, consultancies and international development agencies.

Students will benefit from the careers support and resources of both prestigious institutions. 

Sciences Po 

The School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po educates the next generation of policy-shapers committed to serving the common good. The young professionals that emerge are innovative and responsible, efficient and socially engaged. They take on roles that require a panoramic view of public affairs, whether in the public or the private sector, at a local, national, European or international level, and in any of a vast array of fields (public administration, consulting, the economy, security and defence, health, energy and sustainable development, culture, new technologies, digital innovation, the list goes on).

Career resources include:

  • Career News: weekly news including only professionnal informations and opportunities
  • Career Breakfasts: recruiting session
  • Career Meetings: presentation of companies, institutions, organisations, recruitment process and opportunities
  • Career Inside: on site visit, meet with collaborators, network
  • Job’s Round Table: conference on a professionnal sector
  • Career Advisors Community: professionnals who accompany the students during their last year
  • Fairs: participation to the School to present the academic offer and employability of our students

Find out more about graduate career paths and support resources avaiable at Sciences Po: Careers actions and opportunities | Sciences Po School of Public Affairs and Sciences Po Carrières

London School of Economics and Political Science

LSE Careers Consultants make sure that you get the best possible support in developing your career plans during your time studying. Whether you know already the career you are aiming for, or simply the general direction you want they can help guide and develop your ideas to present your skills and experience to employers in the best possible way.

In particular students at LSE have access to:

  • careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
  • a weekly Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities
  • SPP-only discussions to employers (often MPA alumni) including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment sectors
  • specialist careers seminars run by LSE Careers, including sessions on CVs and cover letters, career management, networking, interviews and advice specific to particular employment sectors
  • access to LSE Careerhub, with thousands of short-term and long-term opportunities including internships

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year. LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods & Assessment

Sciences Po - Assessments will vary depending on the policy stream and course selected. Further information can be found on the relevant policy stream webpage. 

LSE- We use a variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status, including LSE faculty, teaching fellows, guest teachers and practitioners. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide. We use a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

 

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits

Events and contact us

Information Events

Sciences Po information Sessions

Open House - 21 October 2023: Find out more and register

SPP Information Sessions

Throughout the year we will be hosting online SPP programme information sessions for prospective students. These sessions provide an opportunity for prospective students to interact with our faculty and students to find out more about a specific SPP programme. Details of upcoming sessions can be found on our website and we also encourage you to register your interest to hear more about our upcoming sessions.

LSE information events and videos

LSE also have a number of webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries which will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study more broadly at LSE  Experience LSE from home

LSE representatives also travel around the world to meet with prospective students at information fairs and events Find details on LSE's upcoming visits

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE

 

Contact us

Admissions: Contact Sciences Po 

Year two queries: spp.doubledegrees@lse.ac.uk

Connect with us

You can find out more about SPP activities, faculty news, upcoming events and student life by connecting with us on social media:

 LSE SPP Linkedin LSE School of Public Policy

LSE SPP Instagram @lsepublicpolicy

LSE SPP X/Twitter @lsepublicpolicy

 

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