Minimum entry requirements for Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.

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

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

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.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. We receive a high number of applications early in the admissions cycle (from November to February) and would encourage you to apply by our early application deadline of 12 January 2024.

In addition, to be considered for any SPP or LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

How your application will be assessed

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- relevant professional experience
- statement of academic purpose
- two references
- CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The 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.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for the Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Home students, first year: £30,792 (2024/25) 
Overseas students, first year: £30,792 (2024/25) 
Home students, second year: £30,792 (2025/26, continuing students) - provisional
Overseas students, second year: £30,792 (2025/26, continuing students) - provisional

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

Fee status

For this programme, the 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.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. 

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. The School of Public Policy (SPP) offers programme and country specific scholarship awards. Find out more about SPP specific awards and how to apply. 

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

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students. 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page. 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Preparation before your arrival

Prior to your arrival at LSE you will receive details about optional readings and online learning materials which are designed to help you to prepare for the programme.  

MPA Welcome & Introductory Teaching 

From mid-September (exact date TBC) you will need to attend MPA Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place prior to the start of the LSE Autumn Term dates. The welcome sessions include campus enrolment, a programme introduction and compulsory introductory teaching in mathematics and statistics.

If you have not studied mathematics and statistics for some time, the MPA introductory teaching provides a challenging but accessible introduction to some of the key skills and techniques required for the degree. For other students, it serves as a refresher course.

First year

In the first year, you will take three compulsory courses, in micro- and macro-economics, political science and quantitative methods of analysis. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you in your second year.

You will also select optional courses (electives) to the value of one unit from a range of options.

Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy 
You will learn macro- and micro- economic concepts, models and methods suitable for appraising policy, applicable in a wide variety of contexts. This includes the study of demand and supply, the labour market, public goods, market failure, inflation and monetary policy, fiscal policy and debt, and exchange rates. 

Political Science and Public Policy
You will learn concepts and models for understanding the behaviour of political actors and why they lead to particular outcomes. This includes the study of voting, political parties, interest groups, legislative politics, corruption, democratisation and ethnic conflict. These tools are essential for designing policy interventions to achieve desired future outcomes. 

Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis 
You will learn skills for the quantitative evaluation of public policies, such as causal relationships; randomised control trials; difference-in-difference estimation; instrumental variables; regression discontinuity designs and cost-benefit analysis. 

Option courses (electives) - Year one

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 the 2022/23 option list here.

Second Year

The key features of the second year are the MPA Capstone and the option to choose a specialisation to be a part of your degree title.

You will also choose a range of option courses (electives) from the School of Public Policy (or elsewhere in LSE, subject to permission and availability).

The MPA Capstone 

The MPA Capstone is a compulsory one unit course. You will carry out analysis and research, as part of a team, in order to address a practical policy issue relevant to a real-life client organisation. It allows you to extend your capabilities by applying what you have learned in the MPA core courses in a professional context. 

Option courses (electives)

Your remaining second year course units will be made up of option courses (electives) from a wide range available in the School of Public Policy or (with permission and subject to availability) from elsewhere in LSE.

Alternatively, you may choose to write a Policy Paper (6,000 words) or a Dissertation (10,000 words) as an option course. You will choose your own topic if you decide to write a Policy Paper or Dissertation, which you will develop in consultation with your allocated supervisor.  

Specialisms

You can either choose to pursue a general MPA or you can request that one of the following specialisms is added to your degree title.

The current specialisms are:

• Economic Policy
• International Development
• Inequality and Poverty
• Social Impact
• International Political Economy

Each specialism has one or more courses attached to it (please refer to the programme regulations for details). To be eligible for a specialism to be added to your degree title, you must meet the requirements to be eligible for the overall degree and pass the courses attached to your chosen specialism. You can only choose one specialism but you can take courses from other specialisms as option courses (electives).

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant 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.

LSE's School of Public Policy is a member of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN). During your first year at LSE, you can apply to spend the second year of your MPA at three other selected GPPN member institutions. Students in their first year at one of these partners can also apply to enter directly into the second year of the LSE MPA.

By combining study on the LSE MPA with study at another internationally-renowned university, you will experience the challenges and processes of public policy-making and analysis from different academic and cultural perspectives thus equipping you with a high-demand professional skill-set and providing the international exposure frequently sought by top employers.

The SPP's dual degree international partner schools and their corresponding programmes are:

• The MPP at the Hertie School, Berlin's University of Governance
• The MPP at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY), National University of Singapore
• The MPP at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) at the University of Tokyo*

* Note that the programme length for students studying at the University of Tokyo is 24 months with graduation no earlier than December of the second year. 

The application process for the dual degree scheme takes place during Year 1 and further information will be provided during the first term. 

Successful applicants will spend their second year of study at one of the above partner institutions and will receive two degrees: one from LSE, and one from the partner institution at which they studied. 

Find out more about GPPN dual degree

SPP Double Degrees

LSE SPP also offers three double degree programmes with Toronto University, Sciences Po and Columbia SIPA. Applicants for the double degree programmes will need to apply via the standard school admissions process prior to commencing their studies and cannot apply as part of the MPA dual degree scheme. You can find out more about the double degree programmes and the application process here.  

Our Students

The MPA attracts a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. Our 2022 cohort (years 1 and 2) represent over 35 nationalities.  

There is no formal work experience requirement to study the MPA, however our students have a wide range of prior experience ranging from recent graduates to 15+ years of prior professional experience. Our MPA students have an average of 3.5 years' working experience.

We welcome students from wide-ranging areas of expertise including economics, law, social sciences, political science, business and international relations.   

Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPA.

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

View our MPA 2022 intake class profile 

School of Public Policy student groups, networks and development opportunities:

Association of Public Policy Students (APPS)

The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of SPP 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.

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.

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.

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 Accelerator

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.

LSE student societies and activities

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.

Life in London 

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

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. 

Want to find out 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. 

Student Testimonials

The MPA has been a challenging learning journey, pushing me to sharpen my knowledge and skills in public policy. Over two years, I have immersed myself in rigorous economics, econometrics and political science courses taught by leading academics and policy practitioners. Additionally, I had the privilege of exchanging experiences with fellow students from LSE and beyond, hailing from diverse corners of the world. I'm profoundly grateful for this time at LSE and highly recommend it to anyone seeking to combine methodological discipline and practical application, all within the dynamic sphere of public policy in London. – Joaquin Collao Jul (MPA Class of 2023)

 

The Capstone project is the most impressive experience for me during the program. It is so amazing to work with 4 people from different backgrounds and work towards an ambitious goal. We decided our topic, conducted interviews and survey, had meeting every week and brainstormed...The process was not easy but really worth it. – Quasim Khanani (MPA Class of 2023)

Our Alumni

The SPP boasts of a strong global community of over 2,000 alumni. Our international network of alumni not only transforms the world around them by designing policy to tackle some of the world’s leading problems in the top levels of government, international organisations, and NGOs – but also makes our community a vibrant and supportive one long after graduation.

Alumni Benefits

As part of LSE SPP’s alumni engagement programme our alumni stay connected via our regualr newsletters and in-person and virtual professional development and social events throughout the year. In 2023 this included our ‘Alumni symposium’ event in London where we welcomed alumni to hear from guest speakers on the topic of ‘Becoming Leaders in The Public Policy Arena’.    

Our alumni also connect regularly with our students throughout their studies and share their expertise through our student mentoring scheme and our career Q&A series.

As well as belonging to LSE School of Public Policy’s alumni network, SPP students will also belong to LSE’s prestigious alumni network of over 220,000 alumni across the world.

Alumni in Action

Learn more about our alumni and how they are making an impact around the world.

Victoria Suarez Rubio, MPA Class of 2021

Parliamentary Assistant at the Cabinet of MEP Luis Garicano at the European Parliament

The best part of the SPP was my classmates: smart individuals from all around the world with diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise, each always ready to share with and learn from the rest.

Read profile

Oluwagbemileke Joy Jegede, MPA Class of 2020
Ecosystems Research Lead for the Government of Sierra Leone in the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation

I gained the confidence to branch out into new areas, and loved doing the research for my dissertation which helped me to discover new interests and possible life paths.

Akash Mehta, MPA Class of 2020
Environmental Analyst for the World Bank

I am now equipped with the necessary theoretical and empirical skills to engage in rigorous analysis of public policies

At the heart of the SPP is an emphasis on helping our students shape and enhance their future careers in policy-related fields. SPP students come to LSE from very diverse professional backgrounds, and it is our priority to support each of you as you move to the next stage of your career.

LSE Careers offers students a programme of support throughout their studies and after graduation.

In particular, students at LSE SPP have access to: 

• one-to-one coaching in all aspects of career planning and professional development careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
• a weekly SPP Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities
• Q&A events with alumni working in particular sectors of interest
• SPP-only discussions to employers including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment sectors 
• access to LSE Careerhub, listing hundreds of opportunities, from short-term volunteering and internships to full-time positions for experienced professionals
• Careers Impact Sessions which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant 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 

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.

SPP Professional Skills Accelerator

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.

Graduate Destinations

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. 

Contact hours and independent study

You will normally have two to three hours of classroom-based teaching each week for each course that you take. This will usually add up to around 12-15 hours per week in class. As the MPA is a full-time programme, you would be expected to spend the equivalent number of hours studying as you would spend working if you were in full-time employment (35-40 hours per week in total). For the MPA Capstone and (for those who choose to do one) the Policy Paper or Dissertation, there is less classroom-based teaching. Capstone groups determine how and when they are going to work on their project and the majority of Policy Paper and Dissertation work is done independently.

Teaching hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

Teaching methods

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. 

Assessment

All taught courses include formative coursework which does not contribute towards the final grade. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. 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.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Information Events

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:

LSE Graduate Admissions Knowledge Base (An online resource for quick answers)

Spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk

Programme queries: mpa@lse.ac.uk

Fees and Funding queries: Visit LSE Financial Support Office webpages

Visa queries: Visit LSE Student Advice and Engagement webpages