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Graduate (Research)
Application code:M1ZN
Department of Government

MRes/PhD Political Science

As part of one of the largest UK political science departments, covering almost all areas of politics, you'll enjoy a lively, open research culture.

Overview

Introduction

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of political science. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

The Department of Government at LSE is one of the largest political science departments in the UK and covers almost all areas of politics. We cover a broad array of academic sub-fields from political theory, political economy, public policy, nationalism, conflict studies, and comparative politics to the history of institutions and policy. We also have area expertise on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

We welcome applications to undertake research that complements the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying and approach prospective supervisors to gauge their interest.

The MRes/PhD Political Science provides world-leading methods training, participation in a lively and open research culture, and the opportunity to be part of one of the best departments in political science and political studies in the world. You will join a small and highly selective entering class, of about 6-10 students, who come from a wide range of universities around the world. Together you will embark on the MRes portion of the programme, which is a structured route to the PhD.

Entry requirements

First class or very good upper second class honours degree (normally 65+) and a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in political science or a closely related discipline (such as sociology, economics or history).

For the MRes/PhD Political Science, your research prospoal should be about 2,000 words. Your sample of written work should be either a degree essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, or a 3,000-5,000 word extract from a longer piece of work such as a dissertation.

See requirements for the samples of written work

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

Year 1

MRes

In the first year, you'll take a series of courses and prepare a Research Prospectus. You'll be trained in research design and research methods and also take courses from a broad range of graduate specialisms in our department and across LSE.

You'll study with acknowledged leaders in their fields and learn what political scientists know (and don’t know), what the key debates have been and where the discipline is going.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Government is an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research on politics and government.

Within our department, we have 850 undergraduates, postgraduates and research students and more than 40 faculty staff – who come from 80 countries.

Our research focuses on six main areas:

  • comparative politics
  • conflict studies
  • political behaviour and political psychology
  • political economy and institutional analysis
  • political theory
  • public policy and public administration.

The department’s work covers national, sub-national and global politics – with a strong emphasis on public-facing research.

Teaching within the department draws on these strengths and our central role in a prestigious social science institution. As a student, you’ll learn from internationally renowned academics and study in the heart of London, close to the UK’s political heartland in Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

Our students gain the knowledge and skills to become sharp-minded critical thinkers who apply diverse analytical perspectives to political issues and conflicts around the globe. We encourage students to reflect on what it means to be responsible for addressing urgent public problems and engage in these issues in practical ways to prepare for their future careers. Our graduates find fulfilling roles in government, financial and professional services, teaching and research.

Learn more about our programmes, research, public events and people.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • references
  • CV
  • outline research proposal
  • sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you're shortlisted.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. Your tuition 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 doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£4,905

Home student fee (2025/26)

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with fee levels recommended by the Research Councils.

Learn more about fee status classification.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. Recent graduates have also gone on to careers in investment banking, auditing, consultancy and public sector and government.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£38,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Consultancy
Financial and Professional Services
Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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