School of Public Policy

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

For entry in 2018
Contents

Academic Director’s Welcome 2 Extra-curricular opportunities 15

Why LSE? 4 Policy in Practice seminars 15
A world centre of research and teaching 4 MPA Student Association (MPASA) 15
The heart of London 4 LSE Careers 15
The student community 4 LSE LIFE 15
Programme overview 5 The faculty 16
MPA study support 6 MPA alumni 17
Pre-arrival 6 Frequently asked questions 18
Introductory Course 6
Academic Learning Support 6
HOW TO CONTACT US
Curriculum information 7
If you have any queries about the MPA,
The MPA Capstone 9 our team will be happy to answer your
Global Public Policy Network and the 10 questions.
MPA dual degree
MPA
How does the dual degree work? 10
School of Public Policy
MPA policy streams 11 The London School of Economics
MPA Public and Economic Policy 11 and Political Science
Houghton Street
MPA Public Policy and Management 11
London
MPA Social Impact 11 WC2A 2AE
MPA International Development 12
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7107 5234
MPA European Policy-Making 12
Email: mpa@lse.ac.uk
MPA Public and Social Policy 12
@LSE_MPA
MPA class profile 2017 13

The MPA at LSE’s Institute of Public Affairs provides a great skill

and knowledge base for employment in both the public and
private sectors. The degree provides interdisciplinary expertise about
the challenges which confront governments and corporations. Solving
public policy problems is now more important than ever as global
political fundamentals shift. The world is changing and the MPA will
help think through new and imaginative policy solutions.

Professor Tony Travers, Dean of the School of Public Policy

1
Academic Director’s welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Public Administration

(MPA) at LSE’s School of Public Policy. I’m the Academic Director of
the School of Public Policy and the Harold Laski Professor of Political
Science in the Department of Government. I first joined LSE in 1997 as
an undergraduate student; the reason I am still here is that simply, LSE
is one of the world’s finest educational institutions.
Your interest in the MPA comes at a pivotal time. In September 2018,
we will launch LSE’s School of Public Policy, of which the MPA will be
a key part. With this landmark development LSE is stepping forward
to meet the need for more informed public policy analysis and public
management, which we think is vital to understanding and resolving
the challenges of contemporary governance. The School of Public
Policy will be our platform for developing the next generation of policy
professionals who commit to LSE’s founding mission: to understand
the causes of things for the betterment of society.
The policy problems that need to be addressed are multiplying by the
day. From realising the benefits of international trade and globalisation,
to managing the crisis flows of displaced persons, improving access
to healthcare, avoiding environmental catastrophe or incorporating
increasing technology and automation into our societies, there are
challenges everywhere we look. In a number of countries, political
systems are under extreme pressure to improve. As a result, there
is an urgent need for policy professionals with the skills to improve
our world.
Our objective is to prepare professionals to be ready for the ever-
changing world of policy-making. The skills that you develop on the
programme will serve as a life-long reference point for analysing policy
problems and the implications of different alternative solutions.
I hope that you find this brochure informative and inspiring

Professor Simon Hix

Academic Director, School of Public Policy

2
3
Why LSE?

LSE offers a unique opportunity to study the social sciences at a university with a worldwide academic
reputation, while enjoying the cultural and social facilities of a truly international city.

A world centre of research The heart of London The student community

and teaching
LSE is ranked second in the world for social
sciences according to the QS World University
Rankings for 2016/17, making it one of the
world’s great university institutions.1
The 2014 Research Excellence Framework
positioned LSE as a world leading research
university, with the School topping or coming
close to the top of research excellence
rankings.2 As part of this framework, the
Higher Education Funding Council assesses
the research of all UK universities every five to
seven years.
Our research informs and constantly
invigorates our teaching. Some 97 per cent
of LSE academics are actively engaged in
research. Faculty are regularly sought out as
advisers, consultants and commentators, thus
having an opportunity to exert practical impact
in the areas in which they teach and research.
LSE’s international reputation and its London
location ensure that it is to us that the media
turns first for commentary on global and
domestic events.
LSE’s character is inseparable from its location. Students who choose LSE are intent
Situated in the heart of central London, we on experiencing an active and varied
are located in one of the most cosmopolitan programme. The structure of our degrees
cities in the world. A short distance from emphasises the need for independent study
Europe’s financial centre – the City of London and rigorous intellectual skills in which every
– and close to the Houses of Parliament in student’s opinion matters.
Westminster, LSE stands at the crossroads
The student community at LSE is one of the
of national and international debate. This is
most diverse in the world. The total student
fundamental to our identity as an outward-
population at LSE is around 9,250 full-time
looking institution with an active involvement
and 900 part-time, 59 per cent of whom
in UK and global affairs. LSE is a stimulating
are studying at graduate level. LSE students
and cosmopolitan place; these qualities derive
are from over 160 countries with over 100
from its diverse staff and students, from its
languages spoken on campus.
active academic and political concerns, and
from the fluid interchange of ideas between
us and the world outside – government,
Parliament, business and financial institutions,
the Law Courts and media – all of which are
on LSE’s doorstep. Each year, LSE hosts many
prominent external speakers including national
and international politicians, business leaders
and civil servants. Many leading academics from
all around the world visit LSE to teach, to give
public lectures and pursue research. LSE has a
compact campus that enhances the university’s
vitality and friendliness.

LSE provides a stimulating and often

challenging environment that enables
intellectual growth as well as social and
personal fulfilment.

The MPA gives you the skills needed

in the 21st century.

Gero Elerd, MPA Public Policy and

1
http://www.topuniversities.com/
Management, Class of 2007, Norges Bank
Investment Management 2
 esearch Excellence Framework (REF) 2014,
R
see www.ref.ac.uk

4
Programme overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is an interdisciplinary two-year degree covering the broad
field of public policy and public manangement in a global context.

The MPA curriculum puts special emphasis

on rigorous empirical training in core
subjects, such as economics, political science
and quantitative analysis; it also requires
specialisation applied to a substantive policy
area. Only a two-year degree which can offer
this depth of study and the combination
of methodological discipline and practical
application.
The MPA is a challenging, professional
programme. Students have the opportunity
to apply disciplinary knowledge and methods
to practical policy issues and problems. The
Capstone project is a highlight of the MPA,
allowing students to collaborate with external
organisations to address a real-life policy
issue. As such, the MPA provides students
with the knowledge and skill base that are
essential for a successful career in the public,
non-profit, and private sectors.
The LSE Master of Public Administration (MPA):
Equips talented students with the
professional skills and knowledge
required to undertake and advise on
public policy design, implementation
and evaluation.
Combines rigorous academic
development with strong practical
applications in individual and group-
based work.
Is designed to respond to students’
varied specialisations and interests
through their second-year choices.
Offers outstanding ‘real-world’ insight
to complement classroom learning.
Offers targeted study support to
strengthen academic writing and
communication skills, which are
fundamental to all future career
destinations.
Prepares students for careers
in the public sector, private
companies, intergovernmental and
nongovernmental organisations
around the world.

Our graduates have chosen a variety of

careers options in government departments
and agencies, private sector consultancies,
international organisations and think tanks.

The MPA gave me quantitative and qualitative skills in critical

thinking, analysis and problem solving which are highly essential
to my current work. The best aspect by far was the incredibly talented,
international students I met and worked with.
Sarah Moauro, MPA Public and Economic Policy,
Class of 2014, Monitor Deloitte

5
MPA study support

Pre-arrival Introductory Course Academic Learning Support

Prior to arrival at LSE, incoming students
who have accepted their offer of a place on
the MPA are given access to online learning
resources. All these resources are self-directed
to allow prospective students to study at their
own pace and at a time convenient to them.
Completion of these learning resources helps
to maximise the prospects of success on the
MPA. These resources give an overview of
different aspects of the degree including:
• Public policy definitions and
disciplinary foundations
• Academic writing essential for
MPA assessments
All first-year students complete a compulsory
two-week course in mathematics and
statistics. This is known as the introductory
course and takes place directly before the
official start of LSE term time. For those that
have not studied these subjects for some
time, the course provides a challenging but
accessible introduction to some of the key
skills and techniques required for the MPA
degree. For those with a mathematical
background, the course is a refresher in
these skills. There is a diagnostic test at the
end of this course which allows students to
evaluate their own future learning needs in
mathematics and statistics.
MPA students benefit from study support sessions
to strengthen their analytical, evaluative, writing
and presentation skills. The seminars comprise
lectures, workshops and practice sessions. The study
support training of the MPA programme helps
students prepare for their assessments and develop
transferable skills that are essential for effective policy
analysis and research.
The Skills Development Seminars (SDS), in year one,
focus on:
• Academic writing
• Writing policy memos
• Working in groups

• Foundation level skills and knowledge in • Delivering effective presentations.

mathematics and statistics.
Additionally, the MPA runs two weekly economics
study support classes during the main teaching terms
focusing on mathematic and statistical foundations,
econometrics and data analysis using the Stata
software package. These sessions are particularly
valuable for students without a quantitative
background as they provide an opportunity for
individuals to seek help in any areas which they may
find challenging.

My classmates were the best part of the programme – I learnt a

lot from them and was constantly driven through their passion
and energy to reach levels of potential I didn’t realise I had.

Mitra Nataraj, MPA Dual Degree with Columbia School of International and
Public Affairs (SIPA), Class of 2008, Global Account Lead, Google

6
Curriculum information

MPA programme – Year 1

GV478 Political Science and Public Policy

MPA core
3.0 units

EC455 Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis

EC440 Micro and Macroeconomics (for Public Policy)

Option course(s)

Courses to the value of one unit

1.0 unit

Students choose one full unit course or two half unit courses from a wide range
of options across LSE’s academic departments (some restrictions apply).

If more officials around the world had studied the

MPA, the world would be a better place.

Daniele Viappiani, MPA Public and Economic Policy,

Class of 2009, Economic Advisor, UK Department of Energy
and Climate Change

7
 MPA programme – Year 2
MPA core
1.0 unit

MPA Capstone

Students choose one policy stream at the start of Year 2

PUBLIC
EUROPEAN POLICY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC AND PUBLIC AND
POLICY AND SOCIAL IMPACT
MAKING DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC POLICY SOCIAL POLICY
MANAGEMENT

Two courses from:

1-2 units depending on choice of policy stream

MG4E4 Analytic
frameworks for
policy evaluation EC452 Applying
DV448 Political Two courses from: (0.5 units) Behavioural
Economy of
EC410 Public Economics for
EU479 EU Policy- Development I MG4E5
Social Impact
Policy stream

Economics for
Making and (0.5 units) Governance,
Public Policy (0.5 units)
International Markets and
and (0.5 units)
Co-operation Competition in the and
SA4X6 Welfare
(0.5 units) DV449 Political EC418 delivery of Public
Analysis and SA4J2 New
Economy of Globalisation and Services
and Measurement Institutions of
Development II Economic Policy (0.5 units)
(1 unit) Public Policy:
EU480 Policy- (0.5 units) (0.5 units) MG4G3 Designing Strategic
Making in Europe:
and EC419 Methods and Managing Philanthropy,
System Challenges
of Economic Change in the Impact Investment
(0.5 units) EC454
Policy Analysis Public Sector and Social
Development
(0.5 units) (0.5 units) Enterprise
Economics (1 unit)*
(0.5 units)
GV4J5 Fiscal
Governance and
Budgeting
(0.5 units)

Courses to bring the total unit value of courses selected to 4.0 units using any of the following:
Option courses

MPA Policy Paper (0.5 units – not to be taken with MPA Dissertation)
MPA Dissertation (1 unit – not to be taken with MPA Policy Paper)
Other MPA Policy Stream courses
Option Courses from across LSE (subject to availability)

*Information correct at the time of going to press, September 2017

8
The MPA Capstone
The Capstone is a compulsory course
undertaken by all second year MPA students.
This one unit course is a key part of the MPA
core curriculum and it is designed to ensure
that students have an intensive and closely
supervised experience of working in a group
on a real-world public policy project.
The Capstone groups tackle socially relevant
and topical policy issues and the contribution
of MPA students is highly valued by the
Capstone clients. The project is a team effort
to carry out analysis and research in order
to address a practical policy issue relevant
to the client organisation. It allows students
to extend their capabilities and apply what
they have learnt in the MPA core courses in a
professional manner.
During the second year of study, MPA students
are assigned to groups of 3 to 5 members.
Teams dedicate around 1½ to 2 days a week
to the project between October and March,
including some vacation time.
Each project is supervised by a member of the
MPA academic staff, who provides advice and
monitors progress. There are special training
sessions to develop particular skills and
analytical techniques for the Capstone. The
project earns a collective grade and students
are expected to manage the division and
development of work amongst themselves.
9
Student benefits
“Being able to participate in the
The MPA Capstone provides an excellent Capstone project improves your
opportunity to: working skills and brings you closer
to a real-world experience where
• Strengthen policy analysis skills through the
there is a need for day-to-day
involvement in a variety of activities, such
collaboration, coordination and
as reviewing policy literature, designing a
leadership to reach success.”
methodological framework, gathering data,
Adriana Ornelas Herrera,
developing evaluation indicators, carrying
MPA International Development,
out the analysis, and drawing policy
Class of 2015
recommendations.
• Sharpen policy report writing skills.
“The Capstone project has been an
Students learn how to effectively frame a
enriching and positive experience and
policy problem and formulate strong and
relevant for my future professional
compelling arguments, whilst tailoring the
experience.”
presentation to a specific policy audience.
Maria Ruiz Rivadeneira,
• Learn and improve organisational skills MPA Dual Degree with Sciences Po,
required for successful planning and Class of 2015
implementation of public policy projects.
• Improve group working skills. Group
“Overall I think that the Capstone
working reflects a skill set which potential
was a great experience and it can
employers are increasingly focusing on
definitely be considered one of the
during the recruitment process.
highlights of the MPA.”
Dayanna Verlarde Rubalcava,
MPA International Development,
Class of 2015
Global Public Policy Network and
the MPA dual degree
The LSE School of Public Policy, along with
six other prestigious policy schools around
the world, is a member of the Global
Public Policy Network (GPPN). The GPPN
promotes international debate, comparative
perspectives and research on the most
pressing global policy issues. Through
the GPPN the MPA runs a series of dual
degrees with selected partners, providing a
multidisciplinary and multicultural approach
to policy-making. Students who complete
the dual degree receive a degree from both
institutions that they attend.
How does the dual degree
work?
During their first year, MPA students may
apply for the chance to spend the second
year of their MPA at one of the following
partner schools for a dual degree:
• The School of International and Public
Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University in
New York
• The School of Public Affairs at Sciences
Po in Paris
• The Hertie School of Governance in Berlin
• The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
(LKY) at the National University of Singapore
• The Graduate School of Public Policy
(GraSPP) at the University of Tokyo. Special
regulations apply for graduation on this
dual degree programme.
In any year, a number of students also join the
LSE MPA from these partner schools. Through
the dual degree, the MPA offers an opportunity
to gain experience of studying in two top
academic institutions, providing a global
perspective to students’ study.
10
 MPA policy streams

At the beginning of their second year, MPA students choose one of six policy streams. Each policy stream
requires the completion of its associated courses. The year two curriculum grid on page 8 shows the
required policy stream courses for students joining the MPA in 2018.

MPA Public and Economic Policy MPA Public Policy and Management

The MPA in Public and Economic Policy develops
students’ ability to analyse and evaluate economic
policy-making in national, regional and global
contexts. Students develop strong empirical,
quantitative and methodological skills. This
particular stream equips students to pursue careers
related to economic policy-making in international
organisations, national administrations, and
economic consulting.
Understanding decision-making, organisational
structures and budgetary processes in the public
sector are core to the MPA Public Policy and
Management stream. Students taking this policy
stream will develop knowledge and skills for
effective policy-making in public sector bodies.
This stream particularly equips students to pursue
careers in public management, public sector
consulting, and governance related work in
international organisations or think tanks.

MPA Social Impact

Given the failure of both states and markets to

resolve persistent social problems, there is growing
interest in the problem-solving potential of private
action for social purposes. The MPA Social Impact
develops students’ capacity to create social impact
and maximise the effectiveness of private action
for public benefit. The stream explores the design
and evaluation of such interventions, and the
institutions and collaborations within this field.
It provides students with skills, knowledge and
critical understanding for effective private action
for public good whether as social entrepreneur,
investor or policy-maker.

11
MPA International Development
The MPA International Development policy
stream focuses on the analysis of economic
and public policies for developing countries.
It teaches students the skills to understand
the drivers of key decisions in government
policy and to utilise analytical tools to evaluate
the impact of different policy options.
This policy stream prepares students to
work at the highest levels in international
development organisations, government
development agencies, NGOs, development
consultancies and private sector companies.
Through core studies we analyse political will, constraints
that impede pro-development policies, and strategies for
manoeuvring around these.
Dr Tasha Fairfield, Department of International Development
MPA European Policy-Making
With crises of its economy, migration and the
challenges of integration and disintegration, policy-
making in contemporary Europe has never been as
important or challenging. This policy stream helps
students to recognise and evaluate the causes and
drivers of European public policy. It is designed for
students interested in a career working in or with the
policy-making EU institutions, including the European
Central Bank, European Commission or European
Parliament, or with the national governments, NGOs
and corporations that interact with these institutions.
MPA Public and Social Policy
This policy stream focuses on the measurement
and design of policy for public and social welfare.
Welfare systems and welfare reform are recurring
themes in the public policy debate. An ability to
develop effective policy interventions in this field
requires expertise in understanding, measuring
and analysing the particular nature of individual
and societal welfare. Students will learn to use
the main tools for measuring, monitoring and
analysing data of individual and societal welfare,
with illustrative real-world examples. Students will
also develop skills for assessing academic research
and official statistics.
12
 MPA class profile 2017

By first degree
Years 1 and 2 2 Accounting
10 Arts and Humanities
17 Business Administration
41 Economics
14 Engineering
4 Finance
2 International Development
11 International Relations
15 International Studies
2 Journalism
5 Law
2 Management
3 Natural Sciences
30 Political Science
6 Social Sciences
1 Statitics

By region Gender Years 1 and 2

Years 1 and 2 2 Africa

14 Asia
1
11
4
Australasia
Europe
North America
53%
7 South America

47%
13
 By country Years 1 and 2

American 27 Danish 1 Nigerian 1
Argentinian 2 Ecuadorean 3 Pakistani 3
Armenian 1 Egyptian 2 Peruvian 5
Australian 1 Filipino 1 Portuguese 1
Austrian 1 French 8 Qatari 1
Belgian 3 German 6 Russian 1
Brazilian 1 Greek 1 South Korean 10
British 6 Indian 10 Spanish 5
Canadian 9 Indonesian 3 Swedish 1
Cayman Island 1 Italian 2 Thai 1
Chilean 7 Japanese 8 Turkish 2
Chinese 10 Kazakhstani 1 Ukrainian 1
Colombian 9 Mexican 7 Venezuelan 2

Age range Years 1 and 2

Number of countries represented

21 41
Years 1 and 2
27.5
A GLOBALAverage
PROGRAMME GENDER
NON UK BASED 66% 39+
NON EU BASED 8%
Work experience
16% 83%
UK BASED 33%
Years 1 and 2

3.9
Average

INDUSTRY SECTOR
14
8% Government
 Extra-curricular opportunities
Policy in Practice seminars
Our extra-curricular Policy in Practice seminars
(PiPs) host policy professionals and researchers
who share their experience and insight with
MPA students. PiPs provide students with
an opportunity to discuss a wide range of
economic and social issues and connect
classroom learning to real world situations.
These dynamic seminars are informal and
students are encouraged to ask questions and
interact with the speakers in a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere.
Previous speakers include:
•D
 uncan Green, Oxfam
• T om Adams, Acumen
•C
 harles Knox-Vydmanov, HelpAge
International
•A
 rturo José Galindo, Inter-American
Development Bank
•A
 ndrew Hobbs, Ernst & Young.
MPA Student Association
(MPASA)
The MPA Student Association (MPASA) is
an elected body of students that serve as a
resource for the MPA community. Throughout
the academic year, MPASA’s numerous
committees and initiatives provide opportunities
15
for students to engage with other classmates in
professional and social activities.
MPASA works with staff in LSE Careers and
in the MPA Team to support initiatives and
activities with alumni and employers. MPASA
also bolsters the student community through
its variety of social events including day trips,
food crawls and potlucks, outdoor activities,
holiday celebrations, the MPA Gala and much
more. Furthermore, MPASA places high value
on philanthropic activity, selecting a charity
each year to support by fundraising and
volunteering. The past year MPASA raised
money for Time and Talents, a London-based
charity that has been providing services to the
local community since 1887.
To learn more about MPASA, please visit
the website: lsempasa.org
LSE Careers
MPA students have access to a range of
specialist services and events designed with their
career directions in mind:
• Specialist careers seminars, including sessions
on CVs and cover letters, career management,
networking, interviews and advice specific to
particular employment sectors.
• Discussions with MPA Careers Consultant,
Anne Clinton.
• A weekly MPA Careers newsletter,
with relevant short-term and
long-term opportunities.
• Visits to employers (often MPA alumni) in their
offices to discuss career options and learn
about different employment sectors.
• Access to LSE CareerHub, with thousands
of short-term and long-term opportunities
including internships.
• Networking opportunities with employers in
relevant sectors.
What’s more, all MPA graduates continue
to have free access to resources and advice
from LSE Careers for up to five years after
graduation!
LSE LIFE
LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic,
personal, and professional development.
Students can receive support, guidance and
advice about how to succeed in their studies
and extend their learning and discovery outside
the classroom.
LSE LIFE has an in-house team of specialist study
advisers, on-hand to help. Students can also find
research specialists from the Library, English-
language experts from the Language Centre,
and career advisers from LSE Careers at certain
times of the week.
The faculty

The faculty
Dr Babken Babajanian Professor Simon Hix
Associate Professorial Lecturer Academic Director, School of
Public Policy

Gwyn Bevan Professor Sara Hobolt

Professor of Policy Analysis Sutherland Chair in European Institutions

Dr Gharad Bryan Dr Ethan Ilzetzki

Lecturer in Economics Lecturer in Economics

Professor Robin Burgess Professor Stephen Jenkins

Professor of Economics Professor of Economic and Social Policy

Dr Jeremiah Dittmar Dr Berkay Ozcan

Assistant Professor of Economics Assistant Professor of Social Policy

Dr Tasha Fairfield Dr Thomas Sampson

Assistant Professor of International Lecturer in Economics
Development

Dr Greg Fischer Dr Johannes Spinnewijn

Lecturer in Economics Lecturer in Economics

Dr Lloyd Gruber Professor Daniel Sturm

Assistant Professor of Political Associate Professor of Economics
Economy of Development

Dr Sara Hagemann Dr Joachim Wehner

Associate Professor of Associate Professor of Public Policy
European Politics

16
 MPA alumni

We asked some of our alumni how the LSE MPA programme has influenced their career…

The skills I have gained during the MPA have been The
crucial in getting a job in international development LSE
consultancy. In particular, econometrics courses ended MPA
up giving me the required analytical tools to understand policy- definitely boosted
making in a structured manner. Development economics my analytical skills
was also tremendously useful in understanding where and my ambitions
the knowledge of interventions and policies which work when applying for
or not currently stand. job vacancies. It surely helped me to
obtain an internship at BCG - a
Raphaelle Delmotte,
consulting firm - between the first and
MPA Public Policy and Management, Class of 2011
second year of MPA, which then
turned into a full-time job once the
MPA was over. Additionally, the
Capstone project during the second
year gave me the opportunity to take a
closer look into the OECD,
After graduating from LSE, I joined BMI - a small country which two years later has
risk and macroeconomic forecasting company in the City. become my employer.
Following this private sector experience, I worked in the
macroeconomic forecasting unit of the European Commission and I am Francesco Alfonso,
now a Research Analyst in the EMU governance division of MPA Public and Economic Policy,
the European Central Bank. None of this would have been Class of 2012
possible without those formative years at the LSE.

Alessio Terzi,
MPA European Public and Economic Policy, Class of 2011

The
MPA
didn’t
The variety of interdepartmental subjects the MPA covers, lead me to radically
plus the wide range of elective courses offered at LSE change my career
definitely broadened my horizon in terms of where I path… [but] it did
wanted to work and what I wanted to do... [the] interests and acquired allow me to direct
skills [from the MPA] have led me to pursue an international career that my career in a more ‘macro’ direction
has so far brought me to China and Myanmar, working in international which is what I wanted to do… It gave
affairs and development for the Swiss government and the United me the skills to engage in a
Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Had I not had the MPA in my range of interesting issues in
toolbox, I would not have been half as well-prepared to work in such a more critical way.
challenging and fast-paced diverse environments. Fabrizio Cadamagnani,
Anina Maeder, MPA dual degree, LSE and Columbia
MPA Public and Social Policy, Class of 2013 School of International and Public
Affairs (SIPA), Class of 2011

17
Frequently asked questions
What are your entry
requirements?
The minimum entry requirements for the MPA
programme are:
• 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline
Proven academic ability and strong academic
grades are essential. Economics and/or
quantitative course work is particularly helpful
but there is no specific subject requirement for
the first degree.
• A minimum of one year’s relevant
professional work experience
Applicants are normally required to have a
minimum of one year’s relevant professional
work experience at the point of entry to
the programme. However, applicants with
an exceptional and outstanding academic
background may use this to compensate for a
less than one year’s work experience.
• English to LSE’s ‘standard level’ requirement
If you are not a national of Canada (whose
first language is English) or one of the UKVI
list of majority English-speaking countries
you may be required to undertake an English
language test. Please visit lse.ac.uk/study/
graduate/enquirer/entryRequirements/
englishLanguage
• Two references
This programme requires two academic
references (from tutors who have taught you
at university). Applicants who graduated from
their most recent study before January 2015
may supply one non-academic reference in
place of one of your academic references. This
should normally be a reference from your most
recent employer.
• Personal statement
• Résumé or CV.
What is the fee level?
Year one (2017/18 entry) £25,368; Year two
(2018/19 continuing) £25,368.
How do I apply to the end of April each year. Please see, lse.
ac.uk/intranet/students/moneyMatters/
MPA?
financialSupport/ScholarshipsLSE/
All applications are made through LSE’s
MScApp/GSS/GSS
Graduate Admissions Office (lse.ac.uk/
study/graduate/home) The Marshall Institute Scholarships are
For full details on how to apply, please visit available to a small number of selected
lse.ac.uk/mpa students in the second year of the MPA on
the Social Impact policy stream providing a
What are the application fee discount on second year fees of up to
deadlines? £5,000. These are awarded in the early weeks
of the second year.
The MPA does not have a deadline for
applications; Graduate Admissions begin
Can I visit the campus?
accepting applications in mid-October.
If you are visiting London and would like
The MPA has a limited number of offers
to speak to someone about the MPA
to make each year and once this limit has
programme, the MPA Team would be happy
been reached, no further applications can
to meet with you to answer your questions.
be considered. To find out about current
Please email mpa@lse.ac.uk if you would
programme availability, visit lse.ac.uk/study/
like to arrange an appointment.
graduate/availableProgrammes
Much of LSE’s campus is open access and
We recommend that applicants submit their
visitors are welcome to take a self-guided
applications as early as possible to maximise
tour using a campus map.
their chance of being considered.
What is your GRE/GMAT What happens after I
policy? submit my application?
The Graduate Admissions Office will process
We do not require applicants to have taken GRE/
your application. They will contact you to
GMAT tests. However, if you have taken one
acknowledge receipt of your application and
of these, and you feel your results will support
to request any further action/documents
your application, you are welcome to include
(if required). Graduate Admissions receive
your results. As this is not a requirement for the
applications and documentation for all
MPA we cannot advise what the Selectors would
graduate programmes. This means that it
consider a good score. We are also unable to
may take some time for your application
advise applicants what the average GRE/GMAT
to be processed. You can see the current
score is as only a minority of applicants choose to
processing times online. Once you have
include this information.
received your application number you will be
What financial aid is able to track the status of your application.
available? Please note that all queries relating to
application documents should be directed to
All LSE scholarships and financial assistance
Graduate Admissions.
are coordinated by the LSE Financial
Support Office. How do I find out more
All applicants to the two-year MPA about the MPA?
programme are eligible to apply to the
Please visit our website to find out more
LSE Graduate Support Scheme (GSS).
about the MPA, lse.ac.uk/mpa
Applications to the GSS close towards the
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Registered address: The London School of Economics and
Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE

The London School of Economics and Political Science holds

the dual status of an exempt charity under Section 2 of the
Charities Act 1993 (as a constituent part of the University
of London), and a company limited by guarantee under the
Companies Act 1985 (Registration no. 70527).

Freedom of thought and expression is essential to the pursuit,

advancement and dissemination of knowledge. LSE seeks to
ensure that intellectual freedom and freedom of expression
within the law is secured for all our members and those we
invite to the School.

The School seeks to ensure that people are treated equitably,

regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or
national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or personal
circumstances. Equality and diversity are integral to the School’s
priorities and objectives. We will support inter-faith and inter-
cultural dialogue and understanding and engage all students in
playing a full and active role in wider engagement with society.

This brochure can be made available

in alternative formats, on request.
Please contact:
School of Public Policy
The London School of Economics
and Political Science
Houghton Street
London
WC2A 2AE
mpa@lse.ac.uk

lse.ac.uk/mpa
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