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School of Public Policy Master of Public Administration (MPA) For entry in 2018
1
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
Contents
HOW TO CONTACT US
If you have any queries about the MPA, our team will be happy to answer your questions.
MPASchool of Public PolicyThe London School of Economics and Political ScienceHoughton StreetLondonWC2A 2AE
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7107 5234
Email: mpa@lse.ac.uk
@LSE_MPA
Academic Director’s Welcome 2
Why LSE? 4
A world centre of research and teaching 4
The heart of London 4
The student community 4
Programme overview 5
MPA study support 6
Pre-arrival 6
Introductory Course 6
Academic Learning Support 6
Curriculum information 7
The MPA Capstone 9
Global Public Policy Network and the 10 MPA dual degree
How does the dual degree work? 10
MPA policy streams 11
MPA Public and Economic Policy 11
MPA Public Policy and Management 11
MPA Social Impact 11
MPA International Development 12
MPA European Policy-Making 12
MPA Public and Social Policy 12
MPA class profile 2017 13
Extra-curricular opportunities 15
Policy in Practice seminars 15
MPA Student Association (MPASA) 15
LSE Careers 15
LSE LIFE 15
The faculty 16
MPA alumni 17
Frequently asked questions 18
2
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 HixAcademic Director, School of Public Policy
3
4
The MPA gives you the skills needed in the 21st century.
Gero Elerd, MPA Public Policy and Management, Class of 2007, Norges Bank Investment Management
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 and teachingLSE 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.
The student communityStudents who choose LSE are intent
on experiencing an active and varied
programme. The structure of our degrees
emphasises the need for independent study
and rigorous intellectual skills in which every
student’s opinion matters.
The student community at LSE is one of the
most diverse in the world. The total student
population at LSE is around 9,250 full-time
and 900 part-time, 59 per cent of whom
are studying at graduate level. LSE students
are from over 160 countries with over 100
languages spoken on campus.
The heart of LondonLSE’s character is inseparable from its location.
Situated in the heart of central London, we
are located in one of the most cosmopolitan
cities in the world. A short distance from
Europe’s financial centre – the City of London
– and close to the Houses of Parliament in
Westminster, LSE stands at the crossroads
of national and international debate. This is
fundamental to our identity as an outward-
looking institution with an active involvement
in UK and global affairs. LSE is a stimulating
and cosmopolitan place; these qualities derive
from its diverse staff and students, from its
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.
1 http://www.topuniversities.com/
2 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, see www.ref.ac.uk
5
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.
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
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.
Our graduates have chosen a variety of
careers options in government departments
and agencies, private sector consultancies,
international organisations and think tanks.
The LSE Master of Public Administration (MPA):
Prepares students for careers
in the public sector, private
companies, intergovernmental and
nongovernmental organisations
around the world.
6
Pre-arrivalPrior 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
• Foundation level skills and knowledge in
mathematics and statistics.
Introductory CourseAll 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.
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
MPA study support
Academic Learning SupportMPA 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
• Delivering effective presentations.
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.
7
Curriculum information
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
MPA programme – Year 1
MPA
co
re
3.0
unit
s
GV478 Political Science and Public Policy
EC455 Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis
EC440 Micro and Macroeconomics (for Public Policy)
Op
tio
n co
urse
(s)
1.0
unit Courses to the value of one 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).
8
MPA programme – Year 2
MPA
co
re
1.0
unit
MPA Capstone
Students choose one policy stream at the start of Year 2
Po
licy
stre
am
1-2
unit
s de
pend
ing
on c
hoic
e of
pol
icy
stre
am
EUROPEAN POLICY
MAKING
INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC AND
ECONOMIC POLICY
PUBLIC
POLICY AND
MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC AND
SOCIAL POLICYSOCIAL IMPACT
EU479 EU Policy-
Making and
International
Co-operation
(0.5 units)
and
EU480 Policy-
Making in Europe:
System Challenges
(0.5 units)
DV448 Political
Economy of
Development I
(0.5 units)
and
DV449 Political
Economy of
Development II
(0.5 units)
and
EC454
Development
Economics (1 unit)*
Two courses from:
EC410 Public
Economics for
Public Policy
(0.5 units)
EC418
Globalisation and
Economic Policy
(0.5 units)
EC419 Methods
of Economic
Policy Analysis
(0.5 units)
Two courses from:
MG4E4 Analytic
frameworks for
policy evaluation
(0.5 units)
MG4E5
Governance,
Markets and
Competition in the
delivery of Public
Services
(0.5 units)
MG4G3 Designing
and Managing
Change in the
Public Sector
(0.5 units)
GV4J5 Fiscal
Governance and
Budgeting
(0.5 units)
SA4X6 Welfare
Analysis and
Measurement
(1 unit)
EC452 Applying
Behavioural
Economics for
Social Impact
(0.5 units)
and
SA4J2 New
Institutions of
Public Policy:
Strategic
Philanthropy,
Impact Investment
and Social
Enterprise
(0.5 units)
Op
tio
n co
urse
s Courses to bring the total unit value of courses selected to 4.0 units using any of the following:
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
9
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.
Student benefits
The MPA Capstone provides an excellent
opportunity to:
• Strengthen policy analysis skills through the
involvement in a variety of activities, such
as reviewing policy literature, designing a
methodological framework, gathering data,
developing evaluation indicators, carrying
out the analysis, and drawing policy
recommendations.
• Sharpen policy report writing skills.
Students learn how to effectively frame a
policy problem and formulate strong and
compelling arguments, whilst tailoring the
presentation to a specific policy audience.
• Learn and improve organisational skills
required for successful planning and
implementation of public policy projects.
• Improve group working skills. Group
working reflects a skill set which potential
employers are increasingly focusing on
during the recruitment process.
“Being able to participate in the
Capstone project improves your
working skills and brings you closer
to a real-world experience where
there is a need for day-to-day
collaboration, coordination and
leadership to reach success.”
Adriana Ornelas Herrera, MPA International Development,
Class of 2015
“The Capstone project has been an
enriching and positive experience and
relevant for my future professional
experience.”
Maria Ruiz Rivadeneira, MPA Dual Degree with Sciences Po,
Class of 2015
“Overall I think that the Capstone
was a great experience and it can
definitely be considered one of the
highlights of the MPA.”
Dayanna Verlarde Rubalcava, MPA International Development,
Class of 2015
The MPA Capstone
10
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.
• 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.
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
11
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 Policy and Management
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 policy streams
MPA Public and Economic Policy
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.
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.
12
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 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.
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.
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.
13
2
14
1
11
4
Africa
Asia
Australasia
Europe
North America
South America
By first degree
Accounting
Arts and Humanities
Business Administration
Economics
Engineering
Finance
International Development
International Relations
International Studies
Journalism
Law
Management
Natural Sciences
Political Science
Social Sciences
Statitics
2
10
17
41
14
4
2
11
15
2
5
2
3
30
1
6
Years 1 and 2
By region
Years 1 and 2
47%
53%
Gender Years 1 and 2
MPA class profile 2017
7
14
21 27.5 41
Age range Years 1 and 2
Average
Work experienceYears 1 and 2
3.9 Average
16%
Government
BANKING/Financial Services
Professional SERVICES
OIL/GAS/ENERGY
A GLOBAL PROGRAMME GENDER
INDUSTRY SECTOR
AVERAGE AGE RANGECOMBINED YEARS OF CLASSWORK EXPERIENCE
83%
25 33227 YEARS 45AVERage
NON UK BASED 66%
UK BASED 33% NON EU
BASED 8%
50%
33%
8%8%
8%
OTHER
American 27 Argentinian 2 Armenian 1 Australian 1 Austrian 1 Belgian 3 Brazilian 1 British 6 Canadian 9 Cayman Island 1 Chilean 7 Chinese 10 Colombian 9
Danish 1 Ecuadorean 3 Egyptian 2 Filipino 1 French 8 German 6 Greek 1 Indian 10 Indonesian 3 Italian 2 Japanese 8 Kazakhstani 1 Mexican 7
Nigerian 1 Pakistani 3 Peruvian 5 Portuguese 1 Qatari 1 Russian 1 South Korean 10 Spanish 5 Swedish 1 Thai 1 Turkish 2 Ukrainian 1 Venezuelan 2
By country Years 1 and 2
Number of countries represented Years 1 and 2
39+
15
Policy in Practice seminarsOur 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:
• Duncan Green, Oxfam
• Tom Adams, Acumen
• Charles Knox-Vydmanov, HelpAge
International
• Arturo José Galindo, Inter-American
Development Bank
• Andrew 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
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 CareersMPA 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 LIFELSE 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.
Extra-curricular opportunities
16
The faculty
The faculty
Professor Simon HixAcademic Director, School of Public Policy
Professor Sara HoboltSutherland Chair in European Institutions
Dr Ethan Ilzetzki Lecturer in Economics
Professor Stephen Jenkins Professor of Economic and Social Policy
Dr Berkay OzcanAssistant Professor of Social Policy
Dr Thomas SampsonLecturer in Economics
Dr Johannes Spinnewijn Lecturer in Economics
Professor Daniel SturmAssociate Professor of Economics
Dr Joachim WehnerAssociate Professor of Public Policy
Dr Babken Babajanian Associate Professorial Lecturer
Gwyn Bevan Professor of Policy Analysis
Dr Gharad BryanLecturer in Economics
Professor Robin BurgessProfessor of Economics
Dr Jeremiah DittmarAssistant Professor of Economics
Dr Tasha FairfieldAssistant Professor of International Development
Dr Greg FischerLecturer in Economics
Dr Lloyd GruberAssistant Professor of Political Economy of Development
Dr Sara HagemannAssociate Professor of European Politics
17
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
crucial in getting a job in international development
consultancy. In particular, econometrics courses ended
up giving me the required analytical tools to understand policy-
making in a structured manner. Development economics
was also tremendously useful in understanding where
the knowledge of interventions and policies which work
or not currently stand.
Raphaelle Delmotte,
MPA Public Policy and Management, Class of 2011
The
LSE
MPA
definitely boosted
my analytical skills
and my ambitions
when applying for
job vacancies. It surely helped me to
obtain an internship at BCG - a
consulting firm - between the first and
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,
which two years later has
become my employer.
Francesco Alfonso,
MPA Public and Economic Policy,
Class of 2012
After graduating from LSE, I joined BMI - a small country
risk and macroeconomic forecasting company in the City.
Following this private sector experience, I worked in the
macroeconomic forecasting unit of the European Commission and I am
now a Research Analyst in the EMU governance division of
the European Central Bank. None of this would have been
possible without those formative years at the LSE.
Alessio Terzi,
MPA European Public and Economic Policy, Class of 2011
The variety of interdepartmental subjects the MPA covers,
plus the wide range of elective courses offered at LSE
definitely broadened my horizon in terms of where I
wanted to work and what I wanted to do... [the] interests and acquired
skills [from the MPA] have led me to pursue an international career that
has so far brought me to China and Myanmar, working in international
affairs and development for the Swiss government and the United
Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Had I not had the MPA in my
toolbox, I would not have been half as well-prepared to work in such
challenging and fast-paced diverse environments.
Anina Maeder,
MPA Public and Social Policy, Class of 2013
The
MPA
didn’t
lead me to radically
change my career
path… [but] it did
allow me to direct
my career in a more ‘macro’ direction
which is what I wanted to do… It gave
me the skills to engage in a
range of interesting issues in
a more critical way.
Fabrizio Cadamagnani,
MPA dual degree, LSE and Columbia
School of International and Public
Affairs (SIPA), Class of 2011
18
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.
end of April each year. Please see, lse.
ac.uk/intranet/students/moneyMatters/
financialSupport/ScholarshipsLSE/
MScApp/GSS/GSS
The Marshall Institute Scholarships are
available to a small number of selected
students in the second year of the MPA on
the Social Impact policy stream providing a
fee discount on second year fees of up to
£5,000. These are awarded in the early weeks
of the second year.
Can I visit the campus?If you are visiting London and would like
to speak to someone about the MPA
programme, the MPA Team would be happy
to meet with you to answer your questions.
Please email mpa@lse.ac.uk if you would
like to arrange an appointment.
Much of LSE’s campus is open access and
visitors are welcome to take a self-guided
tour using a campus map.
What happens after I submit my application?The Graduate Admissions Office will process
your application. They will contact you to
acknowledge receipt of your application and
to request any further action/documents
(if required). Graduate Admissions receive
applications and documentation for all
graduate programmes. This means that it
may take some time for your application
to be processed. You can see the current
processing times online. Once you have
received your application number you will be
able to track the status of your application.
Please note that all queries relating to
application documents should be directed to
Graduate Admissions.
How do I find out more about the MPA?Please visit our website to find out more
about the MPA, lse.ac.uk/mpa
How do I apply to the MPA?All applications are made through LSE’s
Graduate Admissions Office (lse.ac.uk/
study/graduate/home)
For full details on how to apply, please visit
lse.ac.uk/mpa
What are the application deadlines?The MPA does not have a deadline for
applications; Graduate Admissions begin
accepting applications in mid-October.
The MPA has a limited number of offers
to make each year and once this limit has
been reached, no further applications can
be considered. To find out about current
programme availability, visit lse.ac.uk/study/
graduate/availableProgrammes
We recommend that applicants submit their
applications as early as possible to maximise
their chance of being considered.
What is your GRE/GMAT policy?We do not require applicants to have taken GRE/
GMAT tests. However, if you have taken one
of these, and you feel your results will support
your application, you are welcome to include
your results. As this is not a requirement for the
MPA we cannot advise what the Selectors would
consider a good score. We are also unable to
advise applicants what the average GRE/GMAT
score is as only a minority of applicants choose to
include this information.
What financial aid is available?All LSE scholarships and financial assistance
are coordinated by the LSE Financial
Support Office.
All applicants to the two-year MPA
programme are eligible to apply to the
LSE Graduate Support Scheme (GSS).
Applications to the GSS close towards the
19
This brochure can be made available in alternative formats, on request. Please contact:
School of Public PolicyThe London School of Economics and Political ScienceHoughton StreetLondon WC2A 2AEmpa@lse.ac.uk
lse.ac.uk/mpa
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.
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