School of Public Policy Master of Public Administration (MPA) For entry in 2018

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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+

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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

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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

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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

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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

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