Master of Public Administration (MPA)

at London School of Economics

Before your arrival

From June to September prior to your arrival at LSE, you will have the opportunity to study three online pre-arrival modules:
 

• A module about public policy theories and concepts
• A module giving an overview of academic writing skills
• A module about some of the key mathematical and statistical skills that underpin the MPA

These modules are not compulsory but you are strongly recommended to complete them as they are the best preparation for the MPA.

These modules highlight the knowledge and skills needed to maximise your chances of success on the MPA. 

MPA Introductory Course

Prior to the start of the degree, you will need to attend introductory classes from mid-September. These will include a welcome session, registration and compulsory Introductory courses in mathematics and statistics. This precedes the start of full teaching for the Michaelmas term

If you have not studied these subjects for some time, the Introductory Course provides a challenging but accessible introduction to some of the key skills and techniques required for the degree. For other students, it serves as a refresher course.

First year 
In the first year, you will take three compulsory courses, in micro- and macro-economics, political science and quantitative methods of analysis. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you in your second year. Your choice of option courses (electives) should be based on your academic strengths and interests. 

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

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

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

Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options

Second year
The two key features of the second year are the MPA Capstone, and the option to choose a specialisation to be a part of your degree title. You will also choose a range of option courses (electives) from the School of Public Policy (or elsewhere to in LSE, subject to permission and availability).

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

Specialisms
You can either choose to pursue a general MPA or you can request that one of the following specialisms is added to your degree title (eg, MPA Economic Policy or MPA Social Impact).

The current specialisms are:
 

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

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

In addition, you will also take a number of option courses (electives) from a wide range available in the School of Public Policy or (with permission and subject to availability) from elsewhere in LSE. Alternatively, you may choose to write an Policy Paper (6.000 words) or a Dissertation (10,000 words) as an option course. Your choice should be based on your strengths and interests.  

Minimum entry requirements for Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline. There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the MPA normally have one year of professional experience and many have two or more years of experience.

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

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.
The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2022/23 for the Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Home students, first year: £27,421 (2022/23)
Overseas students, first year: £27,421 (2022/23)
Home students, second year: £27,421 (2023/24)
Overseas students, second year: £27,421 (2023/24)

Support for your career

Studying the LSE MPA is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted to both the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course. The MPA produces well-rounded professionals who make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world, including government departments and agencies, consultancies and international development agencies. 

LSE Careers Consultants make sure that you get the best possible support in developing your career plans during your time studying. Whether you know already the career you are aiming for, or simply the general direction you want (or perhaps you have no idea at all!) they can help guide and develop your ideas to present your skills and experience to employers in the best possible way. 

In particular, MPA students at LSE have access to: 
 

• careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
• a Careers Impact Day which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors
• a weekly MPA Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities
• MPA-only discussions to employers (often MPA alumni) including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment sectors 
• specialist careers seminars run by LSE Careers, including sessions on CVs and cover letters, career management, networking, interviews and advice specific to particular employment sectors 
• access to LSE Careerhub, with thousands of short-term and long-term opportunities including internships
• Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year. LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.