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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    29-SEP-25

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

This broad-ranging programme examines how societies respond to global challenges resulting from social, demographic and economic change, and issues around poverty, migration and globalisation. Looking at low, middle and high-income countries, you’ll gain the skills to identify key social challenges and analyse the social and public policies designed to tackle these issues.

We approach the policy process from an international, interdisciplinary and applied perspective. You’ll delve into the differences between social policy development and implementation in different countries and the roles of stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, families and markets.

Building on this foundation, you’ll then follow one of seven streams.

You can take either the general stream:

MSc International Social and Public Policy

Or you can choose one of the following specialist streams:

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development)

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations)

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Research)

LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy

Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2024). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021). So, you’ll be studying in a vibrant, highly rated research environment.

This course covers information regarding the MSc International Social and Public Policy (General stream).

This stream focuses on the core issues, concepts, actors and debates shaping our understanding of social and public policy.

You’ll explore diverse policy approaches to social issues in many different countries across the world. You’ll also develop your understanding of the role of research in the policy process, analyse different research methods used in policymaking, and the role of evidence in informing policy development.

Optional courses allow you to specialise in your chosen field of interest, such as educational policy, crime and justice, social development, social security and many other areas.

Our graduates progress to high-impact and influential roles in government, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector and academia.

Graduate destinations:
Students who have graduated from programmes similar to this have gone on to work for:

different UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR
a variety of small and large NGOs including Oxfam, Medecins Sans Frontières, International Red Cross and One World
action international or intergovernmental organisations such as the World Economic Forum, European Commission and World Bank
consulting companies
government ministries.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 29,100per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

  • University League Table

    3rd

  • Campus address

    London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, Houghton Street, London, England, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    5th out of 123 2

    1st out of 35

    3rd out of 101 2

  • Entry standards

    / Max 217
    177 81%

    8th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    96.0 96%

    2nd

    4
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.14 78%

    41st

    25
  • Entry standards

    / Max 201
    169 84%

    4th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    82.0 82%

    1st

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.94 74%

    27th

    18
  • Entry standards

    / Max 210
    150 71%

    15th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    76.0 76%

    7th

    19
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.13 78%

    29th

    32

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