MSc Political Science and Political Economy

The MSc Political Science and Political Economy provides a sound professional training in formal political science and in quantitative-oriented approaches to political economy.

You will acquire the knowledge and techniques to analyse political processes, institutional design and public policy making in liberal democracies.

The programme offers courses in political economy, elections, legislature, executive governments, public policy, development, and international political economy within the framework of a political science-oriented programme. This MSc will provide a set of skills which are highly sought after in public policy making, policy analysis, business, political consultancy and public affairs.

This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work (including a PhD or research in quantitative political science) or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Methods of summative assessment differ from course to course, and may include unseen written exams in the summer term and/or assessed essays. In addition you will meet with your supervisor and work on your dissertation.

Careers

This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector. It will also equip you with the skills needed to pursue a PhD or conduct research in quantitative political science.