MSc International Social and Public Policy

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MSc International Social and Public Policy

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

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Home/United Kingdom/London /London School of Economics and Political Science/MSc International Social and Public Policy

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

L4UR

Campuses

Houghton Street

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines28-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,750 / year

Next Intake 28-Sep-2026

MSc International Social and Public Policy

About

Introduction

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:

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 page 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.

Preliminary readings

Extensive background reading is not essential but it's advisable for you to do some reading before commencing the programme. The following is a list of reading that will be useful for the compulsory courses:

D Béland and R Mahon Advanced Introduction to Social Policy (Edward Elgar, 2016)
T Faist Cross-Border Migration and Social Inequalities (Annual Review of Sociology, 42: 323-346, 2016)
M Hill and F Varone The Public Policy Process, Seventh Edition (Routledge, 2017)
J Howell and J Pearce Civil Society and Development: A critical exploration (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001)
T Mkandawire (ed.) Social Policy in a Development Context (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004)
N Yeates (ed.) Understanding Global Social Policy, Second Edition (The Policy Press, 2014)

Disciplines

Department of Social Policy

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Graduate entry requirements for applicants from Saudi Arabia Taught master's programmes To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (upper second class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 80 per cent, 3.3/4, 4.0/5, or an overall B, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (first-class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 90 per cent, 3.75/4, 4.7/5, A or very good, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. Research programmes (MPhil/MRes/PhD) To be considered for admission to a research programme, we would normally require a master’s degree if awarded after 2004 and expect grades of 85 per cent.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Career

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Fee Information

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,750

Application Fee

GBP