MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)

About

Overview

Introduction
Preliminary readings

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:

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 page covers information about the specialist stream: MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration).

This interdisciplinary stream examines the complex interrelationship between migration and social policy.

You’ll examine global migration issues in developing and developed countries, such as inequalities in the movement of people and transnational impacts. You’ll also explore different patterns and forms of migration. Teaching encompasses many different theoretical approaches to migration and research methods used to analyse migration patterns and trends.

Optional courses enable you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Current themes: include ethnicity, race and social policy, urbanisation and social policy in the Global South, and educational inequalities.

You’ll also complete a dissertation on a migration topic (agreed with your supervisor).

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills and expertise to shape and lead policymaking on complex migration issues.

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)
A Guveli, H Ganzeboom, L Platt, B Nauck, H Baykara-Krumme, S Eroglu, S Bayrakdar, E Keren Sozeri, N Spierings Intergenerational consequences of migration: Socio-economic, Family and Cultural Patterns of Stability and Change in Turkey and Europe (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016)

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

40,861 / year