Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc International Social and Public Policy with Politics Programme

The BSc International Social and Public Policy with Politics programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles behind current and past social policies. This programme explores how different governments, politicians, organisations, and voters propose, implement, and sometimes block social policies. By drawing on LSE's interdisciplinary strengths across the social sciences, students will study each topic from social, political, demographic, and economic perspectives, enabling them to develop a well-rounded understanding of these complex issues.

Programme Structure

The programme is structured over three years, with students studying 12 units plus LSE100. The degree introduces students to social policy and political science and theory before progressing to more advanced topics and study in specialist areas. It culminates in a third-year dissertation where students apply their learning to independent research on their chosen theme.

Year 1

In the first year, there are four compulsory courses plus LSE100:

• SP100: Understanding International Social and Public Policy
• SP101: Foundations of Social Policy Research
• GV101: Introduction to Political Science
• GV100: Introduction to Political Theory
• LSE100: The LSE Course

Year 2

In the second year, students study two contemporary courses and select one social policy and one government option:

• SP200: Comparative and International Social Policy
• SP201: Research Methods for Social Policy
• Options from social policy, government, or another department to the value of one unit
• One government option

Year 3

In the third year, students complete a dissertation and select one social policy option, one government option, and a further option from one of these areas:

• SP399: Dissertation
• One social policy option
• One government option
• Options from social policy, government, or another department to the value of one unit

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

• Home students: AAB at A-level, with several GCSE grades at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9). A minimum of GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades at B (6) or higher is required.
• Overseas students: 37 points overall, with 666 at higher level in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
• Contextual admissions: ABB at A-level for home students, and 36 points overall, with 665 at higher level in the IB Diploma for overseas students.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the programme are as follows:

• Home students: £9,535 per year
• Overseas students: £28,900 per year LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships, to UK, EU, and overseas students. Additionally, the UK Government provides loans to UK and some EU students.

Learning and Assessment

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, and independent study. Students will have around eight contact hours per week, with four to six hours of independent study per week per course. Assessment varies from course to course but may involve essays, exams, quizzes, blog posts, and projects.

Graduate Destinations

The skills developed by studying social policy and government are attractive to a range of employers. Graduates have found work in various industries, including politics and government, education and teaching, banking and finance, NGOs, charities, and international development.

Why Study with Us

The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy. The department has an interdisciplinary and international outlook, with academics conducting research on pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education, and housing.

Related Programmes

LSE offers several related programmes, including:

• BSc Sociology
• BSc International Social and Public Policy
• BSc International Social and Public Policy with Economics
• BSc Language, Culture and Society

Conclusion

The BSc International Social and Public Policy with Politics programme at LSE provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social policy and political science, preparing them for a range of careers in fields such as politics, government, education, and international development. With its interdisciplinary approach, research-led teaching, and generous financial support, this programme is an excellent choice for students looking to make a positive impact in the world.