Program Overview

MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation

The MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation programme is designed to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the tools available for environmental policy and regulation, and the diverse contexts within which they operate. The programme analyses the nature and efficacy of different approaches to environmental policy and regulation, considering the influence of different forms of environmental policy and regulation at the international, national, and local levels.

Overview

The programme is offered by the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). It is a 12-month full-time programme, with part-time options available over 24 months. The programme starts on September 28, 2026, and is located at Houghton Street, London.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months)
• Programme availability: Open to home and overseas students
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: September 28, 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None (rolling admissions), but note the funding deadlines

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline, but preferably in social science
• Relevant work experience may be considered in addition to academic background
• English language requirements: Standard

Programme Content

• One compulsory course
• A dissertation
• Two and a half units of optional courses
• Optional courses may include:
  • Concepts in Environmental Regulation
  • Climate Change: Science, Economics and Policy
  • Economic Appraisal and Valuation
  • Urban environments and more-than-human cities
  • Economic Development and the Environment
  • Politics of Environment and Development
  • Issues in Environmental Governance

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Geography and Environment is highly regarded nationally and internationally
• LSE offers a unique opportunity to study geography in a university with a worldwide reputation in the social sciences
• Many academics in the department are internationally renowned in their fields
• Research is interdisciplinary and international in scope

Your Application

• Applications are considered on a rolling basis
• No fixed deadline, but apply by the funding deadline for consideration for funding opportunities
• Supporting documents required:
  • Academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Two academic references
  • CV
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee: £22,000 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £34,700 (2026/27)
• Fee reduction available for LSE alumni
• Scholarships and other funding opportunities available, including the Graduate Support Scheme and ESRC funding

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours: Approximately 120 hours (excluding dissertation)
• Independent study: Expected to complete independent study outside of class time
• Teaching methods: Lectures, graduate-level seminars, and individual supervision
• Assessment: Unseen examinations and research essays
• Dissertation: Detailed proposal on a topic in the field of environment, with limited advice from a supervisor

Graduate Destinations

• Skills to enter a wide variety of employment opportunities in the public sector, NGOs, international organisations, research, consultancy, and national/multinational firms
• Median salary of graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £36,000
• Top 5 sectors: Government, Public Sector and Policy; Financial and Professional Services; Real Estate, Environment and Energy; NGOs and Charities; Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

Related Programmes

• MSc Environment and Development
• MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change
• MSc Public Policy and Administration
• MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• MSc Health and International Development
• MSc Urbanisation and Development
• MSc Regulation

About LSE

• The London School of Economics and Political Science is a private company limited by guarantee
• Registration number: 70527
• Located at Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
• A leading international university with a worldwide reputation for academic excellence and research
• Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across the social sciences
• Committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.