Program Overview

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)

The MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education) programme examines how societies respond to global challenges resulting from social, demographic, and economic change, and issues around poverty, migration, and globalisation. This broad-ranging programme looks at low, middle, and high-income countries, providing students with the skills to identify key social challenges and analyse the social and public policies designed to tackle these issues.

Introduction

This programme approaches the policy process from an international, interdisciplinary, and applied perspective. Students 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, students then follow one of seven streams, including the general stream: MSc International Social and Public Policy, or 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

Overview

The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy. From its formation in 1912, the department has conducted pioneering research on contemporary social problems and helped develop policy solutions. 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.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant social science.
• English language requirements: Higher

Programme Content

• Year 1:
  • Three compulsory courses
  • Dissertation
  • Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options
• Compulsory courses:
  • SP400: International Social and Public Policy
  • SP401: Understanding Policy Research
  • SP432: Education Policy, Reform and Financing
  • SP499: Dissertation - International Social and Public Policy

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Social Policy is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2026).
• The department was awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).
• Students have access to a vibrant, highly rated research environment.

Your Application

• Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
• There is no fixed deadline, but students must submit their application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline to be considered for funding opportunities.
• Supporting documents:
  • Academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Two academic references
  • CV

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £19,650
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,750
• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: LSE offers some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Students can expect 20-30 contact hours in total for half unit courses and 40-60 contact hours in total for full unit courses.
• Teaching methods: LSE employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status.
• Academic support: Students have access to an academic mentor, the Learning Lab, and the Disability and Mental Health Service.

Graduate Destinations

• Students who have graduated from programmes similar to this have gone on to work for:
  • Different UN agencies
  • NGOs
  • Intergovernmental organisations
  • Consulting companies
  • Government ministries

Related Programmes

• MSc Public Policy and Administration
• Master of Public Policy
• MSc European and International Politics and Policy
• MSc International Migration and Public Policy
• MSc Human Rights and Politics
• Master of Public Administration
• MSc International Social and Public Policy