Program Overview

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MSc Political Science (Political Behaviour)

The MSc Political Science is a wide-ranging programme combining subject-specific study and rigorous methodological training.

Introduction

The Political Behaviour stream offers the opportunity to examine how citizens see the political world and form opinions about it, and how their political behaviour is shaped by those opinions, their social identities, and the actions of politicians. It offers courses that focus on voting behaviour, public opinion, social identities (eg, gender, ethnicity, and class), political parties, electoral politics, other forms of political engagement, and intergroup relations. It explores these topics across the globe through a combination of general thematic and more regionally focused courses (eg, focused on Europe, North America, Latin America, and other parts of the Global South).

This programme will be a good preparation for a career in international organisations, government, public policy, political consultancy, security agencies, finance, the media and NGOs, as well as providing an excellent foundation for further research including PhD programmes.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline.
• A background in social sciences (political science, economics, psychology, sociology, etc) and some prior methods training may be advantageous.
• English language requirements: Higher.

Programme Content

The programme involves a combination of subject-wide content and research methods training with a range of specialist options that allow for the application and in-depth treatment of concepts and approaches. During seminars, students will actively participate in the development of their learning and analytical and disciplinary skills through a varied range of learning opportunities including structured questions, mediated discussions, small group work, presentations, guest speakers, simulations, data analysis, problem sets, multi-media resources, etc.

Year 1

• GV481: Quantitative Analysis for Political Science (Half unit)
• GV4N4: Comparative Political Behaviour (One unit)
• GV499: Dissertation (One unit)
• Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options

Why Study with Us

The Department of Government is an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research on politics and government. Our research focuses on six main areas:

• comparative politics
• conflict studies
• political behaviour and political psychology
• political economy and institutional analysis
• political theory
• public policy and public administration.

Your Application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

When to Apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £28,900
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,400
• 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, bursaries and loans: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Within your programme you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses.
• Teaching methods: LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status.
• Academic support: You’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work.

Graduate Destinations

Previous graduates in the department have developed careers in the policy world in governments and public service, international organisations, security agencies, the media, NGOs and finance. The programme is also an excellent foundation for those students who wish to progress to a PhD programme.

Career Support

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.