Minimum entry requirements for MSc International Health Policy

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

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

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

Please note: The Department of Health policy on intercalating onto their master’s programmes is as follows:

• Students on a US medical degree are always qualified to apply
• Students who will have completed no more than two years of a UK medical degree on beginning a prospective MSc at LSE are not typically qualified to apply 
• Students who will have completed at least three years of a UK medical degree on beginning a prospective MSc at LSE are qualified to apply
• Students on non-UK/US medical degrees should contact Graduate Admissions in the first instance

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2021/22 for MSc International Health Policy

Home students: £18,336
Overseas students: £26,232

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

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

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to graduate students from the UK, EU and overseas.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 29 April 2021.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. 

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students. 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page. 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page 

You will take three compulsory half unit courses, and will complete a compulsory 6,000-word dissertation which may be written in conjunction with a summer placement within a government department, international agency, private organisation, or academic research institution. The purpose of the dissertation is to allow students to explore a particular topic or a relevant policy issue in some depth. The dissertation may take the form of an empirical research conducted on a topic or issue of relevance to health/social policy; or may be a literature-based providing an analysis of a specific research question of relevance to health/social policy.  In addition, you will choose courses from a range of options across the Health Policy Department and other relevant Departments such as Economics and Methodology. Visit our website to view all course overview videos on Microsoft Stream or YouTube.

HP400 Financing Health Care (0.5 units)
Focuses on the health financing functions of collecting revenue, pooling funds and purchasing services, as well as on policy choices concerning coverage, resource allocation and market structure.
Watch course overview video.

HP401 Introduction to Health Policy and Politics (0.5 units)
Provides a comparative approach to the development of health and healthcare policies in high, middle and low income countries, emphasising present and future policy options and problems.
Watch course overview video.

HP433 Health Care Regulation (0.5 units)
Provide an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of regulation as a key component in the delivery of health care services, and the implications for policy making.
Watch course overview video.

HP431 Dissertation in Health Policy (0.5 units)
An independent research project of 6,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

One of the following courses:

HP407 Evidence review and synthesis for decision making (0.5 units)
Provides a grounding in evidence review and synthesis methods, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to evaluate the relative benefits and harms of healthcare interventions.
Watch course overview video.

HP420 Health Economics (0.5 units)
Develops basic economic concepts as they are applied to the health sector, and provides for specialisation in health economics.
Watch course overview video.

HP422 Health Care Economic Evaluation (0.5 units)
Examines the theoretical foundations of health care economic evaluation.
Watch course overview video.

HP436 Evidence Appraisal for Health Policy Analysis (0.5 units)
Aims to introduce students to different ways in which evidence is generated and can be used to inform health policy.
Watch course overview video.

In addition to these core courses, you will select courses to the value of 1.5 units from a range of options. For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Contact hours and independent study

Within your programme you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar  within the Teaching section of each course guide.

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

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. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small there are a range of people you can speak to and who will be happy to help.  

Academic mentors – an academic member of staff who meets with you during the course of the year to discuss your academic progress and who can help with any academic, administrative or personal questions you have. (See Teaching and assessment)

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  - they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries. 

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to a specific course you are taking. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – the staff are experts in long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme, arranging exam adjustments and run groups and workshops. 

IT help– support available 24 hours a day to assist with all of your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre– the centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in 9 languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­- with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your future career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  Founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and it’s a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom, offer one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision, and provide drop-in sessions for academic and personal support.(See ‘Teaching and assessment). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy - is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice - offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre - based in Pethwick-Lawrence House the centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients. 

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advocates and advisers– we have a School Senior Advocate for Students and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters. 

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget. 

Visit our website to meet our alumni

Katelyn Smalley
MSc International Health Policy 2016/17

"More than anything, I appreciate my time at LSE for the people I have met. It has been so rewarding to have met friends and colleagues from around the world, and to learn about Health Policy in such diverse contexts."

Erica Barbazza
MSc International Health Policy 2011/12

"LSE’s MSc in International Health Policy was the kick-starter to my career. I was drawn to the LSE for the esteem of its lecturers and academic rigour, placement-based dissertation, highly motivated and experienced students, and well-established network bridging academia and real-world health policy.

The programme allowed me to hone in on my skills while establishing a network of peers and academic mentors that have remained great professional allies. The prestige of the programme and level of international recognition as well as the wide network of leading alumni testify to the skills of graduates in areas like health systems thinking, performance measurement and international policy.

This level of recognition has afforded me great opportunities, including my initial placement with the World Health Organization where I would continue to work in the years that have followed graduation, and now, with the opportunity to work towards my PhD as a research fellow of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network for Healthcare Performance Intelligence Professionals. In my personal experience and looking to that of my professional network, I strongly believe this is the programme for those looking to kick-off a career in international health policy."

Catalina Marica
Business Unit Head, Gilead France
MSc International Health Policy 2009/10

"The MSc in International Health Policy offered me the best year of my life and provided me with the optimal environment for a growth mindset, surrounded by inspiring professors and peers. It also offered the unique opportunity to attend events and lectures held by the most influential people in the world.

The programme is the passport to your professional career. It will open the doors to any of the health international organisations, consultancies or pharmaceutical companies.

What I found particularly useful was the relations i’ve created, being directly connected with the international organisations and the summer internship. The time at LSE enabled me to create lifelong friendships and partnerships with likeminded inspiring colleagues and professors. In addition, the direct contacts that LSE is enabling - either with the industry or the international organisations - are exclusive opportunities for your future career."

Meet the students of the LSE Department of Health Policy

WATCH VIDEO > 

Professional destinations after completing the degree include consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, health services, international organisations, government departments and agencies and NGOs, as well as employment in research or further study for a PhD.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Mentorship Programme

As a student in the LSE Department of Health Policy, you will be able to apply to take part in our Mentorship Programme. The programme connects current students with one of our alumni, active in a wide range of fields, to provide career mentoring as students graduate from the MSc courses. The programme gives students greater insight into career prospects after graduation and will help students build connections with current health policy leaders and experts to build their network. Learn more about the programme and our mentors on our website.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home. 

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE. 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing and Recruitment travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits.