Minimum entry requirements for LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant social science.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our 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. 

Applicants from mainland China

University students who are citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including students who are already enrolled in undergraduate programmes in Fudan University and other prestigious mainland Chinese universities, are eligible to apply to this programme through the recommendation (推荐) system, which enables qualified undergraduate students to participate in graduate programmes without taking the National Postgraduate Entrance Examination.

Interested applicants should first apply in September, to Fudan University. Applicants are required to have, or expect to have, a minimum GPA 3.5 (or equivalent) from their previous study, as well as meeting the necessary language entry requirements. 

Further information on language requirements

Applicants from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau

Applicants from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, are required by Chinese law to complete the National Postgraduate Entrance Examination for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau applicants and meet all the requirements, before their applications are jointly reviewed by Fudan University and LSE. For details see the link below. Note: All potential applicants from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao should contact Ms. Zhang at Fudan (see contacts above) before commencing on their application.

Further information on application requirements 

Consult with Fudan University

Please consult with Fudan University of Institute for Global Public Policy before submitting an application:

Administrative Office

Institute for Global Public Policy, Fudan University

Tel：+86 21 65642019

Email: igppadmin@fudan.edu.cn

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, a programme of events and activities and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2021/22 for LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy

Home students: £15,416 (2021/22 - Year 1 at LSE)
Overseas students: £23,720 (2021/22 - Year 1 at LSE)
Home/overseas students (excluding Chinese nationals): CNY 100,000 (2022/23 - Year 2 at Fudan)

Chinese national students: fee set by Chinese Ministry of Education (Contact Fudan for further details) (2022/23 - Year 2 at Fudan)

Please note that all students are also expected to pay an application fee of approximately CNY 800 in the second year of the programme.

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

For your year at LSE:

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. 

For your year at Fudan;

Students may apply for Chinese Government Scholarships provided by the Central Government (China Scholarship Council) or by Shanghai Municipal Government. These scholarships cover on-campus dormitory, tuition, and a monthly stipend. Only a limited number of students will be qualified for applying for scholarship according to their first year performance at LSE.  The Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) will make the qualification decision together with the Department of Social Policy at LSE.

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 

Year 1 at LSE MSc in International Social and Public Policy:

You will take two compulsory courses and complete a dissertation. You will also choose from a wide range of optional courses to the value of two units.

(* denotes a half unit)

International Social and Public Policy*

Introduces students to core issues, concepts, actors and debates shaping our understanding of social & public policy, its drivers and impacts.

Understanding Policy Research*

Provides transferable skills in applying and interpreting the results of a wide range of methods used in social and public policy research, and an understanding of the issues raised by the research process, including in the context of writing a dissertation.

Dissertation

An independent research project of 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

Courses to the value of two units from a range of options 

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.  

Year 2 at Fudan University:

The course structure of the Fudan year is composed of core courses (with an emphasis on social policy and processes in China), basic courses (on Chinese government and governance and Chinese language), and electives courses (with an emphasis on social policy issues of particular import to China and the developing world generally).

Students will be required to complete a minimum of 38 credits in year two at Fudan. This will include the transferal of some LSE credits from year 1. 

Students must choose a minimum of:

7 credits of basic courses

Chinese Government and Governance (3.0)

Chinese Language I and II (4.0)

15 credits of core courses. (Students can transfer 3 credits from LSE if a course studied at LSE is equivalent to one core course of Fudan)

Chinese Social Policy (3.0)

Social Problems and Social Innovation in China (3.0)

Urban Society and Public Policy (3.0)

Policy and Program Evaluation (3.0)

Political Economy of China (3.0)

Health Social Policy (3.0)

12 credits of elective courses (Students can transfer some or all of the 12 credits from LSE)

4 credits of Academic Activities and Social Practices

Graduation thesis

Students defend their draft thesis during their second year of study. An anonymous review of the final thesis is organised by Fudan University. This usually takes place in late April or early May. The formal thesis defence will take place in May at Fudan.

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.

Year 1 at LSE:

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.

Year 2 at Fudan: 

Teaching methods

MA courses at Fudan usually have 16 teaching weeks and then two weeks of examinations (if an examination is required). You will usually have 2-3 hours of teaching each week depending on the credits (2-3) of the course. Professors have office hours each week.

Assessment

Evaluation is based on varying combinations of assessment methoods such as class attendance, class participation and contribution, quizes, term papers and exams.

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. 

Extensive background reading is not essential but it is advisable for you to do some reading before commencing the programme.  The following is a list of reading that will be useful for the compulsory courses during year 1 at LSE in International Social and Public Policy:

D Béland and R Mahon Advanced Introduction to Social Policy (Edward Elgar, 2016)

T Faist  Cross-Border Migration and Social Inequalities (Annual Review of Sociology, 42: 323-346, 2016)

M Hill and F Varone The Public Policy Process, Seventh Edition (Routledge, 2017)

J Howell and J Pearce Civil Society and Development:  A critical exploration  (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001)

T Mkandawire (ed.) Social Policy in a Development Context (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004)

N Yeates (ed.) Understanding Global Social Policy, Second Edition (The Policy Press, 2014)

Students who have graduated from programmes similar to this have gone on to work for:

• different UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR
• a variety of small and large NGOs including Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières, International Red Cross and One World
• action international or intergovernmental organisations such as the World Economic Forum, European Commission and World Bank
• consulting companies
• government ministries.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

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. 

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