Overview
Introduction
The double degree is an ideal choice for early-stage professionals who want to gain expertise in policymaking and analysis and study in two historic European cities – London (LSE) and Paris (Sciences Po).
During the first year (at Sciences Po), you’ll develop your core skills in economics, politics and policymaking and specialise in one of eleven policy streams. You’ll have opportunities to take part in innovative projects such as the Public Policy Incubator programme – working alongside researchers and external partners to develop practical solutions to public policy challenges.
The second year (at LSE) builds on this learning, drawing on our strengths in empirical methods, political science and economic analysis. While at LSE, you can choose a second specialism – either in a complementary or a separate area from your first year.
You’ll complete a six-month Capstone project working on a real-world policy problem with an external partner – enhancing your professional skills and CV for your future career.
You’ll benefit from the combined resources, opportunities and networks of both prestigious institutions and gain the professional and international experience to thrive in your future career. This programme provides a gateway to high-impact roles in government, NGOs, not-for-profits, international organisations and private firms.
Students from this programme graduate with two degrees – a Master of Public Policy from Sciences Po and a Master of Public Administration from LSE.
Entry requirements
A minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) in the UK system or international equivalent grade, in any subject discipline.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
There is no formal requirement for previous professional work experience, but students starting the LSE MPA normally have one year of professional experience and many have two or more years of experience.
The admissions process for the degree is managed by Sciences Po.
Find out more about the admissions process and entry requirements
Applications are administered by a joint admissions board of representatives consisting of both LSE and Sciences Po.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
Programme content
Year 1
First year at Sciences Po
- Sciences Po Common Core
- Public Economics Course
- Governance, Democracy and Public Policy course
- Policy Analysis and Policy Evaluation
- Management, project management and negotiations (or substitute the Policy Incubator)
- Policy stream courses
- Elective courses
- Language courses
Find out further details about the content and classes in each category listed above by viewing their relevant policy stream page on the Sciences Po website. Click on MPP Semester 1 and Semester 2 for details.
Year 2
Second Year at LSE
Courses to the value of three units from the options of an MPA course list
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The School of Public Policy aims to equip the next generation of policy and political leaders with the skills needed to improve people’s lives and transform societies.
The School is at the heart of LSE – ranked the top university in London and number 6 in the world for social science and management subjects. Situated in the centre of a global city, LSE is the perfect place to study and contribute to public policy debates.
Our programmes enable students to develop rigorous and empirical skills underpinning evidence-based policymaking. Students learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems and contexts.
We have an inclusive, diverse community, open to enquiring minds. From small beginnings, the School of Public Policy now has a thriving community of more than 400 students taking a wide range of degrees.
Public policy and public service are the founding missions of LSE – which was created in 1895 “to understand the causes of things and for the betterment of society”. This perfectly captures the mission of the School of Public Policy more than 100 years later.
Connnect with us
Find out more about SPP activities, faculty news, upcoming events and student life by connecting with us on social media:
- Linkedin: LSE School of Public Policy
- Instagram: @lsepublicpolicy
- X/Twitter: @lsepublicpolicy
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20251st in London for the 13th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20256th In the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
The admissions processes for the MPP/MPA Double Degree are managed by Sciences Po and any queries about the process should be directed to Sciences Po.
Find out more about the application and admissions process and deadlines on their website
All applications are considered by an admissions panel which is composed of representatives from both LSE and Sciences Po.
Data sharing
Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the EU and EEA and in an adequate country. Standard contract clauses will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.
Information Events
- SPP Information Sessions
Throughout the year we'll be hosting online SPP programme information sessions for prospective students. These sessions provide an opportunity for prospective students to interact with our faculty and students to find out more about a specific SPP programme. Details of upcoming sessions can be found on our website and we also encourage you to register your interest to hear more about our upcoming sessions.
- LSE information events and videos
LSE also have a number of webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries which will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study more broadly at LSE
LSE representatives also travel around the world to meet with prospective students at information fairs and events
Find details on LSE's upcoming visits
- 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.
Contact us
- Admissions: Contact Sciences Po
- Year two queries: spp.doubledegrees@lse.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition 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 doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Year 1 (at Sciences Po, 2025/26):
Home students: visit Sciences Po website (calculated based on circumstances)
Year 2 (at LSE, 2026/27):
Home students: £32,400 (provisional)
Overseas
Year 1 (at Sciences Po, 2025/26):
Overseas students: visit Sciences Po website (calculated based on circumstances)
Year 2 (at LSE, 2026/27):
Overseas students: £32,400 (provisional)
Learning and assessment
How you learn
How you're assessed
At Sciences Po, assessments will vary depending on the policy stream and course selected. Further information can be found on the relevant policy stream webpage.
At LSE, we use 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.
Graduate destinations
Overview
A particularly attractive feature of the Sciences Po-LSE MPP/MPA double degree is the outstanding opportunity for developing professional skills and experience to give you a head start over other graduates in seeking post-study employment in a relevant sector. The double degree is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted to both the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course. The degree equips professionals with the skills to make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world, including government departments and agencies, consultancies and international development agencies.
Students will benefit from the careers support and resources of both prestigious institutions.
Career support
Sciences Po
The School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po educates the next generation of policy-shapers committed to serving the common good. The young professionals that emerge are innovative and responsible, efficient and socially engaged. They take on roles that require a panoramic view of public affairs, whether in the public or the private sector, at a local, national, European or international level, and in any of a vast array of fields (public administration, consulting, the economy, security and defence, health, energy and sustainable development, culture, new technologies, digital innovation, the list goes on).
Career resources include:
- Career News: weekly news including only professionnal informations and opportunities
- Career Breakfasts: recruiting session
- Career Meetings: presentation of companies, institutions, organisations, recruitment process and opportunities
- Career Inside: on site visit, meet with collaborators, network
- Job’s Round Table: conference on a professionnal sector
- Career Advisors Community: professionnals who accompany the students during their last year
- Fairs: participation to the School to present the academic offer and employability of our students
Find out more about graduate career paths and support resources avaiable at Sciences Po: careers actions and opportunities at Sciences Po School of Public Affairs and Sciences Po Carrières
London School of Economics and Political Science
At the heart of the SPP is an emphasis on helping our students shape and enhance their future careers in policy-related fields. SPP students come to LSE from very diverse professional backgrounds, and it is our priority to support each of you as you move to the next stage of your career.
LSE Careers offers students a programme of support throughout their studies and after graduation.
In particular, students at LSE SPP have access to:
- one-to-one coaching in all aspects of career planning and professional development careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant
- a weekly SPP Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities
- Q&A events with alumni working in particular sectors of interest
- SPP-only discussions to employers including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment sectors
- access to LSE Careerhub, listing hundreds of opportunities, from short-term volunteering and internships to full-time positions for experienced professionals
- Careers Impact Sessions which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors
- specialist careers seminars run by LSE Careers, including sessions on CVs and cover letters, career management, networking, interviews and advice specific to particular employment sectors
Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year. LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available.
SPP Professional Skills Accelerator
The SPP also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy which is especially designed to complement the skills and insights that you gain as part of your programme curriculum and equip you with the necessary skills for the next step in your career.
You'll benefit from a series of training workshops with experienced practitioners and experts in key areas of professional development such as leadership, negotiation and persuasive communication.