Minimum entry requirements for the LSE-University of Toronto Double Master of Public Administration (LSE) and Master of Global Affairs (Munk School)

A BA degree or equivalent in any discipline with the following classifications:

· A minimum CGPA of a mid-B and a minimum final year GPA of a B+ (3.3/4.0 GPA).

· A minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) in the UK system or international equivalent grade, in any subject discipline.

Candidates must also be able to provide proof of English Language Proficiency to LSE’s ‘Higher’ level.

Competition for places 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)
- relevant professional experience
- statement of academic purpose
- two 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. 

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 Rachael Maguire via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.

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 2022/23 for the LSE-University of Toronto Double Master of Public Administration (LSE) and Master of Global Affairs (Munk School)

Year one: £27,421 (2022/23)
Year two: $21, 070 CAD (approximately) for domestic students. $41,870 CAD (approximately) for international students (2023/24)

Table of fees

Fee status

For this programme, the LSE tuition fee is the same for all students regardless of their fee status. However, any financial support you are eligible for will depend on whether you are classified as a home or as an 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 reductions

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 home and overseas students.

Funding for the first year, at LSE

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. You must apply for these needs-based awards from LSE, during your first year of study. 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: 28 April 2022.

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. Find out more about financial support.

Funding for the second year, at the University of Toronto

There is currently no funding available for the second year at the University of Toronto.

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 

First year at London School of Economics and Political Science

Before your arrival

From June to September prior to your arrival at LSE, you will have the opportunity to study three online pre-arrival modules:

- A module about public policy theories and concepts

- A module giving an overview of academic writing skills

- A module about some of the key mathematical and statistical skills that underpin the MPA

These modules are not compulsory but you are strongly recommended to complete them as they are the best preparation for the MPA. These modules highlight the knowledge and skills needed to maximise your chances of success on the MPA.

MPA Introductory Course

Prior to the start of the degree, you will need to attend introductory classes from mid-September. These will include a welcome session, registration and compulsory Introductory courses in mathematics and statistics. This precedes the start of full teaching for the Michaelmas term

If you have not studied these subjects for some time, the Introductory Course provides a challenging but accessible introduction to some of the key skills and techniques required for the degree. For other students, it serves as a refresher course.

In the first year, you will take four compulsory courses, in micro- and macro-economics, political science, quantitative methods of analysis, and philosophy for public policy. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you during the rest of the degree. You are also required to choose one unit of courses from a list of four choices to further develop core skills but in a direction you choose – see below. Your choice of option courses (electives) should be based on your academic strengths and interests.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy 
You will learn macro- and micro- economic concepts, models and methods suitable for appraising policy, applicable in a wide variety of contexts. This includes the study of demand and supply, the labour market, public goods, market failure, inflation and monetary policy, fiscal policy and debt, and exchange rates. 

Political Science and Public Policy
You will learn concepts and models for understanding the behaviour of political actors and why they lead to particular outcomes. This includes the study of voting, political parties, interest groups, legislative politics, corruption, democratisation and ethnic conflict. These tools are essential for designing policy interventions to achieve desired future outcomes. 

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy*
You will learn skills for the quantitative evaluation of public policies, such as causal relationships; randomised control trials; difference-in-difference estimation; instrumental variables; regression discontinuity designs and cost-benefit analysis. 

Philosophy for Public Policy *
This course has been designed to help you develop the skills and insight to apply philosophical reasoning to your understanding and practice of the 'craft of government'. It includes a strong grounding in moral and political philosophical principles and emphasises their application in modern policy-making toolkit. You will study a range of philosophical theories and concepts, then discuss and learn to evaluate them by focusing on specific policy proposals. Taught by leading LSE philosophers, the emphasis is on applying theory and concept in practical and policy-relevant ways.

Courses to the value of one unit from the following options:

International Political Economy and Development*

Comparative Political Economy and Development*

Public Organisations: Theory and Practice*

Development Economics 

Courses from a range of options

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

Second Year at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto

In the second year of the programme at the Munk School students must take the following courses:

Summer-Students complete Year 2 courses at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

• GLA1007H Global Internship (0.5 FCE, 10 to 16 weeks) plus a critical reflection paper to be submitted in September of Year 2.

Year 2

Fall and Winter (5.0 FCEs):

• GLA1006H International Legal Challenges (0.5 FCE)
• GLA2111H Research Methods for Global Affairs (0.5 FCE)
• GLA1011H Global Innovation Policy (0.5 FCE)
• GLA2000H Capstone Seminar (0.5 FCE)
• GLA2887H Final Research and Analysis (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR)

Additional 2.5 FCEs of electives in Year 2 (five half courses) at the 2000 level, all taken at the Munk School.

Summer (1.0 FCE):

GLA2890Y Global Policy Review (1.0 FCE)

For details of the 2nd year courses please visit the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs website.  

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 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

You will normally have two to three hours of classroom-based teaching each week for each course that you take. This will usually add up to around 12-15 hours per week in class. As the MPA is a full-time programme, you would be expected to spend the equivalent number of hours studying as you would spend working if you were in full-time employment (35-40 hours per week in total).

Teaching hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

Teaching methods

We use a variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status, including LSE faculty, teaching fellows, guest teachers and practitioners. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

Assessment

All taught courses include formative coursework which does not contribute towards the final grade. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. 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.

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.

Information about teaching and assessment, academic support, and other resources available to you during your 2nd year at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

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 who will be happy to help.  

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 specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they 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 and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

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

LSE Faith Centre – this is 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 nine 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 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 is 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; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides 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 – this 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 – this 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. 

Policy in Practice Seminars

We run regular seminars through the year to connect you with policy practitioners in a range of fields, either to learn more about the work of particular organisations and sectors or to develop new skills. These seminars provide students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real world scenarios. 

Association of Public Policy Students

The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of students that serve as a resource for the student community. Throughout the academic year, the APPS’s numerous committees and initiatives provide opportunities for students to engage with other classmates in professional and social activities. The APPS fosters links and togetherness between the student community - past, present and future.

Extracurricular activities at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

Why study the MPA at LSE? Watch the video

Ana Paula Fernandes Jubran

MPA graduate
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Being at LSE means exchanging experiences with students from around the entire world. After a theoretical class or lecture, you then have the opportunity to discuss the application of the theories to a broad range of countries and regions. I also really valued the combination of courses (economics, econometrics, and political economy), as it provides students with an overview of other subjects related to public administration. 

LSE helped me with several aspects of my personal development. It offers extra-curricular activities such as Excel training, presentation skills training and life coaching. Additionally, as vice-president of the MPA student association, I experienced working with a team of brilliant people from different nationalities and professional backgrounds, which was extremely enriching.

Katie Walpole

MPA graduate, 2014
Management Analyst at Clark County, Nevada

I could not have obtained my current position without completing the LSE MPA programme.  The programme pushed me to my limits and provided me with the tools and skills to complete my work on a daily basis. The public management stream prepared me to one-day take on a senior management role in local government.

I still remember my Capstone project and the team that I worked with. Not only did my teammates become some of my closest friends, the final report contained implementable solutions to real life issues. Referencing my Capstone project in my final interview with my current organization helped me to stand out from the other applicants.

The programme prepared me to work on a wide variety of public policy issues, which is important for my career in local government. I have to be able to analyze performance measures at one moment, work on policy concerning animals the next moment, and then review organizational efficiency or deal with constituents.

Francesco Alfonso

MPA graduate, 2012
Policy Analyst, OECD

I chose the MPA because I wanted to build solid skills in economics and quantitative methods, while still keeping the flexibility to tailor part of the curriculum to my curiosity and interests. A two-year programme was what I was looking for. I also wanted a degree that would keep the doors open for both civil service and private sector professional options. 

The LSE MPA definitely boosted my analytical skills and my ambitions when applying for job vacancies. It surely helped me obtaining an internship at BCG - a consulting firm - between the first and second year of MPA, which then turned into a full-time job once the MPA was over. In addition to that, the Capstone project during the second year gave me the opportunity to have a close look into the OECD, which two years later has become my employer.

Hear more from MPA alumni

Support for your career

A particularly attractive feature of this 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 professional skills package offered by LSE and Munk includes a dedicated ‘professional skills programme’ which runs across the two years, led by the LSE School of Public Policy. The ‘middle summer’ between the first and second year includes a funded internship scheme (under the governance of the Munk School). The double degree also includes the completion of a Capstone project during the second year at the Munk school, where you will work with an employer organisation on a real-life policy challenge.

The LSE-Munk double degree may be particularly relevant for those looking to acquire post-degree professional experience in North America as the second year at the Munk school entitles you to apply for a Canadian work visa valid for up to two years after your graduation date.

Studying the LSE and Munk MPA is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted to both the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course. The MPA produces well-rounded professionals who 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.

LSE Careers Consultants make sure that you get the best possible support in developing your career plans during your time studying. Whether you know already the career you are aiming for, or simply the general direction you want (or perhaps you have no idea at all!) they can help guide and develop your ideas to present your skills and experience to employers in the best possible way.

In particular, MPA students at LSE have access to:

- careers discussions with the School of Public Policy's Careers Consultant

- a Careers Impact Day which takes place early in year 1, followed by a networking evening with employers in relevant sectors

- a weekly MPA Careers newsletter, compiled by a student employee, with relevant short-term and long-term opportunities

- MPA-only discussions to employers (often MPA alumni) including through visits to offices to discuss career options and learn about different employment 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

- access to LSE Careerhub, with thousands of short-term and long-term opportunities including internships

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.

The MPA also offers an extensive and tailored programme of Professional Skills for Public Policy (PSPP). This includes a series of weekend workshops throughout the degree, giving students a chance to gain accreditation in different areas of PSPP. These focus on key aspects of your development as a public policy professional, e.g., communicating for public policy, decision-making, negotiation, and leadership.

For career support resources available at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs visit https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/mga/dual-degree-with-lse.

Programme and admissions enquiries

If you have any programme or admissions queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the team.

Admission queries (LSE): Contact LSE Graduate Admissions

Year 1 LSE: Master of Public Administration Programme London School of Economics and Political Science Email: spp.doubledegrees@lse.ac.uk

Year 2 University of Toronto: Master of Global Affairs Program Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto Email: mga@utoronto.ca

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