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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:L2TU
School of Public Policy

LSE-University of Toronto Double Master of Public Administration (LSE) and Master of Global Affairs (Munk School)

Immerse yourself in policymaking and international affairs. Study in the UK and Canada.
Register your interestHow to apply

Overview

Introduction

This two-year programme gives you the chance to earn two degrees and study at two globally renowned institutions: LSE and the University of Toronto (Munk School).

Over the two years, you’ll develop key policy expertise in public affairs and draw on the academic strengths, networks, resources and career support of two world-leading universities.

In the first year at LSE, you’ll develop your knowledge and skills in political science, economics, quantitative analysis and the philosophical principles underlying good public policy. The second year at the University of Toronto adds an international affairs dimension. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the global system and its stakeholders, innovation policy, global justice, development, markets, and security. You’ll gain practical experience through an industry project and an internship.

The breadth of study and international perspectives will prepare you to tackle complex policy issues and excel in your future career. You’ll also benefit from a dedicated professional skills accelerator – giving you a head start over other graduates in the jobs market. Our graduates are well-placed to pursue high-impact roles in government, international organisations, not-for-profits, and the private sector.

You’ll graduate with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from LSE and a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) from the University of Toronto. You can also apply for a Canadian work visa post-graduation (valid for up to two years after your graduation date).

Entry requirements

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

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.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

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 doesn't 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.

Programme content

Preparation before your arrival

Prior to your arrival at LSE you'll receive details about optional readings and online learning materials which are designed to help you to prepare for the programme.

MPA Double Degree welcome and introductory teaching

From mid-September (exact date TBC) you'll need to attend MPA Welcome events and introductory teaching sessions. These will take place prior to the start of the LSE Autumn Term dates. These sessions include campus enrolment, a programme introduction, information sessions, networking opportunities, academic skills training and compulsory introductory teaching in mathematics and statistics.

If you've not studied mathematics and statistics for some time, the MPA introductory teaching 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.

Year 1

School of Public Policy (SPP), London School of Economics and Political Science – Year One

In the first year, you'll take three compulsory courses, in micro- and macro-economics, political science and public policy, quantitative approaches and policy analysis. These provide a rigorous foundation to support you during the rest of the degree. You're 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.

Micro and Macro Economics for Public Policy: you'll 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'll 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 Approaches and Policy Analysis - you'll 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.

View the programme structure (image)

PP440
One unit

Micro and Macro Economics (for Public Policy)

PP478
One unit

Political Science for Public Policy

PP455
One unit

Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis

PP448
Half unit
International Political Economy and Development
PP449
Half unit
Comparative Political Economy and Development
PP413
Half unit
Growth Diagnostics in Development: Theory and Practice
PP454
One unit
Development Economics
PP435
Half unit
Trade Policy and Development

Courses from a range of options

Browse your options

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.

A few important points you’ll need to know:

We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.

The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.

Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.

Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.

For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.

Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The LSE School of Public Policy (SPP) is a global community united by a shared commitment to LSE’s founding mission: to understand the causes of things and work for the betterment of society.

Our seven master’s programmes combine academic rigour with real-world relevance, tailored to suit professionals at every stage of their career — from emerging leaders to seasoned executives.

As an SPP student, you’ll join a diverse and dynamic cohort, learning from world-renowned faculty and distinguished guest speakers with experience in governments around the world.

The School is at the heart of LSE – ranked the top university in London and fifth in the world for social science and management subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). 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 also offer a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom for students to develop their professional skills and prepare for their future careers, these include:

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 who all share a passion for learning and developing new perspectives as they prepare to develop policies to transform societies around the world.

Connect with us on:

School of Public Policy

Houghton Street sign

Your application

Overview

Applications will be considered by an admissions panel composed of representatives from both LSE and University of Toronto.

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.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

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

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

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.

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

Experience LSE from home

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: LSE Graduate Admissions Knowledge Base (An online resource for quick answers) - spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk
  • For applicants and offer holders with queries not addressed by the Knowledge Base (please state your LSE ID in the message title) : spp.admissions@lse.ac.uk
  • Fees and Funding queries: Visit LSE Financial Support Office webpages
  • Visa queries: Visit LSE Student Advice and Engagement webpages
  • Programme queries Year 1 LSE: Master of Public Administration Programme London School of Economics and Political Science Email: spp.doubledegrees@lse.ac.uk
  • Programme queries 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

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 LSE, 2026/27):

Home students: £34,100

Year 2 (at University of Toronto, 2027/28):

Home students: visit University of Toronto website

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.

Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.

If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.

Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.

Funding for the first year, at LSE

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme and the LSE Excellence Scholarship. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

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

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed 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

Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

First year at LSE

You'll 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 Double Degree is a full-time programme, you'd be expected to spend the equivalent number of hours studying as you'd 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.

Second year at University of Toronto

Information about teaching and other resources available to you at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

First year at LSE

Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.

LSE LIFE is a great place to get advice and practise the skills you’ll need during your studies and beyond.

Through LSE LIFE, you can:

  • attend workshops on developing leadership skills, finding the right study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work
  • develop your reading, academic writing and critical-thinking skills
  • gain experience of working in study groups and develop your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.

Second year at University of Toronto

Information about academic support and other resources available to you at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

LSE SPP offers six postgraduate and two executive programmes. We attract a highly diverse range of students from all over the globe. Our 2022 intake of 350 students represented 53 nationalities.

We offer three double degree programmes, which each have an intake of approximately 15 students. Admission to our double degree programmes is highly competitive and our students benefit from belonging to a special smaller double degree cohort, whilst also studying alongside our larger MPA cohort or approximately 80 students.

There is no formal work experience requirement to study the MPA or MPA double degree programmes, however our students have a wide range of prior experience. Our MPA students have an average of three and a half years' professional experience.

We welcome students from wide-ranging areas of expertise including economics, law, social sciences, political science, business and international relations.

Their combined experience encourages a mature and reflective approach to study that draws on professional skills and experience gained prior to the MPA. This diversity is a major strength, providing many different national, economic and societal perspectives to problems and solutions of public policy.

School of Public Policy student groups, networks and development opportunities:

  • Association of Public Policy Students (APPS)

The Association of Public Policy Students (APPS) is an elected body of SPP 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.

  • Womxn’s Network

The School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Womxn’s Network is a student-run organisation focused on the advancement and empowerment of students within the SPP and broader LSE community who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality. The Network aims to further encourage the inclusion of marginalised voices within policymaking through various events and forums designed to promote learning and open discussion.

  • Public Sphere Journal (PSJ)

The Public Sphere Journal (PSJ) is a journal of international policy studies produced by SPP students which features evidence-based research in economic policy, public management, international affairs, development studies and social policy. The PSJ offers students an opportunity to combine their unique professional and personal experiences to create a journal of international policy studies, from the initial call for papers through to the print and launch.

External networks

  • Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT)

The Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training (MIINT) Competition gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in impact investing by sourcing and conducting due diligence on real-world, early-stage impact investment opportunities. The MIINT is supported by LSE's Marshall Institute. Hear from our 2025 MIINT participants.

  • Global Public Policy Network (GPPN)

The Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) is a partnership between seven prestigious universities in public policy. GPPN is a platform for institutional partnership, research collaboration, and student exchange. Members of the GPPN have organised an annual international conference for the students and deans from member schools to meet and discuss pressing issues of global public policy. GPPN members have also established exchange and dual degrees programmes, allowing students to benefit from this international network of the most prestigious public affairs schools in the world. Hear from our 2024 GPPN conference participants.

LSE 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.

Life in London

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.

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.

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'll 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.

Find out more about studying at Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto

Graduate destinations

Overview

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 "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'll 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.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Find out more

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