MSc International Social and Public Policy

This broad-ranging programme examines how societies respond to global challenges resulting from social, demographic and economic change, and issues around poverty, migration and globalisation. Looking at low, middle and high-income countries, you’ll gain the skills to identify key social challenges and analyse the social and public policies designed to tackle these issues.

We approach the policy process from an international, interdisciplinary and applied perspective. You’ll delve into the differences between social policy development and implementation in different countries and the roles of stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, families and markets.

Building on this foundation, you’ll then follow one of seven streams.

You can take either the general stream:

• MSc International Social and Public Policy

Or you can choose one of the following specialist streams:

• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Research)
• LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy

Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2026). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021). So, you’ll be studying in a vibrant, highly rated research environment.

This page covers information regarding the MSc International Social and Public Policy (General stream).

This stream focuses on the core issues, concepts, actors and debates shaping our understanding of social and public policy.

You’ll explore diverse policy approaches to social issues in many different countries across the world. You’ll also develop your understanding of the role of research in the policy process, analyse different research methods used in policymaking, and the role of evidence in informing policy development.

Optional courses allow you to specialise in your chosen field of interest, such as educational policy, crime and justice, social development, social security and many other areas.

Our graduates progress to high-impact and influential roles in government, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector and academia.

Extensive background reading is not essential but it's 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:

• 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)

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

The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy.

From its formation in 1912, the department has conducted pioneering research on contemporary social problems and helped develop policy solutions.

The department has an interdisciplinary and international outlook. Our academics conduct research on pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and housing. Collectively, our faculty team draw on their backgrounds in anthropology, demography, economics, political science, sociology, as well as social and public policy.

We advise national and international governments and organisations and our research shapes decision-making and policy direction at the highest levels.

Within the department, we offer a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2026). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).

The teaching curriculum is research-led, focused on applying global insights and supporting students with their learning at every stage of their journey.

Our alumni work in prominent government positions, national and international NGOs, the public and private sectors, and universities across the world.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Social Policy

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.

What makes a strong applicant?

Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below include all the streams of this programme.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's 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.

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

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.