MSc Philosophy and Public Policy

The MSc Philosophy and Public Policy provides a solid foundation in the conceptual and normative questions underlying public policy formulation.

Based in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, this unique degree approaches philosophical issues in public policy through the lenses of historical and contemporary developments in ethical theory and political philosophy. From this programme’s specialised selection of courses you will acquire a thorough background in moral and political theory, whilst learning to apply this knowledge to issues in public policy.

LSE’s distinctive approach to philosophy and public policy is one in which philosophical analysis is continuous with the scientific study of political, social and economic problems. Topics span an enormous range of policy areas, including health care, development, social security and climate change. You'll engage with science policy topics like the nature of evidence, objectivity and theory choice, and will examine different approaches to the study of society such as rational, social and public choice, in addition to classic topics of political philosophy such as democracy, liberal neutrality, equality, human rights, punishment and just war.

This programme provides the ideal springboard for employment in the public and governmental sectors, whilst equipping you with the skills needed to succeed in an incredibly broad range of careers, as well as further graduate work in philosophy.

You may also apply to the LSE Internships schemes in Parliament, or discuss internships and work experience opportunities in various institutions across London with LSE Careers.

• J Baggini and P S Fosl The philosopher's toolkit: a compendium of philosophical concepts and methods (Wiley, Blackwell, 2010)
• J Wolff An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 2006)
• T Nagel What Does it all Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 1987)
• J Wolff Ethics and Public Policy: a philosophical inquiry (Routledge, 2011)
• R Harrison Democracy (Routledge, 1993)
• R H Thaler and C R Sunstein Nudge: improving decisions about health, wealth, and happiness (Penguin, 2008)
• D M Hausman and M S McPherson, Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy, and Public Policy (Cambridge University Press, 2006)

You'll take the specialist course Philosophy and Public Policy, and choose between a further two philosophy courses. You'll choose your other option(s) from within the Department or across the School.

In addition, you'll take part in the non-assessed dissertation seminar, which will prepare you to complete your dissertation of 10,000 words on philosophical aspects of a public policy issue.

Founded by Sir Karl Popper in 1946, the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method is consistently ranked among the top places in the world to study philosophy.

Our research and teaching embody LSE’s long tradition of analytic, interdisciplinary and socially engaged philosophy.

We have particular strengths in:

• the philosophy of natural and social sciences
• logic
• moral and political philosophy
• epistemology
• decision and game theory
• social choice.

Some of the world’s leading thinkers and social reformers have taught or studied at LSE – including Beatrice Webb, Bertrand Russell and, of course, Karl Popper. Today, we offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, attracting high-calibre students from across the globe.

Located in the heart of London, LSE provides one of the most exciting places in the world to study for your philosophy degree. We were ranked second in the UK in the Good University Guide 2024 and third in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Our research is internationally renowned. We were ranked joint third overall in the UK for the quality and impact of our research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).

LSE has some of the best outcomes for philosophy graduates in the UK. Our graduates find rewarding and interesting careers in government, the public sector, education, teaching, NGOs and charities, and research.

Learn more about our undergraduate, MSc and PhD programmes and research.

Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method

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.

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, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of 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, team presentations 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.

The programme prepares you for PhD work in philosophy as well as for policy-oriented careers in governmental, non-governmental or international organisations. We have a very good record of students moving on to good PhD programmes and to high-level jobs with think tanks, in government, or in business. Our graduates are currently working or studying in the following branches: non-government organisations and think tanks, governmental organisations, PhD programmes, law school or legal practice, commercial enterprises, banking and finance, consultancy, international organisations, academic research and teaching.

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.