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.
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. Most successful applicants for the Columbia SIPA MPA have had at least three years of work or internship experience relevant to their intended course of study.
Candidates must also be able to provide proof of English Language Proficiency to LSE’s "Higher" level.
Search for a country 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.
This two-year programme gives you the chance to earn two degrees and study at two globally renowned institutions: LSE and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
In the first year at LSE, you’ll develop your understanding of political science, economics and quantitative analysis and the principles underlying good public policy. The second year at SIPA builds on this methodological training. You’ll choose one policy concentration and complete an industry project with an external client, applying your learnings to a real-world policy challenge.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to the combined resources, opportunities and networks of both prestigious institutions and deepen your understanding of policy challenges in contrasting cultural environments. You’ll learn with peers from a wide range of nationalities and fields – enriching your learning further.
Your double degree credentials and international insights will give you an added edge over other graduates. You’ll gain the skills and expertise to address complex policy issues and pursue a high-level career in government, international organisations, the private sector or NGOs.
Discover more about our students and 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 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.
SPP now welcomes 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. As an SPP student, you’ll join a diverse and dynamic cohort, l earning from world-renowned faculty and distinguished guest speakers with experience in governments around the world.
SPP 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: