LSE-Columbia Double Master of Public Administration (MPA)

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.

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the Double Degree programme

The Double Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers students the unique opportunity to study at two internationally renowned institutions, the LSE’s School of Public Policy, and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

The double degree candidates will profit from the extensive resources available in London and New York City, as well as the global reach of the combined alumni networks of both schools. Throughout the two-year programme students will develop essential skills in core disciplines of public policy and will benefit from the resources, networks and opportunities of two historic institutions in the vibrant cities of London and New York.

In their first year of study, students will experience being a part of LSE’s international community in the heart of London. They will draw upon the unique institutional strengths of LSE’s School of Public Policy to develop key skills in political science, economics and quantitative analysis alongside an understanding of the philosophical principles underlying good public policy. Students will complete their first year equipped with the skills and practical tools to be able to confidently analyse and address real-world policy challenges.

The second year at SIPA will build upon the methodological skills gained at LSE and provide students with the substantive knowledge of a policy concentration. Through the completion of a Capstone Project, students will have the opportunity to gain professional experience and apply their learnings to a real-world problem in policy and management. Students will work in teams of 6-8 students to provide external clients with innovative analysis and practical recommendations based on the skills learned throughout their studies at LSE and Columbia University.

As they advance in their career, graduates will benefit from the expertise, resources and international alumni networks of both prestigious institutions and will be equipped with the skills and experience to confidently engage with complex policy issues in national and global policy making.

Information for international students

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.

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding at LSE

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.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

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 at Columbia

SIPA funding is awarded without regard to citizenship, and many international students receive fellowships, scholarships and assistantships while enrolled at SIPA.

Students may be eligibility for SIPA Assistantships. Find out more here and here.