London School of Economics and Political Science Masters Degrees

About the Diploma programme

The Diploma in Accounting and Finance is a qualification in its own right, designed for students with little or no background in accounting and finance, such as students with undergraduate degrees in arts, economics, law, business, science and engineering. It is also suitable for students with some background in accounting and finance who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding in areas of special interest within a flexible programme, or for those who require a greater depth of knowledge before pursuing postgraduate study. For those studying the Diploma, there is a clear route towards MSc level study within the Department, subject to satisfactory performance.

The Diploma provides a solid training and foundation in Accounting and Finance, including mathematical skills for more advanced master’s level elective courses. It allows students to specialise in accounting and finance, but also select from a wide range of courses available throughout the School.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, in accounting, corporate finance, equity research, fund management and management consultancy. Companies who have employed recent graduates from the Diploma in Accounting and Finance programme include Barclays Capital, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, HSBC, Mazars, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Paypal, Simon-Kucher & Partners and Société Générale. Many leading organisations make careers presentations at the School during the year.

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About the MSc programme

The Executive Global Master’s in Management is LSE’s cutting-edge alternative to an MBA. Combining intelligent critical thinking with real-world practice, this programme takes a fresh approach to the traditional MBA curriculum to keep pace with today's fast-changing world.

We provide experienced working professionals in any industry with a unique combination of intellectual skills, networks and practical abilities to achieve outstanding career success in management and leadership.

Currently the only programme of its kind in the world, EGMiM covers the same essential curriculum as a traditional MBA - the essential pillars of business, including general management, accounting, finance, marketing and organisational behaviour - but takes a fresh approach to these topics.

In contrast to traditional practice-based learning utilised by many MBAs, the EGMiM programme offers a more intellectual learning experience, using theory and deep critical thinking to inform solutions in practical projects and case studies.

The unique intellectual skills gained from the EGMiM learning approach will empower students to become adaptable and innovative in the ever-changing global environment, setting themselves apart to move faster and further in the business world in top-level senior management and leadership careers.

Graduate destinations

The programme is designed as a gateway for outstanding working professionals from any industry/background to transition into a top-level senior management and leadership career. Whatever your career goals and aspirations are, the programme will provide a foundation to change job role with your current employer, transition to a new company/industry, or develop your own business.

The global focus of the programme provides the knowledge and experience to prepare students to work outside of their home country, reach international markets with their business, or work in an international-facing role for a multinational company.

Our graduates are equipped with lasting knowledge and experience to outperform their peers from more traditional business school programmes (such as MBAs) in the competitive business environment, with a deeper understanding of global business enabling them to make better-informed business decisions, predict and thrive with future trends, and innovate in the fast-changing global environment.

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About the Executive LLM programme

The Executive LLM is one of the most innovative and intellectually exciting LLM programmes offered in Europe today. You will take a set of intensive week-long modules over a period of three to four years, delivered by many leading academics in the UK in the field of law. Modules are offered across a broad range of fields including arbitration, human rights and international law, corporate, commercial and financial law, and information technology, media and communications law.

This programme is aimed at individuals in full-time employment who are not in a position to take a year-long break from work. It is open to applicants who have had at least three years post-degree work experience in law; this could be in a law firm, government, a company, a non-governmental organisation or an international organisation.

Graduate destinations

The programme is designed for working professionals with a minimum of three years' post-degree experience in legal practice, for example, in a law firm, government, a company, a non-governmental organisation or an international organisation. The programme is recognised as enhancing a wide range of career paths.

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About the Executive MPA programme

This programme is offered through LSE’s Institute of Public Affairs and delivered by the Department of Economics and the Department of Government in collaboration with leading scholars from across LSE. It provides a set of high-quality, interdisciplinary courses devised to meet the needs of government departments and public agencies worldwide for highly skilled and professional policy-makers. It also meets the needs of people working with governments in the private sector, for instance in consultancy regulated industries such as financial services, public-private partnerships, public affairs, media, non-governmental organisations and interest groups. The programme is designed for those in full-time employment.

Specifically it provides:
◾ study in the Institute of Public Affairs, drawing on faculty and institutional links from across the School to support and enhance LSE's public policy training
◾ a modular programme structure allowing students to study courses whilst engaged in full-time employment, through attendance at week-long intensive courses and long weekend (Friday - Sunday) Policy in Practice Workshop
◾ teaching by specialists who are at the forefront of research in public administration and policy-making
◾ interaction with senior-level practitioners responsible for the development and implementation of major policy initiatives
◾ a comparative, international and multidisciplinary environment with links to several specialist institutions partnered with the Institute of Public Affairs
◾ an interactive format that builds on the insights of an experienced, skilled and internationally diverse cohort

The choice of two week-long courses from a range of options allows flexibility to customise your curriculum. You may wish to develop new skills, pursue personal and professional interests, or add depth to existing knowledge. You will leave LSE with high-level knowledge and advanced skills which will empower you to master new challenges with your current organisation and expand your choice of career options.

The EMPA shares some classes with the Civil Service and LSE Executive Master of Public Policy (EMPP), a sponsored degree programme for senior levels of the UK Civil Service. This allows EMPA students to benefit from the experience and insight of senior government decision-makers and for EMPP students to benefit from the diversity of experience in the EMPA cohort. The EMPA/EMPP peer network will provide support and inspiration throughout your professional career.

Applicants will be considered who have a good first degree from any subject background and substantial relevant work experience. We typically expect at least five years of work experience.

This programme requires either two academic references or one academic and one professional reference. The latter should be a reference from your most recent employer. If you graduated from your most recent academic study before 2010 (or before 2011 for applicants for 2016 intake) and no academic references are available, you may supply two professional references. It is in your interest to supply academic references wherever possible. In addition to this, we encourage you to supplement your application by uploading a CV.

Graduate destinations

LSE Executive MPA alumni will occupy positions in governments, international organisations, the private sector and think tanks around the world.

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This dynamic programme combines the resources and expertise of the Department of Social Policy and Department of Management to present an integrated suite of courses that will advance your career objectives in all areas of behavioural science and allow you to pursue new and expanded opportunities within the behavioural science field.

About the MSc programme

Recognising the limitations of traditional practice and research methods, many organisations now engage with the idea of applying behavioural insights to their organisational challenges. This dynamic programme provides the opportunity for full-time professionals working in any sector to obtain a graduate qualification in behavioural science, allowing you to pursue new and expanded opportunities within this emerging and exciting field. Behavioural science may be an area directly related to your current professional role, or you may wish to pursue the programme for your own personal or career development.

The programme is taught by specialists at the forefront of research in behavioural science, in a multidisciplinary environment with links to specialist research groups based in departments across the LSE and the Behavioural Research Lab. It is taught in a modular format, with courses taking place at LSE during three two-week sessions in September, January and April. In between teaching sessions you will also complete various assessments, and will have access to online support from faculty. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

This programme offered jointly from the LSE Department of Social Policy and Department of Management aims to provide a suite of high quality, integrated courses to benefit students in all aspects of leading practices in behavioural science.

Graduate destinations

This MSc will prepare you to seek and/or advance your career in behavioural science in multiple sectors including the public and private and sectors, non-governmental organisations, and academia. Upon graduation you can expect to take on more responsibility or pursue new and expanded opportunities within the behavioural science field.

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About the MSc programme

The programme aims to help professionals accelerate their existing careers by exploring new options within the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields and enhancing their existing set of health management, economics and policy skills. You will also gain a theoretical and conceptual understanding of health-related topics.

You will have the opportunity to engage with the UK's top academics, policy-makers and professionals in international health. You will be taught by leading UK and European academics in the areas of health economics, management and policy.

This is a modular programme, with four two-week intensive LSE-based lecture courses, as well as a dissertation on a topic of your choice. You have the flexibility to customise your curriculum by choosing from a range of optional modules, allowing you pursue the areas which interest you and fit your background, experience and goals.

Previous participants on the programme have included a diverse group of professionals from various health services, insurance funds, international agencies and health care, pharmaceutical and consulting companies from across the globe.

Graduate destinations

This MSc will prepare students to seek employment in many sectors including the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries, consultancies, insurers and insurance funds, health care management, government, non-governmental organisations and academia. Upon graduation, many students will also expect to take on more responsibility or a different focus with their current employer.

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About the Executive MSc in Cities

The Executive MSc in Cities is designed for public, private and third-sector leaders who want to deliver large-scale change in cities. Based at LSE Cities, a leading international centre that has informed global urban practice for the last sixteen years, we deploy the Centre’s global network of city leaders and the School’s leading urban specialty faculty to put the latest ground-breaking research to business and public action.

The executive programme provides specially designed, interdisciplinary courses focused on applied research and methods, and a modular teaching programme, designed to meet the needs of leading professionals from international, national and metropolitan organisations as well as companies and corporations involved in shaping the urban world.

It delivers an integrated set of executive level courses that work across complex and connected issues helping you to analyse urban projects and policies from rigorous economic, social and environmental perspectives. You will have the opportunity to interact with highly experienced practitioners from city governments, planning and transport departments, as well as experts from research centres and institutions, development and design professions, urban consultancies and infrastructure providers from the UK and abroad.

Graduate destinations

The Executive MSc in Cities is a transformational programme that provides skills and knowledge to enhance career prospects and expand options in the area of public and private urban practice.

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About the MSc programme

Prepare yourself for an outstanding career in management and leadership with our two-year Global Master's in Management. We offer a unique approach to management, with a truly in-depth and rigorous learning experience. Alongside a foundation in the fundamental knowledge and skills essential for managers today, you will also have the opportunity to specialise and apply what you’ve learned in practice.

An extensive first-year curriculum gives a clear understanding of the real challenges facing managers and organisations operating in a global context. After a summer internship spent exploring career options, we offer three second-year options to specialise and ground what you’ve learned in practice.

We are proud to be the only UK programme to offer the CEMS double degree, with 30 leading partner business schools worldwide, and access to a global network of over 70 corporate partners. We also offer the MiM Exchange programme, giving an opportunity to join a leading MBA classroom in North America. Alternatively, you can opt to explore LSE’s huge range of electives, and specialise in your own area of interest; the choice is yours.

Your application

If you are applying for this programme, please note the following specific requirements for your personal statement.

Write a short personal statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you will bring to the cohort, and what your particular strengths are.

Also answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 300 words each)*:
1. Explain, in your own words, the main things that managers do.
2. How will studying management theory help you to understand management practice?
3. What do you hope to gain by studying management at LSE?

*The total length of your personal statement, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 1,000-1,500 words.

Graduate destinations

This programme allows students to gain both a rigorous training in the core foundations of general management in year one, and a specialisation in their specific area(s) of interest in year two. This provides our graduates with a tangible advantage when entering employment, as the combination of a broad general training in year one, plus the depth of specialist knowledge and skills in year two, gives our students a competitive advantage in the global graduate job market. In addition to the academic curriculum, the programme also includes elements designed to give practical employment experience, and develop professional skills, through the Capstone Course and summer internship.

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About the LLM

The LLM at LSE is a leading programme delivered at one of the world's best law schools and the UK’s number one legal research institution. It is unmatched in the international, comparative and interdisciplinary approaches and courses that it offers. Courses are offered in a broad range of fields including arbitration, human rights, international law, and corporate, commercial and financial law.

Our approach to the teaching of law combines views and experiences from different disciplinary traditions and jurisdictions. This ensures that what you learn at LSE Law is relevant to legal study and practice in any jurisdiction. Students may obtain approval to take one or in exceptional circumstances two complementary subjects from another master's degree at LSE in place of the equivalent number of law subjects. For example, international lawyers may choose to take a course in international relations; criminologists may take a course in sociology; constitutional lawyers may take a course in political theory; and company lawyers may take a course in financial reporting.

The programme enjoys a uniquely cosmopolitan student body and plays a major role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world.

Graduate destinations

The LLM programme provides excellent prospects for graduates seeking to start their career with a Training Contract in UK and international firms both in London and major commercial centres around the world, with in-house legal departments or government legal services. Some graduates go on to pursue a career at the Bar. Graduates with a legal qualification from their home jurisdictions and relevant experience join a variety of employers in legal and other sectors such as financial and management consulting. Others may continue their careers in national, regional and international courts or work in a legal capacity within an NGO or Multilateral Organisation. The LSE LLM also provides an excellent starting point for those wishing to pursue a PhD and or a career in academia. Recent employers who have hired graduates from this programme include Clifford Chance, Schoenherr, White & Case, Wolf Theiss, Diageo, Louis Vuitton, Australian Attorney General’s Office, 4 Kings Bench Walk Chambers, PWC and the Human Rights Commission.

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About the MSc programme

Organised jointly by LSE and Peking University, this innovative double MSc degree offers an outstanding opportunity for graduate students and young professionals. The first year is spent at the School of Government at Peking University, with a focus on public policy and administration in China and the Asia Pacific region. The second year is spent at LSE, where you will follow the programme of the MSc Public Policy and Administration including a range of compulsory and optional courses, as well as completing a research-based dissertation.

The programme combines an empirical and theoretical approach to public policy and administration. You will engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research and undertaking your own research-based term work and dissertation. This programme will be a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector, the media, politics and law.

Graduate destinations

The programme provides an excellent preparation for careers in academia, business or consulting, government or international agencies, the media, politics and law.

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About the MSc programme

This LSE-Sciences Po double degree is based on reciprocal recognition of both curriculum and evaluation in the partner university, and offers a top level education in international affairs and international relations/international political economy. It is designed primarily for those who intend to practise negotiation in government, international institutions and business, as well as those with a general interest in international relations and international political economy.

The double degree takes place over the course of two full academic years with the first year in Paris and the second in London. At Sciences Po, you must choose between three specialisations: sécurité internationale, management public international, and politique économique internationale. At LSE, you will have a choice between taking the MSc International Relations and the MSc International Political Economy.

At the end of two years of successful study students will be awarded either a Master in International Security, in International Economic Policy or in International Public Management from Sciences Po and either MSc International Relations or MSc International Political Economy from LSE.

Graduate destinations

Most of our former MSc students go on to work in government, international organisations, financial institutions, journalism and corporations, but some continue on to research degrees and the academic profession.

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About the MA programme

This master's programme at Columbia and LSE will ask students to explore our world by studying the forces that have been remaking it: migration, trade, technological revolutions, epidemic disease, environmental change, wars and diplomacy. Working with preeminent historians in the field, students will analyse large-scale historical processes, pursue empirical research, and produce their own comparative and cross-cultural histories.

This double degree draws on the faculties of two of the world's leading centres of international affairs, which have the expertise and commitment to provide the training and skills needed. It offers close contact in seminars and colloquia with mentors in different intellectual and cultural settings in two global cities.

Compulsory language requirement

There is no language requirement for entry into the programme. However, in order to graduate from the programme, students must fulfil a language requirement in one of four different ways:
◾ by taking two years of language training while at Columbia and LSE
◾ by taking and passing two translation exams. (Both translation exams must be taken at Columbia)
◾ by taking and passing one translation exam and studying a language for one year, either at Columbia or at LSE
◾ by taking and passing an intensive summer language course (that equals the same number of credits as a year-long language course) combined with either a passed language exam or an additional year of language classes

Students have the choice between focusing on a single language or splitting the requirement between two different languages. It is possible to continue further study of a language after a student has passed the translation exam in that language.

Graduate destinations

While many dual degree students go on to undertake PhDs, some choose to apply the insights gained to a career outside of academia, including journalism, public policy, non-profit, or the private sector.

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About the MSc programme

Organised jointly by LSE and Peking University, this double MSc degree offers an outstanding opportunity for graduate students and young professionals. The first year is spent at the School of International Studies at Peking University, studying the international relations of China and the Asia Pacific region. The second year is spent at LSE, studying the theory and history of global international relations. It offers the following benefits:

Gaining an insight into international affairs through studying at the best universities in the social sciences in China and in Europe.
While at LSE, courses in the Departments of International Relations and International History.
Combining an empirical and a theoretical approach to contemporary international affairs.
Engaging at an advanced level with the latest academic research and undertaking your own research-based term work and dissertation.

Graduate destinations

The programme provides an excellent preparation for careers in academia, business or consulting, government or international agencies, the media, politics and law.

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About the MSc programme

Sciences Po and LSE have come together to offer high-achieving undergraduate students a joint curriculum in European studies. Bilingual (French and English), and spanning a wide range of disciplines, this very select programme is delivered by renowned EU specialists, many with practical experience of policymaking.

The programme focuses on the history, politics, policies and institutions of the European Union; on the ideas which underpin the European project; and on the political, economic and social challenges facing Europe. Courses are multidisciplinary and you will choose options from international relations, history, economics, law, philosophy and political science, all with a strongly European focus.

Your first year is spent at Sciences Po, in the Master Affaires Européennes; the second year takes place within the European Institute at LSE studying either MSc Global Europe: Culture and Conflict, MSc Political Economy of Europe or MSc EU Politics.

Graduate destinations

Graduates of the programme pursue successful careers in politics, journalism, diplomacy, business, academia, consultancy, the EU institutions, national administrations and in the international institutions.

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About the programme

Sciences Po and LSE have come together to offer this distinctive dual degree devoted to urban management and policy, which combines the strengths of two leading international centres of research in city development and urban governance.

The double degree lasts two academic years: the first year is spent at Sciences Po, in the Master Stratégies Territoriales et Urbaines; the second year is spent at LSE, following one of three MSc programmes, in either Local Economic Development, Regional and Urban Planning Studies, or Urbanisation and Development.

Spanning a wide range of disciplines, including public management, economic development, urbanisation, project management, urban social analysis, and planning, this selective bilingual (French and English) programme will enable you to develop an understanding of the political, economic and social issues raised by contemporary urbanisation, at local and international level, with a curriculum focused on the analytic tools used in the field of urban policy.

On completion, you will be awarded a master's from Sciences Po in Stratégies Territoriales et Urbaines, and an MSc from LSE in Urban Policy.

Language

Applicants must demonstrate competence in both English and French.

Students whose native language is not English must meet LSE's Standard English requirement (see entry requirements).

Applicants must also demonstrate their competence in French, by passing either one of:
◾ the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) 500
◾ the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DALF) level C1

(No other tests will be accepted).

Or by
◾ holding the International Baccalaureate (IB) with French as the language of education (levels A1/A2 only)
◾ having gained a high school diploma from school education in French (for example in French Lycées outside of France)
◾ having completed an exchange programme with Sciences Po with enrolment in French language classes at least at levels 4 or 5
◾ having gained a recognised university degree with at least two years of study at a Francophone University. You will need to provide the diploma which proves that your language of instruction was French. Please note, this does not apply to students who have obtained a diploma in French language or French studies at universities in non French speaking countries

Students whose native language is neither English nor French must provide proof of ability in both languages as above.

Supplementary documents

In addition to the application form, you are required to submit:
1. a full and official transcript of marks obtained for each year of third level education including the current year when available
2. a certified copy of your undergraduate degree (if applicable)

Documents written in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation into one of the above languages.
1. a personal statement to be submitted in either English or French. In no more then 1,000 words, please describe your background, your career objectives in the field of urban policy and how obtaining the LSE/Sciences Po double degree will help you to achieve those objectives
2. two letters of academic recommendation. These can be in either French or English. They must be submitted online or placed in an envelope sealed and signed on the back by the referee before being added to the application file
3. a résumé in both English and French
4. optional: you may also submit letters of professional recommendation

Items 1 to 3 can be submitted as scanned attachments to the online application form. References may be submitted online or by post.

Graduate destinations

This programme gives students the opportunity to develop a career focused on local and urban policy in the private, public or international sectors at the highest level. Graduates could be expected to go into positions in local/regional government; urban development, property and planning consultancies; community organisations; investment banks; regeneration agencies; central government urban affairs departments and property development.

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