Overview

The International Social and Public Policy (Development) at the London School of Economics and Political Science provides a comprehensive examination of how modern societies address global challenges. Students investigate the impacts of demographic shifts, economic change, and migration on public policy across various international contexts. This interdisciplinary programme equips learners with the analytical tools required to evaluate social development issues in diverse global settings.

Why International Social and Public Policy (Development) at the London School of Economics and Political Science?

The Department of Social Policy is currently ranked first in the United Kingdom for its subject area according to the Good University Guide 2026. It also holds the highest national ranking for research excellence in the field. Students benefit from a vibrant research environment where faculty members actively advise international governments and non-governmental organisations on pressing social issues.

Careers with International Social and Public Policy (Development)

Graduates are prepared for influential roles in policy design, implementation, and evaluation on a global scale. Many alumni secure positions within various United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, UNHCR, and the UNDP. Others pursue impactful careers with major international non-governmental organisations such as Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Red Cross.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for roles within intergovernmental bodies like the World Bank, the European Commission, and the World Economic Forum. Additionally, graduates find opportunities within national government ministries, specialist consulting firms, and academic institutions worldwide. The university provides extensive career support, including CV workshops and networking events with top global employers.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

International Social and Public Policy

Understanding Policy Research

Social Policy and Development

Migration: Current Research, Critical Approaches

Ethnicity, Race and Social Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

5.5

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Public Policy Social Policy View 122 other Masters in Social Policy in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

5.5

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant social science.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30750 GBP / year

≈ 30750 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

19650 GBP / year

≈ 19650 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

The School recognizes 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. Find out more about financial support.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Social and Public Policy (Development).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers with International Social and Public Policy (Development)

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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