MA in Policy Analysis
Course Overview
The MA in Policy Analysis is a UK Level 7 research-informed Master's degree running one year full-time or two years part-time, with online and distance-learning routes. The programme teaches structured policy design, appraisal and evaluation for Whitehall, devolved administrations and think tank practice. The syllabus is aligned with themes referenced by the Political Studies Association, the Institute for Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.
By graduation you will have produced Green Book-style appraisals, prepared full ministerial-quality policy submissions, run a stakeholder mapping and consultation plan, and completed a dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project for a public body or think tank.
Key Features
- Level 7 credential aligned with Political Studies Association and IfG themes.
- Applied training in Green Book policy appraisal.
- Case-room seminars using published UK policy submissions and consultations.
- Guest sessions from former Whitehall policy officials and think tank directors.
- Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
- Dissertation supervised by an LSLPE tutor with active practitioner or research profile.
- Careers-service introductions to Whitehall, devolved administrations and think tanks.
What You Will Learn
- The policy cycle from problem framing through evaluation.
- Treasury Green Book methodology for options appraisal.
- Cost-benefit and multi-criteria decision analysis for policy questions.
- Policy submission drafting to Whitehall standards.
- Stakeholder mapping and consultation design.
- Policy evaluation using process and impact evaluation approaches.
- Reading IfG, IFS and Chatham House policy outputs.
- Producing a rigorous evidence-led dissertation for a policy audience.
Who This Course Is For
- Whitehall and devolved administration staff formalising Level 7 credentials.
- Local government policy officers targeting senior roles.
- Bachelor's graduates in politics, economics or public policy.
- Think tank researchers moving toward senior analytical positions.
- International applicants planning careers in national policy institutions.
Career Pathways
- Policy Adviser in a Whitehall department.
- Programme Manager on a cross-departmental initiative.
- Think Tank Researcher at an IfG or IFS-adjacent organisation.
- Strategy Adviser to a public body or NGO.
- Public Sector Consultant advising government clients.
- Political Analyst on a policy portfolio.
- Public Leadership Fellow in a graduate programme.
The LSLPE careers service coordinates introductions with Whitehall, think tanks and consultancies and runs at least one careers day each academic year.
Entry Requirements
- A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in politics, economics, public policy or a related discipline.
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
- Applicants without a Bachelor's but with 5+ years of senior policy or public administration experience are considered on portfolio.
- One academic and one professional reference.
- A 500-word research proposal or professional practice statement.
Why Study at LSLPE
The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches in small, tutor-visible cohorts and reads law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London gives MA students access to Whitehall, Parliament, the Institute for Government and the LSE-adjacent think tank ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Every intake shares the same weekly seminar structure, and the careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against Political Studies Association guidance.
Apply for MA in Policy Analysis
Applications for the MA in Policy Analysis are reviewed on a rolling basis. Enrol on an LSLPE Master's programme, dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising policy advisers. Enrol Now.
