How long does the MSc in Global Affairs take?

The MSc in Global Affairs runs one year full-time or two years part-time at UK Level 7, with online and distance-learning routes.

How is the MSc in Global Affairs delivered?

The MSc in Global Affairs is available on-campus in central London, online and by distance learning, all following the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support.

Is the MSc in Global Affairs recognised in the UK?

Yes. The MSc in Global Affairs is a UK Level 7 Master's degree aligned with PSA, BISA and Chatham House themes.

What are the entry requirements for the MSc in Global Affairs?

Applicants typically hold a UK Bachelor's (2:2 or above) in a related discipline. Senior professional experience is considered on portfolio. IELTS 6.5 is required for non-native English speakers.

What funding is available for the MSc in Global Affairs?

LSLPE offers instalment plans and employer-sponsored routes for the MSc in Global Affairs. International applicants are supported by dedicated admissions guidance.

MSc in Global Affairs | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MSc in Global Affairs 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 trains graduates as interdisciplinary analysts of global politics, economics and law, drawing on the strengths of all four LSLPE departments to build senior-track capability across the international agenda. The syllabus is aligned with themes referenced by the Political Studies Association, the British International Studies Association, Chatham House and the Overseas Development Institute.

By graduation you will have produced integrated country and thematic briefings, drafted analytical papers combining political, economic and legal lenses, run a scenario planning exercise on a live global issue, and completed a dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project for a public body, think tank or international body.

Key Features

Level 7 credential aligned with PSA, BISA and Chatham House themes.
Explicitly interdisciplinary teaching across politics, economics and law.
Case-room seminars using live UK and multilateral global affairs outputs.
Guest sessions from Chatham House, IISS and ODI-adjacent practitioners.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Dissertation supervised by an LSLPE tutor with active interdisciplinary profile.
Careers-service introductions to Whitehall, think tanks and international bodies.

What You Will Learn

Interdisciplinary analysis of the global agenda across politics, economics and law.
Great power competition and strategic risk analysis.
Global economic governance and the WTO, IMF and World Bank.
International law and its interaction with global politics.
Regional strategic dynamics from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.
Reading Chatham House, IISS, ODI and IFS global outputs.
Scenario planning for global risk questions.
Producing an interdisciplinary evidence-led dissertation.

Who This Course Is For

Bachelor's graduates targeting careers at Whitehall's international desks or in think tanks.
Working professionals in multilateral bodies and NGOs.
Consultancy staff moving toward senior global affairs advisory work.
International applicants planning careers in national foreign services.
Journalists and communications professionals working on international files.

Career Pathways

Global Affairs Analyst in a think tank or consultancy.
International Development Officer in the FCDO successor context.
Policy Adviser on international portfolios.
Public Affairs Consultant supporting international clients.
Political Analyst on strategic files.
Programme Manager at an NGO or multilateral body.
Strategy Adviser to a public body on international questions.

The LSLPE careers service coordinates introductions with Whitehall, think tanks and multilateral bodies and runs at least one careers day each academic year.

Entry Requirements

A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in 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 professional experience in international affairs 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, making the MSc in Global Affairs a natural fit for the interdisciplinary approach. Central London gives MSc students access to Chatham House, the IISS and the LSE-adjacent global affairs 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 PSA and BISA guidance.

Apply for MSc in Global Affairs

Applications for the MSc in Global Affairs are reviewed on a rolling basis. Enrol on an LSLPE Master's programme, dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising policy advisers and City economists. Enrol Now.