This broad-ranging programme examines how societies respond to global challenges resulting from social, demographic and economic change, and issues around poverty, migration and globalisation. Looking at low, middle and high-income countries, you’ll gain the skills to identify key social challenges and analyse the social and public policies designed to tackle these issues.

We approach the policy process from an international, interdisciplinary and applied perspective. You’ll delve into the differences between social policy development and implementation in different countries and the roles of stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, families and markets.

Building on this foundation, you’ll then follow one of seven streams.

You can take either the general stream:

MSc International Social and Public Policy
Or you can choose one of the following specialist streams:

MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development)
MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)
MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)
MSc International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations)
MSc International Social and Public Policy (Research)
LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy
Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2024). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021). So, you’ll be studying in a vibrant, highly rated research environment.

This page covers information about the specialism stream: MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education).

This stream allows you to explore the impact of education policy, reform and financing on social justice and development in different countries.

This stream is perfect if you’re interested in learning about the role of education in improving social outcomes and shaping inclusive and fair education systems.

Topics covered include: the aims of education systems, the impact of social characteristics (gender, race and ethnicity) on educational outcomes, the politics and power of educational policymaking, and market-oriented reforms. You’ll also analyse how different countries approach educational challenges.

Optional courses allow you to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals. Choose from a wide range of courses covering educational inequality in the global south, ethnicity, race and social policy, migration and many other themes.

Finally, you’ll complete a dissertation on an education topic (agreed with your supervisor).

Graduate destinations:
Students who have graduated from programmes similar to this have gone on to work for:

different UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR
a variety of small and large NGOs including Oxfam, Medecins Sans Frontières, International Red Cross and One World
action international or intergovernmental organisations such as the World Economic Forum, European Commission and World Bank
consulting companies
government ministries.