MRes/PhD Political Science at London School of Economics and Political Science

Programme overview

As part of one of the largest UK political science departments, covering almost all areas of politics, you'll enjoy a lively, open research culture. This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of political science. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

Department: Department of Government | Duration: Three to five years full-time; part-time available | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: 27 September 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory and core courses include Research Design in the Social Sciences, Research Prospectus in Political Science.

Career pathways

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. Recent graduates have also gone on to careers in investment banking, auditing, consultancy and public sector and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

First class or very good upper second class honours degree (normally 65+) and a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in political science or a closely related discipline (such as sociology, economics or history). For the MRes/PhD Political Science, your research proposal should be about 2,000 words. Your sample of written work should be either a degree essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, or a 3,000-5,000 word extract from a longer piece of work such as a dissertation. English language requirement: Higher (IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in reading and 6.5 in listening, writing and speaking).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,368 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,300 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

Intake: 27 September 2027

Duration: Three to five years full-time; part-time available

Apply through the official page: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/How-to-Apply

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