r/LSE • u/anonboxis • Oct 15 '24
Here is the personal statement that successfully got me in LSE's European and International Public Policy MSc:
As a multicultural individual in search of my own cultural identity, two novel revolutionary ideas which emerged after the second world war shaped my identity and world view: the European project, and the digital revolution. These two ideas permitted me to develop an identity that transcends national borders. I have had a fascination for these two ideas since childhood as I am confident that they will both be central to this millennium in the international system. The European Union has been a pioneer of digital legislation and will continue to have a major international impact. Therefore, my goal is to be involved in the decision-making process of EU digital policy at the highest, most impactful level. Joining the master’s programme in European and International Public Policy at LSE is an integral part of my academic and professional journey. I can say with certainty that this programme will help me master policy-analysis skills and develop a knowledge of EU politics which will guide my academic and professional success.
My interest in studying EU politics in an academic setting was emboldened in 2019 thanks to the great experience I had during the LSE’s summer course “What kind of Europe” (IR270) with [[LSE TEACHER]] whom I hope will be my teacher once again during the “Policy-Making in the European Union” unit (EU421). After learning the fundamentals of IR theory, and international political economy, I am spending my last year at Birkbeck focusing entirely on EU politics. I am particularly interested in applying and adapting Putnam’s two-level game theory to the internal power and negotiation dynamic within the European Council. I have been inspired by my teacher, [[BIRKBECK TEACHER]] who developed the concept of two-level legitimacy to explain the turn to referenda by EU member states as a result of the complexity of legitimacy in the EU. I hope to develop the idea that these seemingly unresolved legitimacy issues may result in the growing influence of non-state actors over the EU’s policymaking process using EU digital policy as a case study, particularly the Digital Services Act. These are some of the questions I am working on at Birkbeck and hope to further explore during my time at LSE.
The leading role the European Institute has in EU affairs along with my added respect for the quality of teaching which I have experienced first-hand during my time on the summer course has made joining this institution my primary goal. I am confident that the knowledge I acquired at Birkbeck of the main theories of European integration, the modes of EU policymaking and my fascination for the more recent historical institutionalist approach will enrich seminar discussions and will aid me to deliver written work of high academic standing. Having spoken to multiple students who were on the EIPP programme only fuelled my excitement to join it. Drawing from the knowledge I will acquire from other units in the programme, I hope to take the Applied Policy Project (EU495), where, if given the choice, I will focus on a problem surrounding recent EU digital policy issues, particularly on disagreements regarding the legislative definition of a gatekeeper.
I also plan to learn python to complement my research at LSE and for my professional career. I strongly believe that those in political science who understand and master even the basics of data science have a large competitive edge. This was clear to me after writing extensively on Pitkin’s and Mansbridge’s theories of representation at Birkbeck where coding could have radically advanced my quantitative research ability. Also, as a contributor of Wikipedia and Wikidata on the topic of EU digital policy and politics more widely, I have seen how the ability to manipulate large databases is an invaluable skill in social science.
Blending my studies with volunteering experience and relevant projects has helped me gain knowledge and skills which has guided my professional and academic direction. It has made it clear that to achieve my ambition, at this stage, the path forward for me is to commit myself fully to a master’s programme which will push my European policy-making knowledge further. My plan after completing my degree is to have a role which will consist of monitoring, analysing, and influencing EU digital policy. I aim to work in EU public affairs in a technology company or trade association. I was first exposed to public affairs when I campaigned for expatriate voting rights through a House of Commons petition I submitted calling for the introduction of overseas constituencies. This was when I first realised that I had a natural ease with many of the responsibilities necessary for public affairs, most notably: identifying and collaborating with key stakeholders, developing strategies to push legislative agendas forward, and gathering support from MPs and MEPs. This experience has fed my curiosity to understand the policy-making process in greater detail which is why the EIPP programme is perfectly suited to my academic interest and future ambition.
After moving to the UK for my studies in 2018 and experiencing the loss of my father, I discovered the importance of building a strong network of students for mutual support. This led me to take a more formal student leadership role as the President of the Birkbeck Politics Society. This role put me at the centre of students’ academic and social political debate which I encouraged through social events and talks throughout the year. I was able to build a team of volunteers and we successfully quadrupled the membership numbers of the society. Building this network to support students was an important step for me to develop the leadership and networking skills I need to succeed. At LSE, my plan is also to contribute to the well-being of classmates as I believe that for my whole class to achieve academic excellence, a healthy and positive study environment is required. I hope this will lead to additional discussions outside the classroom on the material we learned to further challenge ourselves academically.
Having been educated at the École Jeannine Manuel international school in Paris, I highly value studying and working in multicultural and multilingual environments. This is also why working in and with European and international political actors is a natural fit for me. After my time at LSE, I wish to further pursue my studies in this multicultural environment at the College of Europe. I consider myself lucky to hold four nationalities: British, French, Belgian, and Lebanese, and to be fluent in French and English. Having been taught Mandarin and Italian at school, plus being exposed to Arabic through my family has also enhanced my ability to effectively collaborate with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
I hope to be given the privilege to master my knowledge of European policymaking and to develop advanced research skills at this leading institution. My goal at LSE will be to make highly valuable contributions as a member of the student body, through contributions in my written academic work, seminar discussions, and through the support I will give fellow students. This will be an important part of my journey to make an impact in the field of EU digital policy.
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me or write a comment!
r/LSE • u/ConversationHonest18 • 4h ago
Hello, international student here,
If anyone has or is currently enrolled in this program, could you tell me how you’re finding the program as a whole? More specifically regarding employment opportunities and the curriculum, and if you find the program worth the money.
Thank you in advance
r/LSE • u/Interesting-Driver26 • 2h ago
this may sound dumb but I got my teacher to fill out the extenuating circumstance form but she told me that (after filling it out) LSE does not look at the extenuating circumstances for GCSEs and they will ignore the form because of it - is this true? I have emailed LSE and they said that they have received my EC Form and its been attached to my application and that if they want more information they will ask for it. Also in the teacher reference my teacher did not have enough space to mention the specific time off that I had off due to my extenuating circumstances
r/LSE • u/mmatteof • 15h ago
Guys, I applied on the 12th of October for 2027/2028 intake, and got rejected today. Applied for MSc Finance
I read that decisions arrive for January, how is this possible?
I have a bachelor with maximum grade, a 3.95 GPA on a MSc and 95th percentile GMAT and work experience.
Did something strange happened with my application? Should I ask for a review or something ?
Please help , I am literally without words for this Decision
r/LSE • u/Sea-Text1310 • 20h ago
Hi everyone! I’m hoping to study Management or a related business degree at LSE, UCL, or Warwick, with Oxford as a possible reach.
Since my high school diploma doesn’t qualify me for direct entry, I need to take a foundation year starting in January 2027.
I’m considering Queen Mary’s FdCert FT International Foundation Year in Business and Management (January Start), but I’m unsure whether it’s a good pathway to my target universities or if I should consider other providers.
Has anyone had experience with this programme or know which January-start foundation years are best for applying to LSE, UCL, or Warwick?
I’d really appreciate any advice!
r/LSE • u/UpbeatMachine152 • 1d ago
I got 9,9,8,8,8,8,8,4 in IGCSE 9 for econ and maths 8 for f.m, english language and 3 science (4 in Chinese) and
AAAB at AS in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Physics in order. I’m predicted 4A*s at A-level.
I’ve also done a summer internship, qualified for the global round of CEFC, and will hopefully get Gold or above in the SMC.
I think my personal statement is quite decent and I’m expecting a good teacher reference.
Do you think I have a realistic chance of being considered?
I’m worried because of my poor Igcse grades..😭
r/LSE • u/Logical-Bowler-7871 • 1d ago
My GCSEs are 99998888776 (with extenuating circumstances), as well as A*A*A* predicted. I am considering applying to philosophy and econ but would my GCSEs let me down? The offer rate is also really low. Did anyone get in with similar GCSEs?
r/LSE • u/Curious_Zen07 • 1d ago
I've a masters in physics from a tier 1 institute in India with a cgpa of 8/10. Graduated 4 months ago.
GMAT - 655 (Q90, D83, V78)
I do have 2 internships under my belt (ISRO etc) but they are specifically in astrophysics. I was the design coordinator for a national level club and handled distribution of over a 1000 units of merches. Volunteered for many design clubs in my college, took up a teaching role in my second year as well for an online coaching institute, volunteered for some national science conferences as well. Have some certifications in finance and accounting as well. Coursework is quite physics and maths heavy.
How does it go for mim at LSE ?
r/LSE • u/Emotional_Pop6182 • 2d ago
Hii guys!!! I am a 12th CBSE Indian student with 6 subjects and predicted:
Economics 95
entrepreneurship 95
Maths 90
Business studies 95
English 92
Accounts 90
I think I have a strong PS which integrates different subjects and aspects like accounting, finance, Maths, and economics, and a fairly good LOR so do I have a shot? I’m really confused if I should really use one of my spot of UCAS and apply to LSE
r/LSE • u/Katiaonthehill • 2d ago
Hi everyone,
As many here know, David Graeber was a massive part of the LSE community, serving as a Professor of Anthropology up until his sudden passing in 2020.
To honour his memory, a community-led initiative is collecting reflections from people who were touched by his work or knew him during his time at the university.
Please drop your thoughts, memories, reflections, or favourite quotes in the comments below. We'd like to write these down onto physical sticky notes to feature on a collaborative "memory board" installation at the upcoming Carnival4David, which takes place this Halloween (31 October) in London.
This year’s theme explores David's concept of "Poetic Technologies"—the idea that rational systems should serve human imagination and creativity; bureaucracy in service of imagination, not the other way around. We're particularly interested to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you watched David's famous debate with Peter Thiel, titled "Where Did the Future Go?" They both famously agreed that while information technology has boomed, the wild, "Space Age" futures we were promised have largely stagnated. What do you think about the relationship between technology, bureaucracy and creativity?
You can read more about the project and find event details in the Museum of Care Carnival4David room
Campus Volunteers: if any current students or staff members are willing to help us drop off a few informational leaflets on campus, please drop me a DM!
r/LSE • u/Ok_Fishing_5465 • 2d ago
Hi, I’m applying to MSc Accounting & Finance for 2027 entry. I got a 64% in my second year of Warwick economics. Got a 655 on my gmat. Do I have a chance? What else can I do to increase my odds?
r/LSE • u/Ok-Degree-4498 • 2d ago
Which would you advise me to apply for ( I will taylor my PS to whichever I choose)
r/LSE • u/Effective-Ad-6852 • 2d ago
Hi everyone, looking for some honest opinions on my profile for:
Currently studying maths at a non-target Russell Group university, averaging a first so far. Experience includes a summer internship in investment banking at a bulge bracket and a year-long placement in insurance as part of my degree.
Would this be a competitive profile for these courses? Interested to hear from anyone who applied with a similar background.
Thanks!
r/LSE • u/Mountain-Charge-1000 • 2d ago
Possible incoming General course student interested in taking LN 104. Was wondering how intense it was and if it would be manageable with other courses
r/LSE • u/Zealousideal_Slip842 • 2d ago
Hi, I'm an offer holder for LSE Maths with Economics starting in September 2027.
I'm wondering how realistic it would be to live abroad during my final year, or potentially my final two years, while still completing the degree normally.
I'd be happy to travel to London for exams and any compulsory in-person teaching.
For anyone on this course:
How much teaching actually requires you to be on campus?
Are lectures recorded, and is the material manageable through independent study?
Does anyone know if LSE would ever allow an arrangement like this?
Would really appreciate any advice or honest opinions on whether this is feasible. Thanks!
Edit: and if they wont let do you think ots possible to get away with it
r/LSE • u/SeaFaithlessness4337 • 2d ago
I’m a resit student. Would it be worth applying to LSE for bsc philosophy and econ. I don’t have any extenuating circumstances so I’m unsure
r/LSE • u/Ok_Phrase_1487 • 2d ago
Would I be able to get accepted into BSc Accounting & Finance with 3A's in AS and predicted 3A*s in Bio, Chem and Math and I had 5A* 1A in IGCSE. I haven't started writing my PS till now, but suppose I have one and I also have a few recommendation letters. Also is there a chance to get any scholarships as a south asian with these grades or financial-aid🙏 Thank you!!!
r/LSE • u/Unhappy-Adagio7529 • 3d ago
Would I be competitive for LSE BSc Economic History with 3 A star predicted in Bio Chem Econ
I originally wanted to to medicine, hence the a levels l
r/LSE • u/JAMAIS_VU3 • 3d ago
hello everyone, im planning to apply for the MSc ISPP course at LSE, and it would be great if someone who got accepted into that programme could provide me with some feedback on my LOR, especially considering the application fee is not exactly cheap and i don't have anyone around who can check it for me. your help would be highly appreciated. thank you!
r/LSE • u/TheUnsungPatrick • 3d ago
I'm an LSE alum who was originally in international relations but is now thinking about making the transition to business and possibly finance. Is the MBA Essentials Course good for this goal?
r/LSE • u/Fancy-Patient-7989 • 4d ago
Don’t gatekeep. Tell me the best study spots apart from the main LSE Library!
r/LSE • u/Warm-Discipline1310 • 3d ago
6 9s 4 8s gcse
Chances ?
r/LSE • u/WrapPuzzleheaded3257 • 3d ago
Hi everyone, I’m currently in Year 13 and planning to apply for Economics & Mathematics (or the closest equivalent course) at LSE, UCL, Warwick, Bath and King’s College London.
My current predicted grades are A* in Maths, A* in Further Maths and A in Economics (A, A star , A star), and my GCSE grades were four 9s, four 8s and two 7s. I’m worried that having an A rather than an A* in Economics could put me at a disadvantage, particularly because these courses are so competitive and I know lots of applicants will have three or four A*s.
I’d really appreciate honest advice on my realistic chances at these universities with AAA predicted, particularly from people who have applied to these courses or received offers recently. How much of a disadvantage would the A in Economics be? How important is the TMUA in comparison, and could a strong TMUA score help make my application competitive? Would you recommend keeping these five choices, or changing any of them?
I’m not looking for reassurance for the sake of it — I’d genuinely appreciate realistic opinions and, especially, experiences from applicants with similar predicted grades. Thank you!
r/LSE • u/Fearless-Instance147 • 4d ago
Predicted 3A* in Maths, Psychology, Business
IGCSEs: 9999999A*A*A* (A* because CIE awards in letters)
LNAT: Unknown
I reckon my personal statement is quite strong, as is my reference.
International, non-contextual.