Columbia University (New York)


Columbia University was founded in 1754 and is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York. With over 28,000 students, it is also one of the most prestigious universities in North America.

Columbia Univesrity 800x450LSE and Columbia University are natural partners: both are located in world cities; both have an international character and outlook in their research and teaching and in their student and staff populations; and both are involved in the local and international arenas.

As top-class institutions, LSE and Columbia have a deep-rooted commitment to research and teaching in broad international policy areas with a notion that society can be improved by studying its problems and training its policy makers. We believe that in working together we can create highly distinctive research and teaching programmes.

Collaboration between LSE and Columbia has developed over the past 15 years, and includes a number of various activities. To learn about our sustained engagement with Columbia University, have a read through the various sections below.

Opportunities for Law students

The LLB/JD scheme combines two years of study on LSE's Bachelor of Law (LLB) with two years of study on Columbia's Juris Doctor (JD). Students who have commenced their studies at LSE's Law Department on the LLM degree can apply to study at Columbia Law School for two further years in New York in lieu of studying for a third year in London.

The JD/LLM exchange scheme combines two years of study on Columbia's Juris Doctor (JD) with LSE's Masters of Law (LLM). Students who have commenced their studies at Columbia Law School can apply to study at LSE's Law School on the LLM degree in London in lieu of studying for a third year in New York.

Dual Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is an interdisciplinary two-year degree covering the broad field of public policy and administration in a global context. Students who complete the dual degree receive a degree from both institutions that they attend. Read this page for an overview of the programme. 

Double Degree in International and Global History 

The Department of International History at LSE offers a double degree in International and World History with Columbia University. If you think you might be interested in doing comparative and connective work across space and time, then have a look at the detailed programme pages and check the structure, courses and application requirement here.  

NEW: Double Degree in European Politics, Conflict and Culture

The European Institute and Columbia will offer from September 2023 this new degree in European Politics, Conflict and Culture, leading to the MA in European History, Politics, and Society from Columbia and the MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe from 

Follow this link to see how and when to apply and the detailed requirements.

Lecture Series and Collaborative Research Initiatives

LSE regularly hosts talks by Columbia faculty, including for example: Prof Alondra Nelson who discussed her book The Social Life of DNA in October 2017.

The Social Life of DNA, Alondra Nelson The Social Life of DNA, Alondra Nelson