MS (Business and Public Policy)

Overview

The Master of Science in Business and Public Policy combines diverse aspects of business and public policy. The Programme will equip you with knowledge, understanding and experience relating to the management of modern public organizations. It will expose you to the role of government in public policy decision making and the advancement of business and economic activity. The Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme uses tools and insights from management, economics and policy fundamentals to analyze a range of relevant issues at the cross-over between commerce and policy. Special emphasis is given to how the government interfaces with the economy and wider society covering areas such as business and economic growth, industrial stability, infrastructure analysis, digitization and commercial regulation among others.  The Master of Science in Business and Public Policy degree integrates concepts and practices to enhance skills that enable proactive and strategic responses to business, economic, and social needs. It aims to provide business understanding tied to leadership-based knowledge in public policy to open up engaged careers in public sector spaces, chambers of commerce, consulting firms, policy communication and government relation divisions within private enterprises, and non-governmental and civil society organizations.

Structure

The Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme requires 1.5 years to complete 33 credit hours. The first semester of the Programme encompasses four required business courses within a structured core curriculum. The second semester courses enable you to achieve the specialist expertise of your selected Master degree (Business and Public Policy or Healthcare Management and Innovation or Technology Management and Entrepreneurship).  After the second semester, students also take an Applied Data Analysis course in the Summer to complete 27 credits hours. Following the regular coursework, students will engage in a field project in the third semester counting for six credit hours. There will also be a non-examined course which will feature distinguished practitioners from industry, government, start-ups among other associations to expose students to applied business issues and to enhance their networks. In summary, Master of Science in Business & Public Policy Programme requires:

  • Core Courses: Five Courses / 15 Credit Hours
  • MS Specialization Courses: Four Courses / 12 Credit Hours
  • Field Thesis: 6 credit hours
  • Total: 33 Credit Hours
  • Duration: 1.5 years
  • Teaching System: Semester Based

FIRST SEMESTER: Core Courses

Four business core courses of three credit hours each are taken by all Master of Science in Business and Public Policy students in the first semester:

  • Business Economics    
  • Organizations and Leadership  
  • Financial Management and Accounting 
  • Marketing Management  

SECOND SEMESTER: Specialization Courses

The Programme comprises four courses of three credit hours each to provide the concentration you desire.  The specific courses of Master of Science in Business and Public Policy are as follows:

  • Policy Design and Delivery  
  • Business and Government Relations 
  • Firms, Markets and Public Policy 
  • Policy Analysis and Communication

SUMMER: Core Course

After two semesters of study, the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy students take a three-credit course in Applied Data Analysis in the summer.

THIRD SEMESTER: Field Thesis

In the last semester of studies for the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy degree, all students undertake a practical field project carrying 6 credit hours. The project is linked to a real-life client during the third semester where a final report and presentation to the client is made.  Students will benefit from work exposure and extensive networking opportunities.
Students will select an organization with the assistance of the academic coordinator. Organizations can either be private or public. Some students may be placed in local community or tech community contexts dealing with policy analysis as well as business and trade associations. In consultation with the academic coordinator and the main point of contact at the selected organization, students will identify a project that makes a useful contribution to the organization. Students will be required to submit a final report as a field thesis summarizing the task and findings/recommendations. The purpose of the field thesis is to document the work carried out as part of the field project. The exact requirements of the report will be determined by the academic coordinator and the student and will vary from organization to organization.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Programme. Meeting this criteria does not guarantee admission to the Programme.

Applicants are selected for admission to LUMS Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme based on the following factors:

1. Academic Background;
2. Performance in the Admission Test;
3. Statement of Purpose;
4. Two Recommendation Letters;
5. Completed and submitted application form and supporting documents by the stipulated deadline;
6. Interview (if called)

 

Academic Requirements for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of sixteen (16) years of education leading to a Master's or Bachelor's* degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline including Business, Management and Commerce.  A student with non-business background may be required to take pre-requisite courses to be determined by the LUMS Admissions Committee depending on the academic background of the applicant. Options to do this will be given to accepted applicants requiring pre-requisite courses. Prior university studies must be from a university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.

* Candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree of less than four years’ duration will be required to produce an equivalence certificate of 16 years of education issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.

Note:

  • Applicants completing their last degree by May 15, 2020 are also eligible to apply.

ADMISSION TEST REQUIREMENT FOR FALL 2020 ADMISSIONS

Applicants are required to take Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or NTS GAT (General) in order to be considered for admission.

GRE (General)/ GMAT are offered as computer adaptive tests worldwide. Apart from official test scores that LUMS will require directly from Pearson or Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA, applicants must submit or mail a copy of the unofficial GRE (General)/GMAT scores as soon as possible after taking the test. The LUMS code for receiving GRE (General)/ GMAT scores from Pearson and ETS is 0679.

We are aware that the current COVID-19 crisis poses difficulties for applicants to submit test scores as test centres are non-operational for the time being. Under the circumstances, you can apply to SDSB MS (Business and Public Policy) Programme without test scores being submitted (if you haven’t taken the test yet). You may then be asked to appear for an interview followed by a conditional acceptance if you are successful. The condition will require obtaining a minimum test score. Once, test centres are functioning, you will need to sit for the test and attain the minimum test score required by the university.

For further details on GRE (General), GMAT and NTS GAT (General), please log on to www.ets.org, www.mba.com and nts.org.pk respectively.

NOTE:

  • GRE (General)/GMAT taken more than five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.
  • NTS GAT (General) taken more than 2 years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid. A minimum of 50 percent in GAT (General) is a requirement for admission.
  • If the applicant has taken more than one test, the best score will be considered for application evaluation.
  • For equivalency check from GRE (General) to GMAT please visit the following link https://www.ets.org/s/gre/flash/bschool/comparison/17302/170/index.html.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIREMENT FOR FALL 2020 ADMISSIONS

Applicants must submit complete online application form on or before May 28, 2020; 5:00 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

The deadline to submit all supporting documents along with the proof of payment of Admission Application Processing Fee in ONE Package is May 29, 2020.

APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE

  • The application processing fee of Rs. 5,900
  • The application processing fee of $81 for International applicants.

PAYMENT PROCEDURE

After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher.

PROOF OF PAYMENT

A stamped copy of the payment voucher or a confirmation email of an online banking transaction constitutes proof of payment. Applicants are required to send a copy of payment proof along with all other required supporting documents as ONE package on or before the stipulated deadline. Applicants must print and paste the “Mailing label” on the envelope before sending it to the LUMS Office of Admissions. Applications or documents received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Recommendation letters should indicate applicant’s academic performance, commitment to excellence and their strong aptitude for business education. These can be from professional as well as academic referees.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Students registered for the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy will particularly benefit from work experience of one year or more in the relevant field because of the nature of the degree contents and this will give them a possible edge in gaining admission. However, experience is not essential for admission to the Programme.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

You will be asked to submit a writing sample in the form of a statement of purpose. It should identify in clear terms why you think you are suited to the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme. You should state how registration in the degree will enable you to achieve your career goals. For instance, you may be an employee in a government department looking to hone your business and policy knowledge and therefore be applying for the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy. This would then explain your interest in studying for the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy. Your personal statement should present clearly and effectively your reasons for wishing to undertake the particular Master of Science Programme.

INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE

A merit ranking of candidates shortlisted for interviews will be created based on academic performance, personal statement, letters of recommendation, test scores and work experience (if any) of the applicants. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interviews. An offer of admission cannot be made without an interview.

FAQs

There is no CGPA requirement, minimum 16 years of education is compulsory for applying in Master of Science in Business and Public Policy.

Yes. We do not exclude candidates who have a Master of Business or any other graduate degree.

Yes, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or NTS GAT (General) score is required for admission to the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme.

There is no minimum required score in GMAT or GRE (General), however, a minimum of 50 percent in GAT (General) is a requirement for admission.

GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid. However, the NTS GAT (General) is valid for two years.

There is no preference in taking GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General).

After the successful submission of the online application form you will be able to print a system generated Application Processing payment voucher. Please print the voucher for making payments at Allied Bank Branches throughout Pakistan. The voucher can be paid:

No, there is no age restriction for admission to the Master of Science in Business and Public Policy Programme.

An applicant need to furnish the recommendation letters on LUMS format only available in online admission application in recommendation letter section.

Transfer of credits from another Programme to the LUMS Master of Business Programme is not allowed. All admitted students regardless of having an advanced degree will begin the Programme as a first year student.

A student with non-business background may be required to take pre-requisite courses to be determined by the LUMS Admissions Committee depending on the academic background of the applicant.   Options to do this will be given to accepted applicants requiring pre-requisite courses.

You can send in your GMAT/GRE un-official score report along with your supporting documents.

1. Application for admission to the LUMS Master of Business Programme is an online process (there is no paper based application to fill out or mail).
2. After creating an account and accessing the online admission application you may then begin to complete your application.
3. You can work on your application at any time and submit it when it is ready. Please note that we expect applicants to adhere to the deadlines stated on the LUMS website.
4. You can "track" the receipt of supporting documents submitted.
5. The earlier you submit your application the sooner you can learn about the receipt of these materials. After submission you may print a copy for your own use.

The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive; it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

You need to send us your supporting documents on or before deadline, it might take a day or so in reaching LUMS that will be acceptable for us.

LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for International students.

The Master of Science degrees are specialised programmes requiring 33 credits to complete whereas the general management MBA degree is a 66 credit programme.  Whilst the MBA takes two years and is built primarily on case method teaching providing a generalist orientation to tackling real-world business challenges, the blended learning-based Master of Science degrees can be completed in one year and you can begin to operate within an organisation whilst working on the field thesis during the third semester of the programme (totalling 1.5 years to complete the degree).  The organisation where you do your field project may well be your longer term employer.  The Master of Science degrees each cover core fundamental business courses over the first semester after which you specialise in your chosen area in the second semester.  By contrast, the MBA is broader in scope offering many course options.  MBA graduates can opt to enter any industry of choice after graduation whereas Master of Science graduates will most likely have decided on the industry sector they want to join before applying to LUMS.  So, what really matters to be admitted to any of the three Master of Science programmes are your reasons for wanting to specialise and why you want to work in the industry you have chosen.

Fees

Fee Structure for FY 2020-21

Particulars

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

 

PKR

PKR

Admission Fee (One Time Charge)

96,900

-

Tuition Fee

481,350

481,350

Semester Registration Fee

28,200

28,200

Reading Material 

22,200

22,200

General Security (Refundable - One Time Charge)

34,400

-

Total Fee

663,050

531,750


Hostel Fee

Particulars

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

 

PKR

PKR

Hostel Fee (double occupancy)

45,000

45,000

Hostel Fee (triple occupancy)

30,000

30,000

 

Important Points

  • The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 1.5 Year MS Business and Public Policy programme.
  • Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
  • Through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 by Finance Act 2013, advance tax (under section 236 I) shall be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee (if Student Payable exceeds PKR 200,000 per annum excluding the amount refundable).
  • Advance tax paid on fee is adjustable at the time of filing of Income tax return. LUMS will issue Advance Tax Certificate in this regard at year-end.
  • University fees are usually announced once each year, for the following academic year. However, tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.


Refund Policy

To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

We are here to help and guide you through the admissions process during this time. You can continue to monitor this page for admissions related updates. Our campus is also providing general updates and resources as needed. 

Our Campus is closed, but we're still here to help

Due to the country’s stay at home directive, LUMS campus is closed and no longer offering in-person visits. However, we're still working and available to answer your admission related questions! Feel free to email us at admissions@lums.edu.pk or contact us through Live web chat (Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST).

Unfortunately, a few of our processes are unable to be done remotely. These are detailed below.

Submitting your supporting documents

All available documents can be submitted online through the LUMS Online Admission system. In case, few documents are not available/missing then applicants can seek help/extension by writing to the Admissions Office at admissions@lums.edu.pk.

Acknowledgement for documents receiving

We may not be able to accept postal mail or courier packages at this moment. If you had documents sent through such means recently, you will receive a system generated acknowledgement email of your submitted documents within two weeks’ time. If need be, Admissions staff will also contact you for the completion of supporting documents.

Recommendation/ Work Experience Letter Submission

If referees can send recommendation letters by email, they can email them directly to admissions@lums.edu.pk. If this cannot be done, please provide only names and contact details of referees and we will approach them directly, if the need arises.

Please feel free to contact admissions@lums.edu.pk, if further information is needed.

Wishing you health and safety!