Many people come to the LSE MPA from non-quantitative backgrounds like yours, so we are certainly not all economists (including myself). The program is quite focused on economics, but applied economics, so the required courses may not be quite as math heavy as you think. You won't be doing complex mathematics, but you do need to have an understanding of basic statistics and calculus. That said, a calculus class is a prerequisite to being accepted, so I would suggest you take that if you are serious. Most public policy/international development master's programs in the US also have prerequisites of one of each of the introductory economics courses, which would mean you would need to take a microeconomics course as well if you want to apply to those schools. A lot of programs, like the LSE MPA, will give you a conditional offer which means it is not a full offer until you complete the required prerequisite, so look into the requirements of programs to see whether you need to take the courses now or if you can wait until you've been accepted.
Whether or not you should apply to a one-year course (which certainly won't simple, just shorter and more qualitative) really depends on your experience prior to the master's, what you want to do with the degree and where you want to work. I think the skills gained in more well-rounded programs, like the MPA or other quantitative-qualitative policy programs like SAIS, SIPA, etc., give you the skills needed to work in development - most jobs require some quantitative skills, especially if you want to do field work, program management or research. I also think the two-year MPA competes better with US programs in the US job market than some of the one-year LSE qualitative degrees, but this is just my speculation.
As a suggestion to end on, contact admissions for programs you're interested in, because they will be able to tell you exactly what you would need to or should take. Hope this helps!
smirrah got a reaction from alchyna in LSE MPA