MSc Development Studies

The MSc in Development Studies deploys an interdisciplinary approach to understand the problems and possibilities facing societies and states in the developing world and examines the forces shaping structural inequalities and varied development trajectories. The programme fosters critical thinking and engagement with perspectives of Southern as well as Northern scholars, generating grounded and innovative policy thinking.

We ask how history and power relations have shaped different patterns of development between North and South, and within the South. What fosters successful agricultural and industrial transformation? Why do some countries fall into violent conflict and others survive in peace?

The MSc in Development Studies interrogates dominant thinking in the policy community and equips you with insights into contemporary challenges of poverty, inequality, and environmental crisis. We examine the global as well as national forces shaping production, trade and governance.

You can choose from a wide range of optional courses and design your own research project to tailor your studies to meet your own interests and aspirations. The core course provides you with a coherent overview of the evolution of thinking and experience in development that allows you to make sense of your optional courses.

Graduates of the programme have gone on to work in international organisations like the World Bank, the IMF and the United Nations. They have joined non-governmental and government organisations, and consultancy and private sector firms. Many have gone on to PhD research or worked for development think-tanks.

Students who choose to concentrate their electives and dissertation in a certain topic area may elect to have a specialism in "African Development”, "Applied Development Economics", “Environment” or “Population Studies” attached to their degree certificate and transcripts. To obtain the specialism indication, students must meet the criteria below.

African Development: students must take African Development (DV418) and African Political Economy (DV435). Further to this, their dissertation topic must be approved as being appropriate for this specialism.

Applied Development Economics: students must take Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy (DV494) and two courses from the following: Economic Development Policy I (DV490); Economic Development Policy II (DV491); Economic Development Policy III (DV492). Please note there is limited availability for this specialism.

Environment: students must take two courses from the following: Population, Development and Environment: an Analytical Approach (DV411); Environmental Problems and Development Interventions (DV413); Global Environmental Governance (DV415). Further to this, their dissertation topic must be approved as being appropriate with the stream convenor.

Population Studies: students must take two courses from the following: Global Health Challenges: Epidemics, Disease, and Public Health Response (DV444); Population Analysis: Methods and Models (MY476); and Population, Development and Environment: an Analytical Approach (DV411). Further to this, their dissertation topic must be approved as being appropriate for this specialism.

If no such election is made, the degree certificate will state “Development Studies” without further specification.

Formed in 1990, our department provides a focus for postgraduate teaching and research on the processes of social, political and economic development and change.

We’re proud of LSE’s reputation as one of the top universities in the world for development studies. Our academics and researchers explore the causes of poverty, social exclusion, economic stagnation, humanitarian crises and human security. We look at why and how some late developing countries have succeeded in overcoming these problems while others have not or have seen their progress derailed by disasters and conflicts.

Currently, we offer six taught MSc programmes and a stimulating research programme – with research projects across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Teaching staff, who have considerable experience living and working in the developing world, engage in policy-relevant research and consultancy with international development agencies and non-government organisations. Research within the department spans several broad themes.

Our study programmes attract talented students from all over the world. Graduates find rewarding careers in a wide variety of government, non-government, UN, academic and private-sector organisations.

Department of International Development

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams to name a few. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Recent graduates have gained employment in government, international development agencies, international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international and local private firms, development consultancies and think-tanks, or have gone on to obtain PhDs in development studies or other social science disciplines.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.