MSc Development Studies

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

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.Graduate destinations: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.