MSc Development Studies

The MSc in Development Studies provides you with high-quality academic training in development studies, using contemporary theory in the social sciences to understand the processes, policy and practice of development.

No field in contemporary social science is more challenging and exciting than the study of development - the processes involved in overcoming poverty and creating healthy, wealthy and sustainable societies.

A full-unit core course in Development: History, Theory and Policy introduces you to the theories and historical experience of development, as well as cutting-edge policy debates. The course gives you a strong foundation to engage with the economic, political and social dimensions of development policy and practice. You will also choose from a wide range of optional courses within the School to deepen or broaden your disciplinary training, or take up the advanced study of a particular region of the developing world.

The programme brings together students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, and recent graduates have gone on to work in government, international development agencies and NGOs, as well as development consultancies and think tanks, or gone on to PhD study.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research, and therefore, employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as assistant professors, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ LSE Fellows, graduate teaching assistants, guest teachers and visiting members of staff.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is 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.

Careers

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.

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline, with social science or humanities an advantage.