MSc Political Economy of Late Development

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Drawing in the research expertise and practical experience of the Department of Economic History and the Department of International Development, this joint programme provides you with a unique opportunity to combine the study of the processes, policy and practice of contemporary development with the study of long-run global processes of growth and divergence.How societies overcome poverty to create healthy, wealthy and sustainable societies - and why some persistently fail to achieve this - are common questions in Development Studies and Economic History. By combining courses from both fields, you'll pursue a high quality programme that combines the in-depth analysis of longer-run historical patterns of growth, explorations of concrete development problems - and policy responses to them, and 'regional' courses that draw on theory and empirical evidence to appraise long and short-run development processes and outcomes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.The programme brings together the analysis of long-run growth with modern approaches to development policy and practice. The full-unit core course in Development introduces you to the theories and historical experience of development, as well as cutting-edge policy debates. The core couse in Economic History gives you a rigorous exposure to core issues involved in analysing long-run historical change. You'll choose from a wide range of elective courses in both departments, allowing you to compile a programme according to your interests and goals, and will write a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.The programme brings together students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. It's relevant for students planning a career in development work, including international and national agencies and NGOs, as well as international business. The programme also provides a good foundation for doctoral level social science research and careers in the media.Graduate destinations:The programme is primarily intended for students planning a career in development work, and provides a good foundation for social science research in development.