MSc Development Studies

at London School of Economics

You will take Development: History, Theory and Policy, Research Design and Dissertation in Development Studies and Research Themes in International Development, and complete a 10,000-word dissertation. You will also select courses from options in Anthropology, Economic History, Gender Institute, Geography and Environment, Government, International Relations, Law, International Development, and Social Policy.

Development: History, Theory and Policy
Covers the theories and historical experience of development, as well as the cutting-edge policy debates and development practice of the present. The course provides you with a strong foundation to engage with the economic, political and social dimensions of development policy and practice.

Research Design and Dissertation in International Development
Combines a dissertation (an independent research project of 10,000 words, on an approved topic of your choice) with supporting lectures on research methods and the use of research in development practice.

Cutting Edge Issues in Development Thinking and Practice (unassessed)
This non-assessed course introduces students to the practical world of development which will facilitate their career paths and prepare them for the consultancy project, and introduce students to the interface between policy practice and development academia.

Fundamentals of Research Design (unassessed)
Introduces MSc students in the Department of International Development to theoretical and practical foundations of social science research design.

Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Development Studies

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

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2022/23 for Development Studies
Home students: £15,816
Overseas students: £24,456

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of International Development
Median salary of our PG students six months after graduating: £30,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Public administration and defence
• Social work activities
• Extraterritorial organisations
• Management consultancy activities
• Scientific research and development

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2017-18 were the first group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling.

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.