MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

at London School of Economics

You will take three compulsory courses and complete a dissertation of up to 10,000 words. You will select courses from options in Anthropology, Development Studies, Gender, Government, International Relations, Management Philosophy and Social Policy.

(* denotes half unit)

Key Issues in Development Studies*
Provides an overview of the key issues and debates in international development.

International Development Consultancy Project*
Provides a practical experience of dealing with current policy issues and best practice in the fields of humanitarian assistance or international development by working on a live consultancy team project for a real client.

Managing Humanitarianism*
Covers key issues in the development and functioning of the UN and NGO elements of the humanitarian system as well as a disaster case study.

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 one and a half units from a range of options

Minimum entry requirements for MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

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 MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
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 secured promising professional careers in public, private and voluntary agencies dealing with development and humanitarian problems at both national and international levels.