MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development at London School of Economics and Political Science

Programme overview

The programme aims to provide a rigorous, research-based approach to the social scientific study of environmental change and development. This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of scholarly publication and which makes an original contribution to the social scientific study of environmental change and development. You'll begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

Department: Department of Geography and Environment | Duration: Three to four years, minimum two years full-time; part-time available | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: 27 September 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

As part of your PhD training, you'll take a range of compulsory and optional courses. Specifically, you'll take core courses in human geography, economic geography, environmental economics or environmental policy (depending on your programme) as well as relevant specialist MSc-level courses to take you to the leading edge of your chosen discipline and topic. Compulsory and core courses include Staff / Research Students Seminars, Doctoral Research and Professional Development.

Career pathways

The PhD in Environmental Policy and Development provides students with the knowledge and skill to be competitive in both private and public sector employment. Previous doctoral students have found employment in academic and research institutions, as well as in international organisations, the environmental consultancy sector, and high-profile positions in governmental institutions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The programme is offered in the following formats: Either the standalone MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development (+3 route) Or combined with the MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation / MSc Environment and Development progressing onto the MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development (1+3 route) + 3 Route: MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development (2-4 years) The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in dissertation, in a related discipline. 1+3 Route: MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation/MSc Environment and Development (1 year) + MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development (2-4 years) The 1+3 pathway – suitable if you don't hold a relevant postgraduate degree – is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in a related subject. (See entrance requirement for the relevant MSc Programme). The 1+3 Combined PhD Programme is only available as part of an ESRC Funded pathway. English language requirement: Research (IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in reading and writing and 6.5 in listening and speaking).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,368 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,300 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

Intake: 27 September 2027

Duration: Three to four years, minimum two years full-time; part-time available

Apply through the official page: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/How-to-Apply

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