MSc Political Economy of Late Development at London School of Economics and Political Science

Combine the study of the processes, policy and practice of contemporary development with the study of long-run global processes of growth and divergence. 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.

Department: Department of Economic History  |  Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time  |  Study mode: full-time/part-time  |  Intake: 27 September 2027  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

This programme consists of two compulsory units, a dissertation, and optional courses to the value of two full units (if you elect to do the half-unit dissertation) or one and a half units (if you elect to do the full-unit dissertation) selected from the prescribed list. The compulsory elements are Development: Theory, History and Policy and Theories, Paths and Patterns of Late Development, to which the dissertation is linked. Compulsory and core courses include Historical Analysis of Economic Change, Development: History, Theory and Policy.

Career pathways

The programme is primarily intended for students planning a career in development work, and provides a good foundation for social science research in development. This data is drawn from the latest 2023/24 Graduate Outcomes Survey, conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Official programme page