Program Overview

MSc Political Economy of Late Development

The MSc Political Economy of Late Development is a joint programme offered by the Department of Economic History and the Department of International Development. This programme provides students 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.

Introduction

The programme draws on the research expertise and practical experience of both departments, allowing students to pursue a high-quality programme that combines in-depth analysis of longer-run historical patterns of growth, explorations of concrete development problems, and policy responses to them. Students will also have the opportunity to take '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.

Programme Content

The 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.

Entry Requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science or humanities. Please select your country from the dropdown list to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

English Language Requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Research. Read more about our English language requirements.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £18,300
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,400
• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong.

Learning and Assessment

• Teaching: This course comprises lectures, seminars, essays, and examinations. Depending on the options selected, it may vary in respect of hours and word count.
• Academic support: You'll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

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. Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Government, Public Sector, and Policy
• Accounting and Auditing
• FMCG, Manufacturing, and Retail
• Real Estate, Environment, and Energy

Related Programmes

• MSc Economic History
• MSc Development Studies
• MSc Financial History
• MSc International Political Economy
• MSc International Social and Public Policy
• MSc Local Economic Development
• MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
• MSc Development Management (Political Economy)
• MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• MSc International Political Economy (Research)