Local Economic Development

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in social science (in the past mostly economics, development, sociology, geography, international relations and political science).

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MSc programme

Rapid technological change, an unprecedented drive towards globalisation of the world economy and the rapid expansion of world trade are among some of the changes affecting economic development today.

In this context, local and regional economies increasingly need new responses and demand specialist skills to exploit the opportunities these changes offer. The MSc Local Economic Development, accredited by the Institute for Economic Development (IED), prepares you to meet these challenges.

You will focus on the variety of ways in which local and regional agencies can work with the private sector in order to stimulate local economies. You will also develop an understanding of the local, national and international trends in business organisation and a knowledge of the variety of local agents involved. The programme emphasises management issues of local capacity building, attracting investment, network building, infrastructure and human resources, and focuses as well on the rationale and impact of regional and local development policies and on the role of institutions.

The programme is targeted at two groups of students: first, those who have recently finished a first degree in a relevant discipline and want to develop specific skills and an understanding of local and regional economic development; second, managers of local economic development institutions who want to widen and deepen their existing knowledge. The MSc is also an ideal starting point for a career in economic development research.

Department of Geography and Environment

We offer a unique opportunity to study Human Geography, Economic Geography and Environmental Social Science/Policy in a university with a worldwide reputation as a centre of academic excellence in the social sciences. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally. In 2022, the QS World University rankings rated us 2nd globally for Geography.

We are a medium-sized department with major specialities within the economic, development, urban, regional planning and environmental social science aspects of geography, all with a strong emphasis on application and policy issues.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.