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MSc Local Economic Development

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

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Home/United Kingdom/London /London School of Economics and Political Science/MSc Local Economic Development

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

L1S2

Campuses

Houghton Street

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines28-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,400 / year

Next Intake 28-Sep-2026

MSc Local Economic Development

About

Introduction

Technological change, shifting patterns of global trade, and geopolitical tensions are leading to rapid changes in the world economy. Yet these global changes are felt very differently in local, urban and regional economies across the advanced, emerging, and developing world.

In this context, economic development increasingly requires new responses, and demands 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.

What you’ll learn

Based on the latest academic evidence and theory, you’ll develop an understanding of:

How global economic change is influencing local economies
How the private and public sector can work together to achieve change
How strategies for development can best be designed and delivered
The implications of urbanisation, how FDI and global value chains shape economic development
Strategies for inclusive growth

Academic excellence

Our programme is academically rigorous and taught by one of the world’s leading research groups on sub-national economic development. The faculty includes five members listed among the top 2% of cited researchers globally, and multiple award winners, including the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) prize and the Royal Geographical Society’s Gold Medal.

Practical focus

We emphasise policy and practice through interactive lectures, classes, and seminars that engage students in current public policy debates. Our faculty have collaborated with prominent organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, European Commission, AIIB, IADB, national governments, and various private sector organisations and consultancies.

Preliminary readings

A Pike, A Rodriguez-Pose and Tomaney Local and Regional Development (Routledge, 2016)
M Storper Keys to the City: How Economics, Institutions, Social Interaction, and Politics Shape Development (Princeton, 2013)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Graduate entry requirements for applicants from Saudi Arabia Taught master's programmes To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (upper second class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 80 per cent, 3.3/4, 4.0/5, or an overall B, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (first-class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 90 per cent, 3.75/4, 4.7/5, A or very good, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. Research programmes (MPhil/MRes/PhD) To be considered for admission to a research programme, we would normally require a master’s degree if awarded after 2004 and expect grades of 85 per cent.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements

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

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Career

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Fee Information

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,400

Application Fee

GBP