Xinyu Wang, MSc Urbanisation and Development
For me, MSc Urbanisation and Development is an elaborately tailored programme with an in-depth theoretical perspective in the field of development studies. Its intense academic coverage with a sense of comprehensiveness has enabled me to develop my own research interests.
The intellectual training offered by world-class calibre of academic staff, academic conferences and public lectures held by famous academics and daily interactions with classmates from different cultural/political backgrounds all capacitated me to analyse social questions and arguments from different approaches. Throughout the programme, all professors have provided me with tremendous academic support and guidance, especially when I was not clear about my dissertation and future career goals.
After graduation, I have worked for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and got the opportunity to work with the Agricultural Bank of China to take a further step on my dissertation. Currently I am working for UBS London to investigate the relationship between regional policy and international remittance. Either in NGO or in Private Sectors, the knowledge and skills I have gained from the programme have proved extremely important and helpful. I highly appreciate the intellectual communication, training and networking opportunities provided by the programme and the international reputation attached to the School, and I am truly grateful for all memories I had during my time at LSE.
Jennifer Cinelli, MSc Urbanisation and Development
I was attracted to the MSc Urbanisation and Development programme because of the strong basis of development theory within a specifically urban development context. The U&D MSc provided a rich theoretical perspective in which to discuss and understand issues of urbanisation in developing countries and complimentary course offerings allowed me to personalise the degree to my career trajectory.
Studying at the LSE provided a rich setting in which to learn from a great variety of people-outside speakers, your professors and your peers. Professors come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring significant experience in the field to the classroom, providing important insights into the dissertation process and into using the degree upon completion.
LSE attracts an incredibly diverse student body that brings a wide-range of experiences to the classroom resulting in inspired discussions, friendships beyond the classroom and a lasting network of colleagues for years to come.
Paolo Casilli, Msc Urbanisation and Development
The MSc Urbanisation and Development offers a unique opportunity to be exposed to a highly enriching and stimulating learning environment thanks to its world-class academic staff and the international student body. The programme strikes a good balance between theory and practice and instils key research skills.
The new skills and knowledge, the increased confidence acquired during the MSc, and the LSE's international reputation have all contributed to open new professional avenues in international development agencies. All these factors have paved the way for my job with the International Organisation for Migration. Remarkably the knowledge gained in increasingly important fields such sustainable livelihoods in urban areas have been key to successfully undertake my assignment as Reintegration and Community Stabilisation Officer in Sudan.
Neil Helbraun, MSc Urbanisation and Development
I was amazed by the experience and perspective that my classmates had to offer. During the inaugural year of the Urbanisation and Development programme we were 13 students representing 7 different nationalities. Though we ranged from individuals fresh out of undergrad all the way through to those with years of infrastructure experience in the field, everyone had something unique to contribute. I found this cosmopolitan, everyone-together-now spirit typical of students throughout the Department of Geography and Environment, and one of my favourite things about the LSE.
Bret Ericson, MSc Urbanisation and Development
MSc Urbanisation and Development was an excellent programme. Classes were exceptionally well taught and the professors were keenly interested in the material. The broad approach places interventions and ideas in historical context, well preparing one for work in the field.
My fellow students were equally important to my time at the LSE. They were helpful, supportive and intensely intelligent. I now work with the Blacksmith Institute, a New York-based NGO that works to remove the health threat posed by pollution. I am currently managing a joint project between our organisation and UNIDO, with backing from the European Commission, that aims to identify and assess the bulk of polluted sites in the developing world. We carry out this work on several continents where I meet with government officials, NGOs and community members.