Department of International Development
Established in 1990, LSE’s Department of International Development brings together interdisciplinary postgraduate teaching and research to explore the social, environmental, political and economic processes driving development and change around the world.
We’re ranked #1 in the World for Employability in Development Studies by QS Rankings!
Latest news
International Development celebrates success at the 2026 LSE Impact Prizes
Congratulations to Professor Shirin Madon, Dr Stephanie Levy and Claudia Rodriguez Castellanos for receiving recognition for their research
Book authored by Professor Naila Kabeer and published by LSE Press wins prestigious prize
The prize recognises exceptional, innovative and open access books.
Professor Elliott Green joins Mauritius’ Vice-President for discussion on the country's national identity
Drawing on his extensive research into nationalism and development, Professor Green examined how socialism and left-wing ideologies are connected to national identification in Sub-Saharan Africa.
LSE International Development alumni become King of Norway and Leader of Scottish Labour
From the Norwegian throne to the leadership of Scottish Labour, two alumni of LSE's Department of International Development have recently assumed some of the most prominent leadership positions in continental Europe. King Haakon VIII of Norway and Michael Marra MSP, both graduates of LSE’s MSc Development Studies programme, are now shaping political and public life at the national level.
Global hunger is an early-warning signal for instability and should shape UK security planning states new report
Study explores the links between food insecurity, political crises and global security.
Careers in Action - Alumni Journeys
Discover the inspiring career journeys of LSE International Development alumni and learn how they are addressing complex challenges, driving innovation and creating change in their fields.
From Yemen to Ukraine, Federica Dispenza found growth in choosing challenge over certainty
Alumna Federica Dispenza, Head of Governance and Participation at UNDP Vietnam, has built her career across conflict-affected and transitional settings from Yemen and Ukraine to governance leadership in Southeast Asia. In this interview, she reflects on how working across diverse political and institutional contexts reinforced the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and local leadership, and why some of the most formative career opportunities emerge from uncertainty rather than certainty.
Sophie Freeland-Haynes on leading £4bn UK-Indonesia trade relationship and maintaining connections
Sophie Freeland Haynes (LSE MSc Development Studies, 2010) is Country Director for Trade at the British Embassy in Jakarta, where she leads the UK's £4 billion trade relationship with Indonesia. Reflecting on her career, she argues that the value of Development Studies lies in learning to question assumptions, interrogate evidence and challenge conventional wisdom.
Dentist turned global health advocate Abhijit Dhillon is chasing interesting problems, not impressive opportunities
After an unconventional journey from dentistry to global health advocacy, MSc Health and International Development alum Abhijit Dhillon reflects on how studying development changed the questions she asks about power, policy and health systems.
Marie-Noelle Nwokolo on why 'it depends' is a crucial phrase in Development
Since graduating from LSE, Marie-Noelle has "been incredibly fortunate to work across Africa with governments, businesses, think tanks and international organisations on questions of economic transformation, investment and job creation.” She shares what her journey since LSE has taught her, and her advice for current and future International Development students.
Mayliss Francois built her career by stepping beyond her job description
Having worked across EU institutions, international NGOs and grassroots organisations, Mayliss Francois discusses the tensions between donor-led models and local ownership, the impact of shifting global power dynamics on the sector and why critical thinking remains essential for development practitioners.
How an MSc in Development Studies led Yiwen Sun to a PhD in climate politics
Now a PhD student in Political Science at UCL, Yiwen Sun explains how the MSc Development Studies helped him develop the analytical tools, interdisciplinary perspective, and research interests that underpin his work on trade and climate politics today.
Why Moses Mpungu doesn't regret declining a diplomatic posting for an LSE Master's
After choosing LSE's IDHE master's over a diplomatic posting abroad, Moses Mpungu returned to Uganda's foreign service and quickly rose to First Secretary.
Rory Dillon on why it pays to zigzag your career
Rory Dillon came to LSE to change careers. A temporary NGO role in Ethiopia became the start of a decade in international development.
How Jude Chisom Erondu pivoted from Development Studies to AI-powered investing
LSE International Development alum Jude Chisom Erondu has built a career spanning sustainable investing, credit analysis, institutional asset management and artificial intelligence.
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Upcoming events
The department is involved in hosting an extensive series of events, ranging from research seminars to public lectures led by influential leaders.