This course is compulsory on the MSc in Local Economic Development. This course is available on the MPhil/PhD in Geography and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

A good background is required in one of the fields of economic geography, economics, management or regional and urban studies.

This course is concerned with both the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of specific local economic development policies. It will focus in particular on policy for local economic development in a number of different geographical contexts. In the MT the topics are presented by the responsible teacher, whilst in the LT each topic is given by a different academic drawing on their own research in the area. Topics covered vary by year, but are likely to include: the relationship between economic growth and poverty, migration and local labour markets, the challenge of urban decline and partnerships and capacity building.

15 hours of seminars in the MT. 15 hours of seminars in the LT.

Students will be expected to make presentations and participate actively in seminars.

A Pike, A Rodríguez-Pose & J Tomaney, Local and Regional Development, Routledge, 2006; OECD. 2014. All on board: Making inclusive growth happen. Paris: OECD; E Moretti The New Geography of Jobs, 2013; How Regions Grow, OECD, 2009; Lee et al. Cities, Growth and Poverty: Evidence review, JRF, 2014.  

Exam (75%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (25%, 2500 words).