Skip to main content
Students attending an LSE PhD Academy session
Graduate (Research)
Application code:Y2ZI
Department of International Development

MRes/PhD International Development

Develop a deep understanding of complex processes of social, political and economic change, and produce original research on international development themes.

Overview

Introduction

This is a vibrant MRes/PhD programme that uses a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods from across the social sciences to explore questions of global development.

You’ll have the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and makes an original contribution to international development. You’ll begin on the MRes, and once you’ve met certain requirements, you’ll progress to the PhD.

The Department of International Development promotes interdisciplinary graduate teaching and research on processes of social, political, and economic development and change. The department is dedicated to understanding problems of poverty and late development within local communities, as well as national and international political and economic systems.

You’ll have the opportunity to study across several broad themes, including: complex emergencies, security, and humanitarianism in war-torn societies; comparative politics of development; and governance, civil society, and informal politics.

The programme also explores development management; development economics; and the demography of developing countries and the politics of global health.

Our faculty has considerable experience of living and working in the developing world, and most have engaged in policy-relevant research and consultancy work with international development agencies or non-governmental organisations.

Entry requirements

Taught master’s degree with 65 or above overall and in the dissertation element, or the equivalent.

See the GRE/GMAT requirement under additional tests.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. 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.

Programme content

Year 1

Introductory course

If you're planning to use advanced quantitative analysis in your PhD research, you're recommended to take an introductory summer course, particularly if you want to take advanced statistical courses.

First year (MRes)

The MRes programme is the entry point to doctoral research and is designed both to train you in development approaches and perspectives, and to provide significant flexibility to develop advanced methodological and theoretical skills within disciplinary specialisms appropriate to your research interests.

In addition, you'll develop any necessary language skills and background knowledge of specific topics related to your research.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

Formed in 1990, our department provides a focus for postgraduate teaching and research on the processes of social, political and economic development and change.

We’re proud of LSE’s reputation as one of the top universities in the world for development studies. Our academics and researchers explore the causes of poverty, social exclusion, economic stagnation, humanitarian crises and human security. We look at why and how some late developing countries have succeeded in overcoming these problems while others have not or have seen their progress derailed by disasters and conflicts.

Currently, we offer six taught MSc programmes and a stimulating research programme – with research projects across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Teaching staff, who have considerable experience living and working in the developing world, engage in policy-relevant research and consultancy with international development agencies and non-government organisations. Research within the department spans several broad themes.

Our study programmes attract talented students from all over the world. Graduates find rewarding careers in a wide variety of government, non-government, UN, academic and private-sector organisations.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • references
  • CV
  • GMAT/GRE
  • outline research proposal
  • sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Your research proposal for the MRes/PhD International Development should be approximately 1,500 - 2,000 words. It should have a descriptive title to enable us to identify the broad theme of the project. You'll also be prompted to complete the box for programme specific information, when filling out the online application form. You must include the following under programme specific information:

  • the title of your research proposal
  • a short summary of your research proposal
  • the name of your proposed supervisor(s) in the department (this doesn't mean you need to have made contact with supervisors or obtained their approval in advance, it simply helps us when assessing your application).

If any of this information is missing or incomplete, it may delay consideration of your application.

Please note that students may apply to study part-time after successful completion of first year.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£4,905

Home student fee (2025/26)

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with fee levels recommended by the Research Councils.

Learn more about fee status classification.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£32,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Health and Social Care
Consultancy
Financial and Professional Services
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

Find out more

Explore LSE

Student life

Discover our campus and student services
Welcome at LSE

Student support

Find out more about our academic guidance, advice and pastoral care
A group of students sitting with an advisor at a LSE LIFE session

Accommodation

Explore the accommodation services we offer to our students
Two students taking part in Action for Happiness held in LSE Residences during London Wellbeing Week 2020.

Meet, visit and discover LSE

Attend our in-person events or explore LSE from home
Campus tour guide during a campus tour for prospective students.