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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:F9UB
Department of Geography and Environment

MSc Environment and Development

Delve into the social science dimensions of environmental and development policy, management and evaluation, within a developing country context.
Find out what it's like to study Geography at LSE from our master's students.

Overview

Introduction

The study of environment and development is multi-disciplinary by nature, and the programme seeks to integrate key concepts and perspectives from core social science disciplines. The aim is to provide you with an understanding of the issues involved in sustainable development, from both a theoretical and practical perspective.

While the world is experiencing rapid and unprecedented changes to its natural environment, human societies and economies are also undergoing profound transformations. The MSc Environment and Development is intended for those with a primary interest in the linkages between environment and development. It provides a rigorous training in the social science dimensions of environmental and development policy, management and evaluation, within a developing country context.

The programme will enable you to gain a deep understanding of the way environmental degradation and low levels of development are linked together; analyse meaningful policies that aspire to make economic development more environmentally sound and ultimately sustainable; and pursue an academic programme in a world-renowned institution benefiting from excellent employer recognition and career prospects.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline but preferably social science. We will consider appropriate work experience in addition to a sound academic background.

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 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.

Programme content

Year 1

The MSc Environment and Development requires you to take two compulsory courses to the value of one unit and optional courses to the value of two units, including at least one unit from the Department of International Development.

If you're planning to apply for a PhD within the department, you'll need to undertake some methods training as part of the MSc. Contact the MSc programme director and the Director of Graduate studies to discuss this requirement.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Here at LSE, we offer a unique opportunity to study geography in a university with a worldwide reputation in the social sciences. We specialise in economic, urban and development geography, environmental social science and climate change, all with a strong emphasis on real-world applications.

Many of our academics are internationally renowned in their fields. You’ll find a good balance of experienced and younger academics in the department. Within the team, we’ve had three holders of the highly prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize Fellowships for researchers under the age of 36.

Our research is interdisciplinary and international in its scope and we work closely with academics from several other departments at LSE. Teaching staff are active within the following research centres:

Based in the heart of London opposite Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the department offers a lively, welcoming and supportive community for students and staff.
Learn more about our undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD study opportunities, as well as our research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

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

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

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

This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.

443
Applications
51
Intake
9:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

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

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, 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

£20,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Our graduates enter a wide variety of employment opportunities in the public sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, research, consultancy and international firms.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£36,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Financial and Professional Services
Education, Teaching and Research
Real Estate, Environment and Energy
Consultancy
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.

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