Course Type: Postgraduate (taught)
Training Provider: London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)
School/Institute/Dept./Centre: Department of Social Policy

This programme is aimed primarily at participants from or working in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the post-communist societies. Currently about two thirds of students come from these regions and in a typical year we have representatives from 25 or more different countries. Some course participants are development professionals from central planning ministries and sectoral social service ministries such as education, rural development, housing, social security and social work services, while others are drawn from northern and southern non-governmental development organisations (NGOs) such as Oxfam, Action Aid, Christian Aid, Médecins sans Frontières and Save the Children Fund. We also have students who are representatives of multilateral aid bodies such as the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF, UNHCR, the WHO, ILO and IPPF. The course is also suitable for development policy researchers in institutions of higher education and think tanks.

 

This programme is based in the Department of Social Policy (see Department of Social Policy) and offers the following benefits:

• The opportunity to study in a department which has been recognised for its quality of research, excellence in teaching and engagement with policy analysis and social planning.
• Staff with expertise in Asia, Africa and Latin America, who maintain research and advisory links with key international development organisations.
• The opportunity to acquire understanding of policy analysis and planning concepts and methods.
• Specialised study of particularly important aspects of social development, through two options (half and full units).

The programme has four aims:

• To develop understanding of the theory and practice of social policy in developing countries.
• To allow deeper study in development policy areas of particular interest, through the choice of a wide range of optional courses and through writing a 10,000 word dissertation.
• To compare experience of social policy and planning in a variety of countries and development institutions, drawing on the contrasting professional experience of course participants in seminars and workshops.
• To develop analytical, organisational and planning skills, and enhance written and oral communication skills.

Compulsory course

• Social Policy and Development
• Dissertation

Options

(* half unit)

Choose options to the value of two full units from the following:

• NGOs and Development
• Urbanisation and Social Planning
• Social Planning for Rural Development*
• Foundations of Health Policy*
• Globalisation and Social Policy*
• Health and Population in Developing and Transitional Societies*
• Demography of the Developing World*
• Basic Education for Social Development*
• Globalisation, Gender and Development

You may select approved courses from other MSc programmes at LSE.

In the second term you take part in a three day residential workshop on applied social planning at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

You must submit a 3,000 word project planning essay in April as part of your course assessment. You will also prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic in the field of social policy and planning in developing countries.

Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, student-led seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment is through a combination of unseen examinations, course essays, the project planning essay and the dissertation.

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Entry Requirements:
There is strong competition for places and you normally need a first degree in a relevant academic subject at a standard equivalent to a British university first class or upper second class honours degree. In US terminology this means a 3.5 grade point average out of 4. You should also have relevant work experience in a developing country. A degree qualification is not always necessary if you have exceptional professional experience.

Intake/Applications (previous year):
54/186

Course Duration:
12 months, full-time only

Language(s) of Instruction:

• English

Mode of Study:

• residential

Thematic Focus:

• Development Anthropology/Sociology
• Civil Society/NGO Management
• Development Policy and Management
• Development Studies
• Environmental Issues
• Education
• Gender Issues
• Globalisation
• Governance
• Health/Public Health
• Human Rights
• Participatory Approaches
• Poverty Analysis
• Project Planning
• Rural Development
• Social Policy and Development
• Urban Studies and Planning

Country(ies):

• United Kingdom

Town(s) or City(ies):
London

Course fees:
UK/EU £9,344; overseas £13,652

Scholarships & Awards:
LSE merit awards are available for this course.

Further Funding Information:
http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/graduateProspectus2008/feesAndFinancialSupport/Default.htm

Course's Webpage:
http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/graduateProspectus2008/taughtProgrammes/MScSocialPolicyAndDevelopment.htm