A 2:1 in any discipline
The entry requirement is an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline, with social science or humanities an advantage. The English language requirement is Higher.
Master's · LSE International Development
LSE MSc Development Management: choosing the Applied Development Economics stream
LSE's MSc Development Management has two streams, and this guide covers the Applied Development Economics stream, run by the Department of International Development for 2027/28. Its page asks for a 2:1 in any discipline, with social science or humanities an advantage, and the English language requirement is Higher. The programme is theory-led, includes a team-based consulting project, and has a compulsory applied econometrics course.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What LSE asks for in LSE MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Taken from the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics) stream (application code L1S8, academic year 2027/28) and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
An applied econometrics course in the core
The courses include Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy, The Political Economy of Development and the Development Management Consultancy Project, plus Research Design and Dissertation.
Two Economic Development Policy courses
Students choose two courses from Economic Development Policy I (macroeconomic), II (microeconomic) and III (government policy analysis).
A team-based consulting project
A distinctive feature is the Development Management Project, a team-based consulting exercise for public, private and non-profit organisations.
No fixed deadline
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full. To be considered for funding, applicants must submit by the funding deadline. The start date is 27 September 2027.
Two streams
The page names the Applied Development Economics stream and the Political Economy stream of the same programme.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics) stream (application code L1S8, academic year 2027/28), which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific entry table, the English language requirements page, the supporting-documents page, the other stream's page, the option lists, the funding deadlines and the fees were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Which stream, and who it is for
The page makes the stream the key choice. The readings below mix LSE's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
Applied Development Economics
Students in this stream focus on development economic policy in their optional courses and dissertation, with a compulsory applied econometrics course.
Political Economy
The other stream of the programme, with its own page. Compare the two before choosing; this guide does not describe it.
A graduate without an economics degree
The page accepts any discipline, with social science or humanities an advantage. The stream has an applied econometrics course and policy-analysis options, so consider showing quantitative preparation.
Decision
Development economics versus a pure economics master's
The page frames the programme around institutions and organisations in development.
Theory-led
Classical institutional theory and new institutional economics explain why some countries are rich and others poor and how the development process unfolds across regions.
Practice
The consulting project works with organisations such as the World Bank, Oxfam, PricewaterhouseCoopers, GIZ, CARE, Save the Children, UNICEF or the Emerging Markets Group, as the page lists them.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
If you want deeper economic theory and econometrics, compare it with a pure economics master's. If you want policy analysis and consulting practice, the stream's design fits that goal.
Application
Rolling admissions
The page lists the items considered and the rolling process.
Items assessed
Academic achievement including predicted and achieved grades, a statement of academic purpose, two academic references and a CV.
Rolling process
There is no fixed deadline and applications close once the programme is full. Funding consideration requires submission by the funding deadline, which this guide does not state.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Say in the statement why you chose the Applied Development Economics stream rather than the Political Economy stream.
Planning
Planning for 2027/28 entry
The page describes the 2027/28 academic year, and the rules here belong to that year.
What to do now
Choose your stream, show any quantitative preparation, prepare the statement and two references. Re-read the page before submitting, because LSE says programmes can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What degree does the LSE Development Management (Applied Development Economics) stream ask for?
A 2:1 or equivalent in any discipline, with social science or humanities an advantage.
Is there a deadline?
No fixed deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full.
What is the other stream?
The MSc Development Management (Political Economy).
Is there a consulting project?
Yes. The Development Management Project is a team-based consulting exercise for real-world public, private and non-profit organisations.
Can I study part-time?
The page lists a 24-month part-time mode for Home students.
Students and families
Talk to us about the LSE MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.