Apply to the MSc Local Economic Development at LSE – funding opportunities available

Become part of LSE! Join the Department of Geography and Environment ranked 2nd globally for Geography according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Unlock new horizons with the internationally renowned MSc Local Economic Development (LED) programme. Deepen your understanding of local and regional economic development in this specialist programme, affiliated with the Institute for Economic Development (IED). 

This is an exciting time to be studying LED, and the multidisciplinary programme will help equip you with the tools you need to shape the next phases of economic, social and political change.

You'll benefit from:

1.      Strong theoretical foundation: gain a deep understanding of how global economic change is influencing local economies, how the private and public sector can work together to achieve change, and how strategies for development can best be designed and delivered.

2.      Contextual learning: explore the implications of urbanisation, how FDI and global value chains shape economic development, and strategies for inclusive growth.

3.      Advanced research skills: develop your research competencies through a dissertation, honing your ability to conduct independent and impactful analysis into local economic development.

4.      Practical focus: gain practice through interactive lectures, classes, and seminars that engage students in current public policy debates.

Graduate destinations

Previous graduates are working in international organisations (eg, the UN system [including ILO, UNDP, FAO], World Bank, OECD, European Union, World Trade Conference), national and regional governments, international consultancy, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research centres and leading universities.

Find out more about the support you’ll receive through LSE Careers and LSE Alumni.

Check out our programme video and discover more about the benefits of studying at LSE.

Scholarships and other funding

LSE recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your hometown or country. We make available million of pounds annually in financial aid for our students with both Home and Overseas fee status through a wide variety of scholarships, such as the Graduate Support Scheme, Master’s Awards and Anniversary Scholarships. Around one quarter of our graduate students receive financial support from the School.

At master’s level, the value of support given by LSE ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award.

LSE has been named University of the Year and ranked 1st in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. LSE is ranked 3rd in Europe and 6th in the world for Social Sciences and Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Find out more and apply now.

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