MSc Emerging Economies and International Development

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview


The MSc Emerging Economies & International Development at King’s College London is a forward-looking program that explores how countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America can achieve inclusive and sustainable development. It’s ideal for students who want to work in international policy, development consultancy, or research, and who are passionate about tackling inequality and driving global change.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time)
Students begin with core modules such as Political Economy of Emerging Markets and Development Economics, which provide a strong analytical foundation for understanding growth, inequality, and institutional reform. The module Research Methods for International Development equips students with both qualitative and quantitative tools to evaluate policy and conduct fieldwork.

Dissertation Phase
In the final term, students undertake a supervised dissertation on a topic of their choice—often linked to pressing development issues such as financial inclusion, urbanisation, or social protection. This independent research is supported by faculty from the Department of International Development and often draws on case studies from emerging economies across the Global South.

Focus areas: Development economics, political economy, inclusive growth, emerging markets, policy analysis
Learning outcomes: Critical policy evaluation, research design, data analysis, global development strategy
Professional alignment (accreditation): Not professionally accredited, but highly respected across international development, policy, and consultancy sectors
Reputation (employability rankings): King’s College London ranks #40 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is consistently among the UK’s top universities for graduate employability

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)


The MSc Emerging Economies & International Development at King’s College London is designed to immerse students in the practical realities of global development. From data analysis to policy evaluation, students gain hands-on experience through applied coursework, independent research, and access to King’s world-class resources. The program is delivered by the Department of International Development, which fosters a collaborative learning environment and maintains strong ties with global institutions.

Here’s how students build real-world skills throughout the program:

  • Software & Data Tools: Students use STATA and NVivo for quantitative and qualitative analysis, especially in Research Methods for International Development.
  • Group Projects: Modules like Development Economics and Political Economy of Emerging Markets include team-based assignments that simulate policy briefs and strategic development proposals.
  • Dissertation Research: Students conduct independent research on topics such as financial inclusion, urban development, or social protection, often using case studies from Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
  • King’s Global Institutes: The program benefits from connections with the King’s Global Institute for Development and the India Institute, which host public lectures, policy dialogues, and networking events.
  • Digital Resources: Full access to King’s libraries and databases including Scopus, World Bank Open Data, UN Comtrade, and ProQuest.
  • King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support including development-sector career panels, CV clinics, and access to King’s Internships platform for paid work experience.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities


Graduates of the MSc Emerging Economies & International Development at King’s College London are equipped to shape development policy, lead research initiatives, and advise governments and NGOs on inclusive growth strategies. Many go on to work as development economists, policy advisors, programme officers, or consultants in international organisations, think tanks, and government agencies. The program’s interdisciplinary training and global focus make it especially relevant for roles in sustainable development and institutional reform.

Here’s how King’s helps you take the next step:

  • King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support including development-sector career panels, CV and interview clinics, and access to King’s Internships platform for paid work experience.
  • Graduate Outcomes: King’s ranks among the UK’s top 10 universities for graduate employability, with strong representation in international development, policy, and consultancy roles.
  • Industry Connections: The Department of International Development maintains links with organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Overseas Development Institute (ODI), and DFID, often hosting guest lectures and collaborative events.
  • Long-Term Value: King’s global reputation and interdisciplinary training ensure your degree remains a powerful credential for international career mobility.
  • Salary Potential: King’s postgraduates report competitive salaries, especially in development consultancy, policy research, and international programme management.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue PhD study in development economics, political economy, or global governance at King’s or other leading institutions. The MSc provides a strong foundation for doctoral research focused on inclusive growth, institutional reform, and policy innovation.

 

Program Key Stats

£31,600 (Annual cost)
£14500 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 8th Sep


13 %
Yes
Yes

Eligibility Criteria


N/A
N/A
N/A
169
7.0
100
2:1
1190
29
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • ​Development Think Tanks
  •  International Non-Governmental Organisations
  •  Government and policy
  •  Consultancy and advisory bodies
  •  Labour rights consultancy
  •  Women’s rights consultancy
  • and Social enterprises

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