The London School of Economics and Political Science
Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries
Why do certain developing nations prosper while others remain impoverished? Gain comprehensive insights into this disparity through a multidisciplinary lens, and acquire the expertise necessary to foster inclusive development within governmental, market, and societal realms.
Start date
19 March 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The first 3 years of the 2020s have emerged as some of the most challenging for developing economies in the last thirty years.
World Bank (2023).
In 2022, the disparity in income distribution between regions was stark, with Europe being the most equal, where the richest 10% accounted for 36% of national income. In contrast, Latin America, the most unequal region, saw its wealthiest 10% earning 58% of the income.
World Inequality Database (Nov, 2023).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in inequalities within developing countries, reaching a 30-year peak and continuing to rise.1 Along with other global challenges, such as the climate crisis and political polarisation, there is now a global consensus to adopt a sustainable and inclusive development model that promotes high living standards for everyone. This has created an abundance of opportunities for growth in emerging markets. However, to achieve long-term progress, leaders and practitioners across the public, private, and social sectors must comprehensively understand the complex and extensive factors that shape the development of the Global South.
Given the diverse nature of emerging markets, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to their development. This is why the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers the Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries online certificate course. Through a socioeconomic and political lens, the course covers a range of topics relevant to growth, led by distinguished faculty members from LSE’s Department of International Development. By utilising exclusive insights and real-world case studies, participants will acquire the tools necessary to make more informed decisions about policies and projects in emerging markets. Ultimately, the six-week course will equip individuals with practical skills to enhance governance, increase the effectiveness of public and private organisations, address collective action issues, and promote accountability at every level.
1 OECD, (Nd.) Accessed 17 November 2023.
Is this course for you?
The course is tailored to professionals across various sectors – including public, private, and social – interested in advancing equitable growth in emerging markets. It is equally useful for individuals who work at the interface between advanced and emerging countries, and desire a practical, comprehensive understanding of the development process. The esteemed faculty members at LSE will guide the course, which is specifically designed to assist in making informed decisions about policies and projects in emerging markets. The course content will also benefit NGO employees, civil servants with investment mandates, bilateral and agency staff, and private sector executives with existing operations or expansion prospects in developing countries. Furthermore, decision makers at major multinational firms will engage with expert insights to enhance their business practices and inform financial decisions.
This Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 50 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in inequalities within developing countries, reaching a 30-year peak and continuing to rise.1 Along with other global challenges, such as the climate crisis and political polarisation, there is now a global consensus to adopt a sustainable and inclusive development model that promotes high living standards for everyone. This has created an abundance of opportunities for growth in emerging markets. However, to achieve long-term progress, leaders and practitioners across the public, private, and social sectors must comprehensively understand the complex and extensive factors that shape the development of the Global South.
Given the diverse nature of emerging markets, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to their development. This is why the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers the Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries online certificate course. Through a socioeconomic and political lens, the course covers a range of topics relevant to growth, led by distinguished faculty members from LSE’s Department of International Development. By utilising exclusive insights and real-world case studies, participants will acquire the tools necessary to make more informed decisions about policies and projects in emerging markets. Ultimately, the six-week course will equip individuals with practical skills to enhance governance, increase the effectiveness of public and private organisations, address collective action issues, and promote accountability at every level.
1 OECD, (Nd.) Accessed 17 November 2023.
Is this course for you?
The course is tailored to professionals across various sectors – including public, private, and social – interested in advancing equitable growth in emerging markets. It is equally useful for individuals who work at the interface between advanced and emerging countries, and desire a practical, comprehensive understanding of the development process. The esteemed faculty members at LSE will guide the course, which is specifically designed to assist in making informed decisions about policies and projects in emerging markets. The course content will also benefit NGO employees, civil servants with investment mandates, bilateral and agency staff, and private sector executives with existing operations or expansion prospects in developing countries. Furthermore, decision makers at major multinational firms will engage with expert insights to enhance their business practices and inform financial decisions.
This Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 50 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
What will set you apart
A multidisciplinary, integrated approach to accelerate transformation through economic growth, policymaking, and civic engagement.
A practical toolkit to inform decision-making regarding policies, programmes, and projects in different emerging countries.
An understanding of the changing nature of emerging markets and the associated opportunities for your organisation.
The ability to engage with a network of diverse professionals from around the world.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Development, underdevelopment, and the international community
Module 2
Consolidating democratic transitions in formerly authoritarian states
Module 3
The interplay of states and markets in the development process
Module 4
Understanding firms, in theory and practice, in developing countries
Module 5
The role of community-based and informal organisations in developing countries
Module 6
Understanding the causes of underdevelopment
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Course Co-Convenors
Dr Mahvish Shami
Programme Co-Director of Development Management, Department of International Development, LSE
Dr Jean-Paul Faguet
Professor of the Political Economy of Development and Programme Co-Director of Development Management, Department of International Development, LSE
About the certificate
Delve into the diverse elements that drive inclusive economic growth and development, and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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