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LSE: Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries

Why have some developing countries become rich while others have stayed poor? Understand this form of inequality from a multidisciplinary perspective, and gain the skills to promote inclusive development across states, markets, and civil society.

Why have some developing countries become rich while others have stayed poor? Understand this form of inequality from a multidisciplinary perspective, and gain the skills to promote inclusive development across states, markets, and civil society.

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This course is offered by , an edX partner
6 weeks
6–8 hours per week
Starts Mar 19, 2025
Enroll by Mar 25, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

6 weeks
6–8 hours per week
Starts Mar 19, 2025
Enroll by Mar 25, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

About this Course

Inequalities in developing countries are at a 30-year peak and climbing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 These and other global struggles such as the climate crisis and political polarisation have led to worldwide consensus for a more inclusive and sustainable development model that promotes high living standards for all. As a result, there’s a wealth of opportunity for accelerated growth in emerging markets. But to drive lasting progress, leaders and practitioners in the public, private, and social sectors require a holistic understanding of the complex and vast factors that determine the development of the Global South.

Emerging markets are diverse and therefore defy a uniform narrative. This is why the Economic and Political Development in Developing Countries online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) takes a socioeconomic and political approach to various issues relevant to growth. Guided by esteemed faculty from LSE’s Department of International Development, you’ll leverage unique insights and real-world case studies to make more informed decisions about policies and projects in the emerging markets. By the end of this impactful six-week course, you’ll gain a practical toolkit to improve governance, make private and public organizations more effective, solve collective action issues, and increase accountability across the board.

1 OECD (Nd.) Accessed 23 February 2022.


This course will appeal to practitioners in the public, private, and social sectors with an interest in promoting equitable growth in emerging countries. It’s equally valuable to those working at the interface between emerging and advanced markets who would like a practical, holistic understanding of the development process. Guided by LSE faculty, the course is designed to inform decision-making regarding policies and projects in emerging markets. As a result, it will also benefit NGO employees, civil servants with investment imperatives, agency and bilateral agency staff, and private sector executives with existing operations or expansion opportunities in developing countries. Lastly, decision-makers at major multinational firms will critically engage with expert insights to enhance their business practices and inform financial decisions.

Course curriculum

Skip Course curriculum

Gain a sophisticated set of tools to accelerate growth in emerging societies as you work through the weekly modules of this online certificate course.

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

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.

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you digitally upon successful completion of the program, as per the stipulated requirements.

Some facts about the subject

20%

The percentage by which more diverse organisations are able to outperform their less diverse peers in measures of innovation.

WEF (Jun, 2020).

75%

The percentage increase by which companies perceived as diverse are more likely to report a pro-teamwork leadership culture.

McKinsey (May, 2020).

Why choose GetSmarter?

GetSmarter, an edX partner, delivers career-relevant, fully supported, and expert-led online courses from the world's leading universities and institutions. As an online learning expert with over 15 years' experience, GetSmarter leverages long-standing expertise in market research, data analysis, and business insights to ensure that you gain the skills critical to career growth.