Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Gain a distinctive approach to the study of development with this unique Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc. This is a multidisciplinary social science programme in which you will learn about the national development strategies of middle-income countries, and study the politics and institutions that underpin these strategies.
Key benefits
- Gain a distinct perspective by focusing on emerging economies.
- Explore the political economy of emerging economies in depth.
- Learn from a team of international academic experts with research, field work, and policy experience from across the globe.
- Study an interdisciplinary syllabus that offers the opportunity to learn not just about development but also economics, politics, anthropology, sociology and history.
- Choose from an extensive list of modules ranging from region-specific analysis to industrial economics, development practice, and research methods.
During this Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc, you’ll focus on some of the big questions of political economy in emerging markets today. You will get the opportunity to explore the relationship between states, markets and institutions and consider how economic growth has been promoted in different national contexts. You’ll learn which public policies and industrial policies have been most effective, and how different financial systems help or hinder development. You’ll also study the role of global value chains in growth and development. You’ll begin this master’s by learning about states, markets and the institutional basis of growth, while also developing research skills and exploring the cutting edge of research on emerging economies. You will have the opportunity to pursue your own interests in depth by choosing from a list of modules across disciplines. Your options could range from analysing business and state relations, to comparative public policy and industrial policy, and project management. You will develop your own research skills and interests in particular countries and topics with your dissertation. And with our location at the heart of London, you’ll benefit from a vibrant environment and proximity to the development sector, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, and public policy research organisations, as well as other universities and the cultural sector. As a Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc student, you’ll become part of the dynamic Department of International Development, enjoying interactions with students from around the world and expert academics and developing your network with people who share your passions. This will also give you the chance to engage directly with practitioners through extracurricular opportunities, including seminar series on contemporary development issues and practice that the department hosts. When you graduate, you’ll leave with a deep understanding of states, markets and the institutional basis for growth – and a range of development-specific and transferable skills that are appealing to the sector and current labour market. Would you rather focus on international development, including issues of social justice, inequality, trade and markets? Take a look at our Emerging Economies and International Development MSc.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes | Please submit a one-page (maximum) personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background and, if relevant, your career plans and what you feel you would bring to the course and fellow students. Please include details of your previous exposure to the subject of emerging economies, eg through coursework on your undergraduate degree, language studies, career interests, time spent in a relevant country etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Check out further information about our International Development courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
For every 15-credit module, we will typically provide 20 hours of lectures and/or seminars, and we will expect you to undertake 130 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, you will usually have ten two hour long sessions of dissertation workshops, and five one-to-one or group meetings with supervisors. You will undertake approximately 590 hours of independent study.
| Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
|---|---|---|
| Per 15-credit taught module | Typically 20 hours. | 130 hours (some modules may involve lab work or e-learning which would require less self-guided learning). |
| Dissertation module | Usually 10 – 2 x hour long dissertation workshops and 5 one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors. | 590 hours of self-study and project work. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo campuses. Our unrivalled location in the heart of London offers you outstanding advantages. You can enjoy excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities and wide-ranging access to library and archival resources.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Practical Examinations
- Written Examinations
- Essays
- Group Reports
- Group presentation
- Dissertation
Your performance on taught modules in the Department of International Development will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include individual essays, oral group presentations or group reports. The dissertation module is assessed by a proposal and a 12,000-word dissertation.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take the following modules:
Topics in the Analysis of Emerging Economies (15 credits)
States, Markets and the Institutional Basis of Growth (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 Credits)
Students must also take at least one 15-credit worth research methods related module, out of the following four:
Quantitative Methods for Social Science (15 credits)
Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits)
Introduction to Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take the remaining credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Comparative Public Policy Analysis In Emerging Economies (15 credits)
Multinational Enterprises, Global Value Chains & Local Development (15 credits)
Industrial Economics & International Development (15 credits)
Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits)
Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Quantitative Methods for Social Science (15 credits)
Introduction to Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Evaluation for Sustainable Development
Project Management for International Development (15 credits)
Climate, Environment, and Uneven Development (15 credits)
Global Labour and Development (15 credits)
Environment and Development: Crises, Power, and Transformations (15 credits)
Political Economy of Latin America: Development Trajectories and Contemporary Challenges (15 credits)
Displacement and Development in the Contemporary Era (15 credits)
Gender, Society and Development (15 credits)
Feminist Economics (15 credits)
Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy in Emerging Economies (15 credits)
Anthropology of Violence and Social Suffering (15 credits)
Race and Development (15 credits)
Finance for Development (15 credits)
Money and Financial Crisis in Global Perspective (15 credits)
Rise of China in Global Capitalism (15 Credits)
Up to 30 credits from modules offered across the University, including the possibility of taking a language module, subject to approvals (the external modules would normally be included in the required number of credits for the programme, 180 credits). Part-time students should plan to take two required modules worth 30 credits in their first year, at least one research methods related module worth 15 credits from the list above and 30 credits of optional modules. In their second year, students will take a dissertation module worth 60 credits and 45 credits of optional modules in order to make up 180 credits in total. Part-time students may also take a maximum of 30 credits of optional modules from other departments, one module per year, including a modern language option subject to approvals. The external modules would normally be included in the required number of credits for the programme, 180 credits.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc graduate, you will benefit from deep subject knowledge, practical development skills and research training that can be applied in a number of international development roles as well as in national policy.
The expertise and skills you learn in this programme will enhance your employability in the development sector globally, as well as in governments, consultancy firms, or global companies.
Graduates of the Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc have gone on to work in roles in:
- National and local governments in emerging economies
- Public policy think tanks
- Cooperation agencies and non-governmental organisations
- Consultancy firms
- Transnational corporations
- The United Nations
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
During this Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc, you’ll focus on some of the big questions of political economy in emerging markets today. You will get the opportunity to explore the relationship between states, markets and institutions and consider how economic growth has been promoted in different national contexts. You’ll learn which public policies and industrial policies have been most effective, and how different financial systems help or hinder development. You’ll also study the role of global value chains in growth and development. You’ll begin this master’s by learning about states, markets and the institutional basis of growth, while also developing research skills and exploring the cutting edge of research on emerging economies. You will have the opportunity to pursue your own interests in depth by choosing from a list of modules across disciplines. Your options could range from analysing business and state relations, to comparative public policy and industrial policy, and project management. You will develop your own research skills and interests in particular countries and topics with your dissertation. And with our location at the heart of London, you’ll benefit from a vibrant environment and proximity to the development sector, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, and public policy research organisations, as well as other universities and the cultural sector. As a Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc student, you’ll become part of the dynamic Department of International Development, enjoying interactions with students from around the world and expert academics and developing your network with people who share your passions. This will also give you the chance to engage directly with practitioners through extracurricular opportunities, including seminar series on contemporary development issues and practice that the department hosts. When you graduate, you’ll leave with a deep understanding of states, markets and the institutional basis for growth – and a range of development-specific and transferable skills that are appealing to the sector and current labour market. Would you rather focus on international development, including issues of social justice, inequality, trade and markets? Take a look at our Emerging Economies and International Development MSc.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes | Please submit a one-page (maximum) personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background and, if relevant, your career plans and what you feel you would bring to the course and fellow students. Please include details of your previous exposure to the subject of emerging economies, eg through coursework on your undergraduate degree, language studies, career interests, time spent in a relevant country etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Check out further information about our International Development courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
For every 15-credit module, we will typically provide 20 hours of lectures and/or seminars, and we will expect you to undertake 130 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, you will usually have ten two hour long sessions of dissertation workshops, and five one-to-one or group meetings with supervisors. You will undertake approximately 590 hours of independent study.
| Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
|---|---|---|
| Per 15-credit taught module | Typically 20 hours. | 130 hours (some modules may involve lab work or e-learning which would require less self-guided learning). |
| Dissertation module | Usually 10 – 2 x hour long dissertation workshops and 5 one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors. | 590 hours of self-study and project work. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo campuses. Our unrivalled location in the heart of London offers you outstanding advantages. You can enjoy excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities and wide-ranging access to library and archival resources.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Practical Examinations
- Written Examinations
- Essays
- Group Reports
- Group presentation
- Dissertation
Your performance on taught modules in the Department of International Development will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include individual essays, oral group presentations or group reports. The dissertation module is assessed by a proposal and a 12,000-word dissertation.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take the following modules:
Topics in the Analysis of Emerging Economies (15 credits)
States, Markets and the Institutional Basis of Growth (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 Credits)
Students must also take at least one 15-credit worth research methods related module, out of the following four:
Quantitative Methods for Social Science (15 credits)
Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits)
Introduction to Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take the remaining credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Comparative Public Policy Analysis In Emerging Economies (15 credits)
Multinational Enterprises, Global Value Chains & Local Development (15 credits)
Industrial Economics & International Development (15 credits)
Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits)
Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Quantitative Methods for Social Science (15 credits)
Introduction to Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Evaluation for Sustainable Development
Project Management for International Development (15 credits)
Climate, Environment, and Uneven Development (15 credits)
Global Labour and Development (15 credits)
Environment and Development: Crises, Power, and Transformations (15 credits)
Political Economy of Latin America: Development Trajectories and Contemporary Challenges (15 credits)
Displacement and Development in the Contemporary Era (15 credits)
Gender, Society and Development (15 credits)
Feminist Economics (15 credits)
Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy in Emerging Economies (15 credits)
Anthropology of Violence and Social Suffering (15 credits)
Race and Development (15 credits)
Finance for Development (15 credits)
Money and Financial Crisis in Global Perspective (15 credits)
Rise of China in Global Capitalism (15 Credits)
Up to 30 credits from modules offered across the University, including the possibility of taking a language module, subject to approvals (the external modules would normally be included in the required number of credits for the programme, 180 credits). Part-time students should plan to take two required modules worth 30 credits in their first year, at least one research methods related module worth 15 credits from the list above and 30 credits of optional modules. In their second year, students will take a dissertation module worth 60 credits and 45 credits of optional modules in order to make up 180 credits in total. Part-time students may also take a maximum of 30 credits of optional modules from other departments, one module per year, including a modern language option subject to approvals. The external modules would normally be included in the required number of credits for the programme, 180 credits.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc graduate, you will benefit from deep subject knowledge, practical development skills and research training that can be applied in a number of international development roles as well as in national policy.
The expertise and skills you learn in this programme will enhance your employability in the development sector globally, as well as in governments, consultancy firms, or global companies.
Graduates of the Political Economy of Emerging Markets MSc have gone on to work in roles in:
- National and local governments in emerging economies
- Public policy think tanks
- Cooperation agencies and non-governmental organisations
- Consultancy firms
- Transnational corporations
- The United Nations
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Related courses including study abroad
Double Masters in Asian & International Affairs MAEuropean Studies MADouble Masters in Policies & Governance in Europe MAKey information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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