Course summary

This unique programme brings expertise from the latest insights in social innovation research with LSE’s tradition for academic excellence, alongside practical learnings from our network of socially-focused organisations worldwide, into the classroom. You will learn to think beyond current trends and fashions in the young and rapidly-developing field of social innovation, and develop critical academic views informed by cutting-edge research in management, psychology, sociology, economics and anthropology. Based on this, you will learn how to design, launch and scale-up successful entrepreneurial ventures with social goals. Core courses will develop your managerial skills, and grow your talent as a successful leader of teams and organisations. Real consulting and social innovation design projects will develop your professional experience and entrepreneurial skills, and give an opportunity to start your own social enterprise during your year at LSE. Each student on the programme will have the opportunity to undertake an international field trip to conduct research with an NGO or company in a developing country, gaining first-hand experience of the diverse range of issues faced by different communities worldwide. Previous trips resulted in projects around sustainable home farming and child care in Cape Town, to removing cyanide from the water in the rural regions of Bangladesh. These in situ experiences are at the core of the degree and are guided by our expert partners who are deeply integrated into the fabric of the communities. Students will learn to critically analyse the root cause of social issues in their specific social, economic and political contexts, and to design effective solutions based on a clear understanding of the real problem. You will graduate with lifelong critical skills and a platform for success in developing and leading socially-focused ventures.