Human Geography and Urban Studies

Entry requirements

+3 Route: MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years)

The minimum entry requirement for the standalone PhD +3 programme, is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in the dissertation, in a related discipline.

1+3 Route: MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (1 year) + MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years)

To apply for the 1+3 route, an application must be submitted for the MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research), including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway and associated funding within their personal statement. Students who apply for the PhD programme directly, will not be considered for the 1+3 pathway.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MPhil/PhD programme

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of Human Geography and Urban Studies. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

This PhD offers training both in human geographic research and in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding/ responding to the challenges of an era of rapid urbanisation and urban redevelopment around the world. Urbanization and development are the main focus of work by both staff and students associated with this programme. But it also provides opportunities for research on topics and issues within human geography which are not specifically “urban” but which relate to other areas of expertise and interest of academic staff within the Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster.

The MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies aims to: (i) provide advanced knowledge of the principles and conceptual foundations of human geographic and urban social science research, together with the research skills and methodological understanding needed to develop original research in the field; (ii) expose you to the most recent developments and debates in human geography and urban studies; (iii) prepare you for careers in research, academia, international organisations, urban planning and governance, the consultancy sector and NGOs.

Department of Geography and Environment

We offer a unique opportunity to study Human Geography, Economic Geography and Environmental Social Science/Policy in a university with a worldwide reputation as a centre of academic excellence in the social sciences. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally. In 2022, the QS World University rankings rated us 2nd globally for Geography.

We are a medium-sized department with major specialities within the economic, development, urban, regional planning and environmental social science aspects of geography, all with a strong emphasis on application and policy issues.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities.

These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Find out more about financial support.