Taught course

Urbanisation and Development

Institution
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) · Department of Geography and Environment
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a social science subject such as: geography, anthropology, sociology, planning or development. Alternately a degree in another field with work experience relevant to cities and/or development could be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MSc programme

The MSc Urbanisation and Development reviews urbanism from colonial to contemporary periods, emphasising demographic, social, economic, cultural and political processes.

At a time when three-quarters of the world's urban population, and over 90 per cent of future urban population growth, will be in the developing world, it is vital we understand the relationships between urban and development issues from both theoretical and empirical standpoints. This programme pays particular attention to the origins and claims of development theory and practice, and the aims and achievements of contemporary urban policy from a wide variety of thematic and theoretical perspectives.

The programme attempts to provide a conceptual and empirical basis from which to understand urban problems and critically evaluate prescribed solutions. You will develop an understanding of urban theory and development theory and how they apply to real world situations. You will learn how policy intentions and outcomes can be evaluated from economic, social, political and cultural perspectives, from international to local scales, and in ways sensitive to concerns for gender, ethnicity, social justice and democratic deepening.

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.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad
Phone
+44 (0)20 7955 6613