Urban Studies MSc

Students develop an advanced understanding of urban theory, and explore the main urban developments shaping the contemporary world. The programme focuses on the interface between theory and practice across a diverse range of topics, from historic patterns of urban change to large-scale challenges such as slums, poverty and access to basic services, and current developments in urban design and the visual arts.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme offers two pathways, standard and research.

The standard pathway consists of three core modules (45 credits), five options (75 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Research consists of four core modules (75 credits), three options (45 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

• Urban Imaginations
• Cities, Space and Power
• Urban Practices
• Research route only:
• Social Science Research Methodologies (30 credits)

Options may include the following:

• Asian Cities in a Globalising South
• London: Aspects of Change
• Creative Cities
• Cities and Climate Change
• Community Participation in City Strategies
• Comparative Urbanism
• Spatial Planning
• Migration and Urban Multicultures
• Anthropology of Architecture
• Planning Practices in Europe
• Thinking Space
• Transforming Local Areas
• Representation of Cities

All students undertake an individual research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, field trips, tutorials, discussion groups, presentations and group work. Assessment is through coursework in the form of essays, and the dissertation.