Frequently asked questions

1. What is distinctive about the Master's in the Cities Programme?  How does it differ from comparable courses offered at LSE and in other institutions?
2. How are applicants to the MSc City Design and Social Science selected?
3. Does the Master's offer a technical training in urban design?
4. How long will it take to complete the MSc?
5. Can I undertake the MSc on a part-time basis?
6. Does the Cities Programme offer financial support to MSc students?
7. Employment after graduation  

1. What is distinctive about the Master's in the Cities Programme? How does it differ from comparable courses offered at LSE and in other institutions?

Our Master's degree sets the analysis of the built environment in a social, political and historical context.  Our teaching and research focuses on issues of urban design and development within a major international social science institution, drawing on social as well as spatial research methods to understand the relationship between the visual, physical and social aspects of cities. 

This social scientific context sets our programme apart from many of those offered in architecture or design schools, while our central concern with the built environment and the design of urban spaces distinguishes our programme from others in the social sciences.  We see design as a mode of research and practice that shapes urban environments, responds to urban problems, and connects visual, social and material forms in the city.  The Cities Programme takes a multi-disciplinary approach to these issues, drawing on expertise and insights from the social sciences, architecture, urban design and other fields.

The MSc programme is an interdisciplinary programme.  Applicants come from backgrounds as diverse as sociology, geography, architecture, planning, economics, political science, development studies, literature, film studies and so on.  While it is not essential that applicants should have been trained in urban studies, it is essential that they are able to demonstrate a strong interest in urban issues through academic, professional or voluntary work.  

2. How are applicants to the MSc City Design and Social Science selected?

Applicants will need to demonstrate good academic qualifications, a strong interest in urban issues, what they hope to gain from the Cities Programme, and the skills they can bring to the discussion about cities.

For this reason, education in disciplines related to urban issues, work experience - working for urban design practices, urban research centres or social policy agencies - can be an advantage.  Applicants will be asked to make a written statement regarding these issues.  In addition, applicants will have to provide high-quality references from those who can comment on their suitability for this programme.

The references preferably should come from academics familiar with their work, or in the case of applicants who have been working for some time, from their employers.  Applicants who are selected often exceed minimum entry requirements (contact graduate admissions for information on minimum requirements), provide high-quality statements of intent and references, and demonstrate their commitment (through a combination of education, work experience or voluntary work) to the goals of the Cities Programme.  

3. Does the Master's offer a technical training in urban design?

The MSc City Design and Social Science is an academic programme taught in one of the world's leading institutions. It has a strong orientation to practice and implementation, particularly through the core City Design Research Studio, but the course does not provide a technical training in urban design for those who do not have a previous qualification in architecture/design. All students are required to present their work visually, and the programme supports students' use of design and mapping software.

The core City Design Research Studio is based on intensive group work that allows students to share skills and expertise across disciplinary boundaries and promotes shared learning. Regular tutorials and crits support the ongoing development of written and visual work that enhances students' critical knowledge and transferable skills.  

4.How long will it take to complete the MSc?

The London School of Economics operates with three teaching terms over the academic year.  Three terms (one year's registration) for full-time students, and six terms (two years' registration) is the minimum period for part-time MSc students.  Scheduled teaching in the MSc Programme usually begins at the end of September/early October, with the final submission date for project work falling in late August/early September of the following year.  

5. Can I undertake the MSc on a part-time basis?

Yes, as stated above, students can study on a part-time basis, the usual completion time being two years; on rare occasions applicants can also complete in three years.  Part-time study is a popular option for those students wishing to continue working throughout the degree.  

6.Does the Cities Programme offer financial support to MSc students?

All postgraduate taught applicants to LSE will be considered for needs based assistance through the Graduate Support Scheme.  However, this can seldom offer more than a partial contribution towards the fees. There are currently no full scholarships available specifically for Cities Programme students, but there are a variety of country-based scholarships offered by LSE.  For all funding information please go to the LSE's Financial Support Office.  

7. Employment after graduation

Our survey of past graduates shows that the majority of our MSc students take up full-time employment upon graduation, with up to 10% opting for part-time employment or self-employment.  A number also go into further research, usually on a PhD programme.  The primary fields of employment for Cities Programme graduates are in urban design, architecture, planning, development, community work, government, research and consultancy.  For more information see Alumni and careers| .