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Programme Overview

The Executive MSc in Cities is aimed at urban professionals who want to rethink the way their organisations are delivering large-scale change in cities. Using an evidence-based approach, the programme builds upon LSE Cities’ extensive interdisciplinary urban research programme and social science research methods to train the urban leaders of tomorrow. 

OVERVIEW

This 18-month executive programme is delivered in five teaching modules, followed by a six-month urban consultancy project in the participant’s own organisation.

Each of the teaching modules features lectures, workshops and seminars led by LSE’s world-leading faculty and high-profile guest speakers with direct governmental, civic and industrial experience of urban change. Through these sessions, participants are exposed to the latest analysis, strategy and delivery tools to address urgent issues of urban inequality, economic development and environmental sustainability.

Between teaching weeks, participants work together on challenges based upon urgent issues which are facing cities. These challenges are designed with help from global NGOs (including the C40 network) and local government authorities. 

Following the last teaching module, participants complete an urban consultancy project in their own organisation (or an organisation of their own choosing). Supervision support is provided remotely, allowing participants to work locally without fixed teaching dates. 

Short film introducing the programme Short film introducing the programme
Short film introducing the programme

Programme Structure and Hybrid Flex

The Executive MSc in Cities is made up of five modules, which are taught over the first 12 months of the programme, and a six-month urban consultancy project. Alongside, the programme’s core curriculum participants will also engage with leadership training designed to make you a better urban leader and social networking sessions.

Each module consists of blended learning materials, live teaching weeks, and collaborative work:

Blended learning materials, to be completed by participants in their own time, include recorded lectures, readings, and learning activities hosted on the learning platform, LearnWorlds, and made available to participants 14 days in advance of live teaching.

All participants must attend five one-week live teaching weeks, either in-person at LSE or remotely. Live teaching includes a mix of seminars, case challenges, workshops, group work, site visits, presentations and pitches. Live teaching elaborates on the teaching delivered via LearnWorlds and offers participants the opportunity to discuss, debate, and interrogate.  

As part of the hybrid-flex teaching model, all Executive MSc in Cities participants have the option to attend live teaching in-person or remotely. Please see our Hybrid Flex page for further information.

Following the completion of the modules, participants will then undertake a compulsory six-month urban consultancy project, hosted by either your own organisation or an external organisation.

TEACHING MODULES 2024/25

The 2024/25 Programme begins on 16 Septemebr 2024.

MODULE 1: THE CHALLENGE (Live teaching: 30 September - 4 October)

What are the world’s major urban challenges? Meet the decision makers who are leading through change and analyse your organisation’s position.

The live teaching week for this module will take place from 30 September to 4 October 2024.

MODULE 2: ANALYSIS (Live teaching: 25-29 November 2024)

The analytic frameworks to help you understand the latest economic, environmental and social trends in cities, including key performance indicators and understanding multi-criteria assessments.

The live teaching week for this module will take place from 25 to 29 November 2024.

MODULE 3: STRATEGY (Live teaching: 24-28 February 2025)

Strategic visions, forecasting and innovation. How are cities positioning themselves for more sustainable futures? How can broader conceptual ideas be translated to specific urban contexts?

The live teaching week for this module will take place from 24 to 28 February 2025.

MODULE 4: DELIVERY (Live teaching: 28 April - 2 May 2025)

Delivery vehicles, governance structures and financing mechanisms for environmental, social and economic programmes and projects.

The live teaching week for this module will take place from 28 April to 2 May 2025.

MODULE 5: EMC LAB (Live teaching: 16-20 June 2025)

Participants will be working as consultants for one of two city-focused institutions. One organisation will be seeking your taskforce’s advice on a metropolitan level infrastructure project. The other on a master plan for a development area.

The live teaching week for this module will take place from 16 to 20 June 2025.