The MSc Regional & Urban Planning Studies is a strongly focused and internationally based planning programme that has a long tradition in training both people seeking careers in urban and regional planning policy and mid-career professionals. Founded in 1966 by the departments of Economics, Geography and Government, the programme (now housed solely in the Department of Geography & Environment) continues a strong interdisciplinary focus challenging students to understand cities and regions from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
The MSc aims to provide a common understanding of the various influences affecting the planning process, and to teach a set of research skills that will help planners in practice. These skills include urban and regional economic analysis, the evaluation of environmental and regional policies and the study of institutional and political factors that impact city and regional development. These perspectives will be applied to London and to a wide range of countries and cities through lectures and seminar debate.
Dr Nancy Holman, Director of RUPS, introduces the programme:
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Students join the course from many countries and from many different backgrounds in the social sciences and the design, planning and property professions. Most graduates go on to work in city, regional or environmental planning, particularly on the research and consultancy side of practice.
A strong sense of identity is generated in the student body, and the alumni keep in regular contact with each other through an annual newsletter. A number of walks are conducted early in the first term to help students orient to London and a fieldtrip is held during the Easter vacation, the destination is chosen by the students. This is held in various British regions or cities or on continental Europe. Recent student cohorts have chosen Istanbul, Berlin, Moscow, Dublin and Amsterdam. The students also run a Planning Society, which organises speakers, shorter trips and social events.
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MSc RUPS celebrates 50 years!
On Friday 28 October 2016 we celebrated the 50th year of the MSc in Regional and Urban Planning Studies at the LSE. Over the programme’s history we have educated over 600 students from all around the world. Many students have gone on to make significant contributions in the fields of planning, architecture and academia. The reunion was an occasion to come together and celebrate the programme and the long-lasting friendships it has inspired.
The day began with presentations from current LSE staff on a variety of cutting edge planning and housing issues facing London in 2016. We finished with a wonderful reminisce of the programme’s foundations by former director Professor Michael Hebbert. The evening reception gave us time to rekindle old friendships and make new connections with current students on the programme.
Graduates of the Department have excellent career prospects. The most recent data, for 2012/13, shows that 6 months after graduation Department of Geography & Environment MSc students achieved an average starting salary of £26,600, with 93% engaged in employment or further education. LSE produces outstanding graduates, and you can be sure that choosing to study with us will shape your future.
Statistics taken from the DLHE (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education) survey, overseen by the Higher Education Statistics Agency for the UK Government and sample at least 80% of UK graduates and at least 50% of non-UK graduates.
Statistics taken from the DLHE (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education) survey, overseen by the Higher Education Statistics Agency for the UK Government and sample at least 80% of UK graduates and at least 50% of non-UK graduates.
Staff involved in teaching courses in MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies: