Programmes

MSc Urbanisation and Development

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of Geography and Environment
  • Application code L8U6
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Home part-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

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.

Programme details

Key facts

MSc Urbanisation and Development
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines
Duration 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
Applications 2022 132
Intake 2022 18
Financial support Graduate support scheme (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in social science, or a degree in another field with relevant work experience
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Urbanisation and Development

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.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of  academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Urbanisation and Development

Home students: £17,424 
Overseas students: £27,480

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other 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 SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

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

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

You will take courses to the value of four full units in total, made up of compulsory and optional courses.

You will normally take one and a half unit's worth of options in Geography, and half a unit worth in International Development, although adjustments can be made. If you are planning to apply for a PhD within the Department, you may wish to audit additional methods training during your MSc. Contact your MSc Programme Co-Directors and the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss this requirement.

(* denotes a half unit)

Urban Theory and Policy in the Global South*
Concentrates on key scholarly and policy debates on cities and urbanisation in the developing world, particularly over the past two decades.

Urban Research Methods*
Provides an introduction to key methods used in research on urbanising societies around the world, particularly in the Global South.

Dissertation
Independent research project of 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study

Within your programme you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect a minimum of 20 contact hours; for full unit courses, a minimum of 40 contact hours in total.  Timetabled contact hours include sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars and/or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

You are also expected to undertake independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as assistant, associate and full professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers, visiting members of staff, and LSE teaching fellows,   who are usually final stage doctoral research students or post-doctoral scholars. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE MSc Urbanisation and Development courses use a range of formative exercises such as essays and student presentations. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of, or after, the course.

For the core courses on MSc Urbanisation and Development, GY459 entails a summative assessment and unseen exam, whereas GY452 is assessed on the basis of two written summative assignments (essay and dissertation proposal) plus a seminar presentation on the student’s intended dissertation topic.  Further details, and an indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each of the optional courses can be found in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

Aside from the Programme Co-Directors (or nominated Acting Director), who will be available for general guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns throughout the year, by week 8 or 9 of Michaelmas you will also be assigned a dedicated dissertation supervisor.

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Careers

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Geography & Environment

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £35,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

  • Government, Public Sector and Policy   
  • Financial and Professional Services              
  • Education, Teaching and Research            
  • Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
  • Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Graduates enter a wide variety of employment including the public sector, non-governmental and civil society organisations, international agencies, research and consultancy, as well as further study.

Further testimonials on study experience and graduate destinations can be found here

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Lewis Abedi Asante

MSc Urbanisation and Development, 2011
Lecturer in Valuation, Kumasi Polytechnic, Ghana

LewisAbediAsante170x230

In 2010 I received a scholarship to study the MSc Urbanisation and Development programme at LSE. I chose the course at the LSE because I believe that Ghana is becoming increasingly urbanised. The Geography and Environment department has an excellent reputation of producing the best minds in the field of urbanisation and development studies. The structure, content and teaching of the MSc exposed me to the latest theoretical and practical developments in urban and development policy in the global south.

Studying at LSE gives students an edge in getting employment globally. The training is geared towards preparing students for the job market and I advise students to take advantage of LSE Careers.

The LSE experience is one that I think about frequently. Given the opportunity, I will choose to pursue my PhD at LSE.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Preliminary reading

Good general, and accessible, sources include the following: 

R Centner ‘Microcitizenships: fractious forms of belonging after Argentine neoliberalism’ (International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 36:2, 336-62, 2012)

S Chant 'Women, Girls and World Poverty: empowerment, equality or essentialism?' (International Development Planning Review, 38:1, 1-24, 2016)

S Chant and C McIlwaine Cities, Slums and Gender in the Global South: towards a feminised urban future (Routledge, 2016)

G A Jones, and R Sanyal Spectacle and Suffering: the Mumbai slum as a worlded space (Geoforum, 65, 431-9. 2015)

L Loretta, H B Shin, and E L Morales Planetary Gentrification (Polity Press, 2016)

C Lemanski and C Marx (eds) The City in Urban Poverty (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015)

C Mercer Landscapes of Extended Ruralisation: postcolonial suburbs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 2017, vol 42, Issue 1, p72-83)

H B Shin Economic Transition and Speculative Urbanisation in China: gentrification versus dispossession (Urban Studies, 53:3,471-89, 2016)

K Ward Researching the City: a guide for students (Sage, 2012)

A Zeiderman Endangered City: the politics of security and risk in Bogotá (Duke University Press, 2016)

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