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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:L8U4
Department of Geography and Environment

MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies

Delve into the economics, geography and politics of land-use planning, drawing on LSE’s strength in interdisciplinary teaching in this unique programme.
Explore the MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies

Overview

Introduction

MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies is a unique planning programme as it's based on the economics, geography and the politics of land-use planning, drawing on LSE’s strength in interdisciplinary teaching.

The programme has a long tradition in training both people seeking careers in urban and regional planning policy and mid-career professionals. It attracts students from all over the world including North and South America, Asia and Europe.

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.

We provide strong professional linkages through our very active alumni network and links to the Association of European Planning Schools. This programme benefits from a partnership agreement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), thus conferring professional recognition upon graduation.

Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant social science, or professional qualifications and experience.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

If you're planning to apply for a PhD within the department, please be advised that you need to take some methods training as part of the MSc. Contact your MSc Programme Director and the Director of Graduate studies to discuss this requirement.

You'll also have the benefit of a series of visiting speakers and study trips exploring current planning issues, including the chance to go on a study visit to another city. In recent years we have visited Sarajevo, Moscow, Istanbul, Berlin and Athens; the cost of this visit (about £300) is not covered by tuition fees.

Year 1

The programme involves three compulsory half units, three half-unit options and a 10,000-word dissertation. This dissertation will be on a topic of personal interest to you, agreed with your tutor. It provides the opportunity for you to apply the material learned in the rest of the programme. Through your selection of options you can either study a wide range of different subjects or choose a package with a specialism such as environment planning, regional policy, economic development, or planning in developing countries.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department below and read about the LSE student experience on our student blog.

Meet the department

Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Here at LSE, we offer a unique opportunity to study geography in a university with a worldwide reputation in the social sciences. We specialise in economic, urban and development geography, environmental social science and climate change, all with a strong emphasis on real-world applications.

Many of our academics are internationally renowned in their fields. You’ll find a good balance of experienced and younger academics in the department. Within the team, we’ve had three holders of the highly prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize Fellowships for researchers under the age of 36.

Our research is interdisciplinary and international in its scope and we work closely with academics from several other departments at LSE. Teaching staff are active within the following research centres:

Based in the heart of London opposite Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the department offers a lively, welcoming and supportive community for students and staff.
Learn more about our undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD study opportunities, as well as our research.

Your application

Overview

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

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

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

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who haven't already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.

207
Applications
27
Intake
8:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition 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 doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£18,300

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Our graduates typically go on to careers in planning consultancies, local and regional government, real estate and property development, and community advocacy organisations.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£36,000

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
Consultancy
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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