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Human Geography and Urban Studies,MPhil

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

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Home/United Kingdom/London /London School of Economics and Political Science/Human Geography and Urban Studies,MPhil

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

L8ZG

Campuses

Houghton Street

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines28-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 24,400 / year

Next Intake 28-Sep-2026

Human Geography and Urban Studies,MPhil

About

Introduction

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of Human Geography and Urban Studies. You'll begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

This PhD offers training both in human geographic research and in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding/responding to the challenges of an era of rapid urbanisation and urban redevelopment around the world. Urbanisation and development are the main focus of work by both staff and students associated with this programme. But it also provides opportunities for research on topics and issues within human geography which are not specifically “urban” but which relate to other areas of expertise and interest of academic staff within the Urbanisation, Planning and Development cluster.

The MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies aims to:

provide advanced knowledge of the principles and conceptual foundations of human geographic and urban social science research, together with the research skills and methodological understanding needed to develop original research in the field;
expose you to the most recent developments and debates in human geography and urban studies;
prepare you for careers in research, academia, international organisations, urban planning and governance, the consultancy sector and NGOs.

The Urbanisation, Planning and Development cluster of the Department of Geography and Environment involves a concentration of researchers with particular interests in how social, economic and political processes interact across a range of urban contexts in all continents, and in different conditions of development. Issues related to the urban economy are also strongly represented within the department's Economic Geography cluster. Research students on this programme are strongly encouraged to engage with the full range of urban research, teaching and scholarship within LSE's wider urban research community.

As well as taking your time to look through the sections below, we also encourage you to take a look at our FAQs, which cover a range of frequently asked questions, including on the application process and funding.

Preliminary readings

Howard Becker, Writing for Social Scientists: how to start and finish your thesis, book, or article (University of Chicago Press, 2007)
Patrick Dunleavy, Authoring a PhD: how to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Graduate entry requirements for applicants from Saudi Arabia Taught master's programmes To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (upper second class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 80 per cent, 3.3/4, 4.0/5, or an overall B, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (first-class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 90 per cent, 3.75/4, 4.7/5, A or very good, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. Research programmes (MPhil/MRes/PhD) To be considered for admission to a research programme, we would normally require a master’s degree if awarded after 2004 and expect grades of 85 per cent.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Research. 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.

Career

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Fee Information

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Tuition Fee

GBP 24,400

Application Fee

GBP