MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies

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 will 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. Urbanization 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 Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster.

The MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies aims to: (i) 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; (ii) expose you to the most recent developments and debates in human geography and urban studies; (iii) prepare you for careers in research, academia, international organisations, urban planning and governance, the consultancy sector and NGOs.

The Urbanization, 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.

Progression and assessment

Once on the MPhil/PhD programme you will go through a First Year Progress Review, taking place in the Summer Term of your first research year. This is Year 1 for students in the +3 programme and Year 2 for students in the 1+3 programme. For the First Year Progress Review, you must submit a written progress report containing an extensive and updated research proposal (typically including an introduction to the topic and motivation for the research; aims and objectives/research questions; contribution to knowledge; summary of methods to be used; and outline of the work to be done) and either a comprehensive literature review or a substantive draft of a chapter/paper as evidence of progress made during the year.

Careers

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. The programme will also prepare you for careers in international organisations (eg the World Bank, OECD, UNEP or European Commission), urban planning, governance, the consultancy sector, infrastructure providers and NGOs.