MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies at London School of Economics and Political Science

Programme overview

This programme offers training in human geographic research and in responding to the challenges of rapid urbanisation and urban redevelopment around the world. 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.

Department: Department of Geography and Environment | Duration: Three to four years, minimum two years full-time; part-time available | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: 27 September 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

In addition to progressing with your research, you're expected to take the courses listed below. You may take courses in addition to those listed but must discuss this with your supervisors. Compulsory and core courses include Staff / Research Students Seminars, Contemporary Debates in Human Geography, Doctoral Research and Professional Development, Writing the World.

Career pathways

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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The programme is offered in the following alternative formats: Either the standalone MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (+3 route) Or combined with the MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies progressing onto the MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (1+3 Route) +3 Route: MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years) The minimum entry requirement for the standalone PhD +3 programme, is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in the dissertation, in a related discipline. 1+3 Route: MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (1 year) + MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years) The 1+3 route – suitable if you don't hold a relevant postgraduate degree – is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in geography or similar social science subject. See entrance requirements for the MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies. The 1+3 Combined PhD Programme is only available as part of an ESRC Funded pathway. English language requirement: Research (IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in reading and writing and 6.5 in listening and speaking).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,368 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,300 a year (2027/28). First-year fee; likely to rise over the duration of the programme. Source

Intake: 27 September 2027

Duration: Three to four years, minimum two years full-time; part-time available

Apply through the official page: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/How-to-Apply

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