MPhil/PhD Regional and Urban Planning Studies at London School of Economics and Political Science

Programme overview

This interdisciplinary programme addresses the opportunities, problems, politics and economics of urban and regional planning in cities 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 social scientific study of urban planning. 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 are 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, Doctoral Research and Professional Development.

Career pathways

We prepare students for a variety of careers in academia, international organisations (eg the World Bank, OECD, UNEP, European Commission), urban planning, community development, NGOs and national and local governmental institutions. This data is drawn from the latest 2023/24 Graduate Outcomes Survey, conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The programme is offered in the following alternative formats: Either the MPhil/PhD in Regional and Urban Planning Or combined with the MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies progressing onto the MPhil/PhD in Regional Planning (1+3 route) MPhil/PhD in Regional and Urban Planning The minimum entry requirement for this 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 subject. Most students take four years to complete the PhD. 1+3 Route: MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies (1 year) + MPhil/PhD in Regional Planning The 1+3 route is suitable for those individuals who do not hold a relevant ESRC recognised postgraduate research training degree and is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in planning, urban geography or closely related subject. (See entrance requirements for the MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies programme ). 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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