emc-programme-apply-banner-1400x300

How to Apply

Sitting in the room, I feel I am able to draw from a wealth of experience and knowledge from different professions and from across the world.

The Executive MSc in Cities welcomes applications from experienced working professionals based in any location who are committed to leading large-scale change in cities.

Our alumni include senior city officials, architects, politicians, entrepreneurs, property developers, urban designers, city planners and academics. However, we will consider applications from all experienced professionals who want to understand and deliver change in cities. Please visit our Network page to view profiles of all of our participants to date.   

Admissions Period

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so there is no set deadline. However, spaces are limited so we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  

Entry Requirements

  • At least 10 years of professional experience in urban related public/private/third sector roles. We will also consider applicants with a similar level of experience who wish to move into the urban sector.   
  • A good first degree of at least a 2.1 (UK), a GPA of 3.5 (USA) or the equivalent from an accredited university. Exceptions can sometimes be made for applicants with substantial professional experience. 
  • If English is not your first language then you will need to demonstrate that you meet LSE’s ‘higher’ English proficiency requirement. It is not necessary to provide proof of this at application stage, but it may be made a condition of your offer. 

If you are unsure whether or not you meet these requirements, please email your CV to our programme team: emc.lsecities@lse.ac.uk

How to Apply

All applications to the programme are made through the LSE Online Application System. You will need the following to complete an application:

  • University transcript and degree certificate: You will need to provide a degree transcript and certificate for each degree you list on the application form.
  • CV or résumé: This should outline your professional experience to date in chronological order. Please ensure that it includes at least 10 years of professional experience.
  • Names and contact details for two referees: At least one of your referees should know you in a professional capacity. LSE will email reference requests to your referees directly, so please provide work email addresses where possible.
  • Personal statement: This should provide a brief overview of your background and outline your reasons for joining the programme. Please keep it to two pages or less.

Please note that the Executive MSc in Cities does not have a GRE/GMAT requirement.

Further information about the application process is available on the Graduate Admissions website.

Start your online application

Fees and Funding

The tuition fee for participants beginning their studies in October 2025 is £42,200. This can either be paid in full following the start of the programme or via a payment plan

All applicants who are made an offer of a place on the Executive MSc in Cities will be asked to pay a pre-registration fee of £1,500 in order to secure their place on the programme. This fee will be deducted from the total cost of tuition. 

While executive participants are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Support Scheme (GSS), we run several scholarship schemes exclusively for the Executive MSc in Cities. For more information about those schemes, please visit our scholarships page