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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:L4UC
Department of Sociology

MSc City Design and Social Science

Reimagine the city. Learn how to tackle urban development from social, economic and political perspectives.
Discover the MSc City Design and Social Science at LSE

Overview

Introduction

This programme focuses on the social, economic and political dimensions of urban design. You’ll learn how urban environments shape communities and how design can tackle social problems and create inclusive spaces.

Drawing on our urban expertise from across LSE, this programme is distinctive for its studio-based approach. You’ll examine theory in a practical, real-world context – with a studio workshop, masterclasses and opportunities to learn from innovative practitioners.

You’ll gain the skills to become an interdisciplinary urban practitioner and advanced urban thinker who can work across professional boundaries and help create sustainable and socially inclusive cities for all.

This MSc City Design and Social Science attracts students from wide-ranging academic and professional backgrounds, reflecting the range of skills involved in urban studies, urban policy and urban design today. Our students come from architecture, urban design, planning and engineering backgrounds, as well as the broader social sciences, humanities, law and natural sciences.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have well-rounded research, analytical and practical skills to contribute to the design, development and implementation of transformative urban projects in cities around the world.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent professional qualifications or experience in any relevant field of architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, social science, law and humanities, management, mathematics, statistics or natural science.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. 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.

Programme content

Year 1

You'll take four compulsory courses including a core studio workshop, taught courses on critical urban theories and issues, and options chosen from the suite of urban courses taught across LSE. You'll also undertake an independent project under faculty supervision.

Guest practitioners from industry, expert speakers and masterclasses on key urban issues complement the core academic programme, and you'll be linked into the wealth of urban expertise across LSE.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.

Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.

We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.

With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.

We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

138
Applications
18
Intake
8:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£20,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Graduates from this programme find international career opportunities across the urban design, planning and development fields in the private, public and community sectors – as designers and planners, project managers and consultants, researchers and entrepreneurs. A vibrant alumni network offers guidance and support for current students and recent graduates.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating:

£30,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Health and Social Care
NGOs and Charities
Financial and Professional Services
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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