Urban Studies

The MSc Urban Studies programme at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex factors shaping cities and urban environments worldwide. Designed for students interested in exploring urban issues from multiple perspectives, the programme combines insights from geography, sociology, planning, architecture, environmental sciences, and related fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban processes and challenges. Throughout the course, students will examine topics such as urban development, sustainability, social inequality, governance, infrastructure, and technological innovations that influence city life. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical solutions, preparing graduates for careers in policy-making, urban planning, research, consultancy, and community engagement. Students have access to a vibrant academic community, participate in cutting-edge research, and benefit from strong links with local authorities, NGOs, and industry partners. The curriculum includes core modules, elective courses, and a substantial research project or dissertation, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. UCL's central London location provides an ideal environment for studying urban issues, with numerous opportunities for fieldwork, site visits, and engagement with urban practitioners. Graduates of the MSc Urban Studies programme will possess a nuanced understanding of urban dynamics, analytical skills, and practical experience, making them well-equipped to address the pressing urban challenges of the 21st century.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The Urban Studies BSc shares common modules with the Urban Planning, Design and Management BSc, but allows a more flexible mode of study. In addition to a specified number of core modules, students are free to choose from a range of eligible modules across the faculty and university in the second and third years.

Core modules are structured around the three streams of understanding, managing and delivering urban change. They include a range of theoretical and practical modules in the urban planning, social science and design disciplines. 

The programme offers the opportunity to study overseas for a term in the second year. The school has long-established links with many universities in Europe as well as a growing list in the USA and the Asia-Pacific including universities in Hong Kong and Melbourne.

Over the second and third years, Urban Studies students can choose seven eligible and related modules from across the faculty and university. This includes the option of taking a language, selected from one of the 17 (or more) languages taught in UCL's Centre for Languages and International Education (CLIE).

A levels

Grades

ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34

Subjects

A score of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The MSc Urban Studies program at University College London offers a range of financing options to support prospective students throughout their studies. The university provides various scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities designed to assist both domestic and international students in covering tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria related to nationality or area of interest. For example, there are dedicated scholarships for students from developing countries, as well as competitive merit-based awards for outstanding academic achievement. Additionally, students can apply for external funding sources, such as government scholarships, research grants, and sponsorship programs from non-governmental organizations. The university also offers information on part-time work opportunities available on campus or within the local community, which can help students supplement their income during their studies. Furthermore, UCL has a well-established financial aid office that provides personalized advice and support to help students plan their finances effectively. International students should be aware of possible additional costs related to visa applications, health insurance, and travel, and are encouraged to explore scholarship options early in their application process to maximize their chances of receiving funding. The university also participates in various funding schemes that may include loan programs or financial aid for specific programs or research projects. Overall, UCL strives to make urban studies accessible by providing comprehensive financial support options, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial burden.

The Urban Studies program at University College London (UCL) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding cities and urban issues. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of urban areas. The curriculum integrates theories and methods from various disciplines including geography, sociology, politics, and planning, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of urban phenomena. Students engage with contemporary challenges faced by cities worldwide, such as housing, transportation, sustainability, inequality, and governance. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning, policy, research, and consultancy. UCL's location in London offers unique opportunities for experiential learning through visits, projects, and collaborations with local government and organizations. The program can be undertaken at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, with options for specialization in areas such as sustainable urban development, urban policy, or spatial analysis. Graduates from UCL’s Urban Studies program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to shaping and managing urban environments in an increasingly complex world. The program also encourages engagement with current urban debates and innovation, fostering a global perspective on urban issues.