Cities

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Explore the nature of cities, their conflicts, complexity and diversity and the policy implications of contemporary urbanisation. Options range from applied internships to more theoretical modules. Construct your own framework for understanding cities, the processes of urbanisation and their impact on the environment.

KEY BENEFITS

* Internship opportunities within a range of London-based urban research organisations.
* Opportunities to explore urban issues in comparative perspective.
* Explore the urban in situ the theoretical is brought to life by our London fieldtrips.
* Enjoy one of the UKs best urban research seminar series.
* Located in the heart of London.

PURPOSE

For those seeking a critical understanding of contemporary urbanisation in both developed and developing countries. The programme provides an understanding of contemporary urban issues including regeneration, urban design and sustainability.

DESCRIPTION

London, with its immense range of research and policy institutes, and its cultural, social and political resources, provides a perfect context for studying this degree. With an increasing majority of the world's population living in cities, urbanisation is one of the most important social processes today. This programme explores the nature of cities, with all their conflicts, complexity and diversity. With options ranging from an applied, hands-on internship to more theoretical module units on 'the city', students can construct their own framework for understanding cities, the processes of urbanisation and their impact on the environment. A major element of the degree is its focus on the policy implications of contemporary urbanisation.

STRUCTURE OVERVIEW Core programme content Core module (MA & MSc pathway: 60 credits):

* 7SSG5008 Dissertation in Cities (60 credits) (must Take and Pass)

Compulsory modules (MA & MSc pathway: 60 credits):

* 7SSG5002 Practising Social Research (20 credits)
* 7SSG5051 Social Change in Global Cities (20 credits)
* 7SSG5061 Conceptualising Cities (20 credits)

Compulsory module (MSc pathway: 20 credits):

* 7SSG5150 Advanced Quantitative and Spatial Methods in Human Geography (20 credits)

Indicative non-core content Optional modules (MA pathway: 6070 credits; MSc pathway: 4050 credits):Students must take 6070 credits (MA pathway) or 4050 credits (MSc pathway) of optional modules. For both MA and MSc pathways, at least 40 credits must be from the list of prescribed optional modules given below, and the other credits may come from the other optional modules list.

List of Prescribed Optional Modules Specific to this Programme:

* 7SSG5064 Urban Studies Internship (20 credits)
* 7SSG5100 Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa: Livelihoods and Patterns of Growth (20 credits)
* 7SSG5115 Gentrification and Urban Regeneration (20 credits)
* 7SSG5152 Health, Lifestyles and Cities (20 credits)
* 7SSG5179 Understanding the Sustainable City (20 credits)
* 7SSG5180 Governing the Sustainable City (20 credits)

Other Optional Modules Available to Students on this Programme (For availability of modules in 2013/14, please confirm with departments concerned):

* Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department, including from the list of prescribed optional modules given above.
* 7AAEM604 Representing the 18th Century (40 credits) [English Department]
* 7AAEM605 The 20th Century City: from Modernity to Post-Modernity (40 credits) [English Department]
* 7AAQS535 Cinema and City (20 credits) [Film Studies Department]
* 7AAYCC06 Culture and Commerce (20 credits) [Centre for Cultural, Media and Creative Industries]
* Up to 20 credits of Level 7 modules from any KCL Departments or Institutes outside of Geography.

Please note that the above programme structure is subject to formal approval.

FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT Specialist taught modules assessed mainly by written coursework, oral presentations, lab work and practical sessions. The three-month written dissertation is compulsory and is based upon work conducted overseas or in the UK.

MODULES More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year. Conceptualising Cities - Required Practising Social Research - Required Social Change In Global Cities - Required Advanced Quantitative and Spatial Methods in Human Geography - Required (MSc pathway only) Cinema and the City - Optional Gentrification And Urban Regeneration - Optional Governing The Sustainable City - Optional Health, Lifestyles And Cities - Optional Understanding The Sustainable City - Optional Urban Studies Internship - Optional Urbanisation In Sub-Saharan Africa: Livelihoods And Patterns Of Growth - Optional

Minimum standard is a 2:1 degree or international equivalent, eg GPA of 3.25 from a US University. Candidates who do not achieve a 2:1 but have professional or voluntary experience will also be considered. Mature candidates will be considered favourably. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)

FUNDING Varied including Research Councils, University of London Scholarships, departmental bursaries and career development loans. For overseas students Chevening Scholarships are available from the British Council. For further information on funding, including conditions of eligibility, please consult the Postgraduate Funding Page on the Masters section of the Geography Department's website -