Course summary

The MPhil/PhD Cities offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of research that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to urban studies. Students begin on the MPhil, and are upgraded to PhD status after meeting certain requirements. The Cities programme, founded in 1998, is dedicated to the innovative exploration and analysis of urban society and urban change. Housed within the Department of Sociology, the programme offers an excellent environment for interdisciplinary graduate research on cities, space and urbanism. Students come to the programme from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, sharing an interest in linking the social and spatial study of urban issues. The doctoral programme includes training in research design, practice and presentation in the first year; access to relevant graduate taught courses to enhance general and project-specific skills; a range of student-led and international collaborations and initiatives; and opportunities for exchange and networking through other international partnerships. Research focuses on the academic expertise of staff within the Cities programme, the Department of Sociology, and LSE in general, addressing the spatial, social, economic and environmental aspects of cities and urban life.