Urban History and Culture MA

Study the social, political, cultural and economic development of two great world cities: Paris and London. Administered by the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP), the MA in Urban History and Culture is offered in collaboration with Queen Mary’s School of History, School of Geography and School of English and Drama.

• Choose between a split-site programme in Paris and London, or a full year in Paris
• Gain an international perspective and strong inter-cultural understanding as well as an ability to assess the contours of cultural difference
• Immerse yourself in two of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and benefit from the exposure to the culture and traditions of two major European capital

What you'll study

The MA in Urban History and Culture is a unique opportunity to study the development of the modern city from historical perspectives and through the comparative experience of two of the great urban laboratories of the Western world, Paris and London.

You can choose to spend a full year in Paris with short visits to London, or you can study modules at Queen Mary in London in your second semester.

You will explore the development of urban topography and planning through site visits and analysis, using a primarily bifocal approach to the growth of city living and management, and how that has shaped the fabric of the world.

With faculty expertise drawn from three Schools at Queen Mary as well as ULIP, the programme will allow you to develop your empirical understanding of and your methodological approaches to what distinguishes and what connects these two cities. You will be able to expand these comparative insights towards a broader engagement with urban history and culture, and the challenges cities face today.

Career paths

Studying the MA in Urban History and Culture will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and contemporary organisation of two capital cities through a multidisciplinary approach. You will also develop a range of advanced analytical and research skills.

Gaining a recognised postgraduate qualification with strong intercultural skills and international experience, along with a range of advanced project management skills will prepare you for many career paths or further study.

Previous graduates now work in a range of careers, including academia, NGOs, the travel industry, filmmaking, galleries, auction houses and photography.

Students need to have a 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant Humanities-related subject.