Urban Economic Development MSc

UCL (University College London)

UCL’s Urban Economic Development MSc equips you with the skills to understand the theories of urban economic development and how to create productive, sustainable, and inclusive urban economies in practice. This sustainable development master’s is rooted in real case studies that will enable you to generate creative approaches to development in the city economy, both in London and overseas. The Urban Economic Development MSc addresses the major economic challenges facing cities today—from inequality and climate change to technological disruption and the digitalisation of urban economies and services. The course equips you with theoretical frameworks, analytical tools and practical insights to understand how city economies function and how to shape them through the development of strategies based on local capacities and by strengthening cities as economic environments. Through research-led teaching and interdisciplinary learning, you develop your own grounded perspective on tackling complex urban issues. You gain experience in creative policy formulation and applying cutting-edge research to real challenge. A wide range of optional modules allows you to tailor the course to your interests in urban economic development and beyond. You also build practical skills through fieldwork and immersive workshops, including an overseas practice engagement focused on city economies in the Global South and a London-based project with communities and global partners. Furthermore, Development Workshops simulate the complexity of real-world strategy-making alongside students from other master’s courses. By the end of the course, you are ready for careers in government, international agencies, NGOs, consultancies and research institutionsequipped to support inclusive growth and guide cities through rapid economic change. This course is designed for those who want to understand and shape the economic future of cities. It is suited to recent graduates, early-career professionals and those looking to redirect their career towards urban economic development. You might come from economics, development, geography, planning, architecture, political sciences, business or another related disciplines. Whether you have experience in public policy, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy or research - or are new to the field - you’ll be supported to build your expertise and develop the practical and analytical skills needed to pursue careers that drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth in cities around the world. The course attracts a diverse, international cohort, creating a collaborative learning environment where you benefit from the varied insights and perspectives of your peers. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.