MPhil/PhD Cities

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.

Progression and assessment

The time taken to complete any research degree depends on your progress and individual needs and you must remain registered with the School until your thesis has been submitted.

You will register for the MPhil in the first instance. In week 6 of Michaelmas term in your second year, you will submit a 10,000-word research proposal for assessment, outlining the aims and methods of your thesis and providing preliminary data collection and analysis. The paper will be read by two members of the Sociology Department, who will conduct the viva voce. Successful completion of this assessment means that you upgrade from MPhil registration to registration as a PhD candidate.

Careers

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. Our graduates have also gone on to work as architects, designers, planners, and other positions requiring advanced urban expertise.

Students should have a Merit in a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline and an upper second class (2:1) degree in sociology or another social science.