Introduction to the Global Urbanism MASc Program

The Global Urbanism MASc program at University College London (UCL) is designed to equip students with the critical skills and specialist knowledge necessary to operate as urbanists in today's global environment. This program collaborates across sectors to tackle urgent challenges and shape fairer cities.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts and Sciences degree in Global Urbanism is the first urban master's degree to radically cut across arts, humanities, social sciences, and built environment studies. It gives students the opportunity to specialize in urbanism as a challenge-driven and practice-oriented transdisciplinary field. Drawing from UCL's distinctive breadth of urban expertise, the program will equip students with state-of-the-art knowledge of urbanism.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• English language requirements: The English language level for this course is Level 2.
• UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Course Structure

The program offers two pathways: 'Global Studio' or 'London Studio'. In addition to a shared core curriculum, each pathway gives students the opportunity to build critical understandings of global urbanism, specializing either in the highly globalized urban context of London or in a selected international partner city.

Full-Time Program

• The program is comprised of 45 credits of core modules, 60 credits of dissertation, 45 credits of pathway modules, and 30 credits of electives.
• Modules include:
  • Global Urbanism: Theory and Politics
  • Engaged Urbanism
  • Cities Methodologies
  • Dissertation Methods
  • Pathway modules such as East London Lab, Cities Studio, Global Urban Theory Lab, and City Co-Labs.
• Elective modules may include:
  • London: Aspects of Change
  • Civic Design
  • Find Your Future
  • Inclusive Design and Environments
  • Exploring Power, Inclusion and Exclusion with Local Communities
  • Sustainability and Decision-making
  • Protecting and Managing Creative Content
  • Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

Part-Time Program

• The part-time program is designed to be completed over two years.
• Year 1, Term 1: Global Urbanism, Theory & Politics, Engaged Urbanism
• Year 1, Term 2: Cities Methodologies and elective
• Year 2, Term 1: East London Lab or Cities Studio according to pathway choice and elective
• Year 2, Term 2: Histories of Global London or City Co-Labs + Global Urban Theory Lab depending on pathway, and Dissertation.

Flexible Modular Program

• The flexible modular program allows students to complete the degree over 2 to 5 years.
• Modules are taken in a bespoke order with guidance from the Course Director.

Fieldwork

The program includes urban fieldwork in London and an international partner city. London Studio involves local fieldwork, while Global Studio includes a field trip to the partner city.

Accessibility

UCL endeavors to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fees (2026/27): Ł21,500 (full-time), Ł10,750 (part-time)
• Overseas tuition fees (2026/27): Ł35,400 (full-time), Ł17,700 (part-time)
• Additional costs include a fee deposit, field trip costs, and living expenses in London.
• Scholarships available include the Ruth Glass Scholarship, UCL East Scholarship, and The Bartlett Promise Scholarship.

Career Support and Employability

Studying at UCL provides access to a range of career services, including networking events, career workshops, and internship opportunities. Graduates are suited to a wide range of urban and built environment careers, with skills in urban practice, community participation, inclusive urban development, and governance. The program prepares students for doctoral study and professional research positions.

UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_ progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_ postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_ hands-on approach.

Services

Student services