Program Overview

Urbanisation now impacts on the way of life of more than half the population of the planet, crucially influencing everyday social interactions, economies and livelihoods, governance and politics, environmental sustainability, globalisation and cultural change.

To comprehend such a range of influences, this Understanding the City short course gives you a foundation in theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding cities and urban processes. Using a range of examples, from the global south to the global north, tracing their rise and fall from ancient to contemporary forms, this interdisciplinary course will focus on:

As your understanding of the city progresses you will also develop key study and research skills as well as recognising how the city can be used as a way of analysing other social phenomena, such as gender or inequality.

This master's-level course is ideal for professionals or students with an interest in urban studies; local and national government workers; urban planners, housing NGOs and community organisation workers; civil service and private sector consultants; international NGOs; employees working on issues of habitat and urban redevelopment; social science or humanities graduates; teachers wishing to update their skills; and artists with an interest in urban research.

The course is assessed by two essays.

30 credits at level 7