Program Overview

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MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies

The MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies is a unique planning programme that focuses on the economics, geography, and politics of land-use planning, drawing on LSE's strength in interdisciplinary teaching.

Introduction

The programme has a long tradition in training both people seeking careers in urban and regional planning policy and mid-career professionals. It attracts students from all over the world, including North and South America, Asia, and Europe. The MSc aims to provide a common understanding of the various influences affecting the planning process and to teach a set of research skills that will help planners in practice.

Accreditations

The master's in Regional and Urban Planning Studies is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Students who pass their degree will automatically gain accreditation.

Preliminary Readings

• P Hall Cities of Tomorrow: An Intellectual History of Urban Planning and Design in the 20th Century (Wiley Blackwell, 2012)
• J Friedmann Insurgencies: essays in planning theory (Routledge, 2011)

Entry Requirements

• Upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant social science, or professional qualifications and experience.
• English language requirements: Standard.

Programme Content

The programme involves three compulsory half units, three half-unit options, and a 10,000-word dissertation. This dissertation will be on a topic of personal interest to you, agreed with your tutor.

Year 1

• GY447: The Economics of Regional and Urban Planning (Half unit)
• GY448: Social and Political Aspects of Planning (Half unit)
• GY454: Urban Policy and Planning (Half unit)
• GY484: Dissertation - MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies (One unit)
• Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options

Why Study with Us

Discover more about our students and department below and read about the LSE student experience on our student blog.

Student Stories

• Henrique Couto, MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• Aaron Davis, MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• Chijioke Anosike, MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• Meera Kumar, MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• Teis Hansen, MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies

Meet the Department

Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Why LSE

• University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
• 1st in London for the 14th year running
• 6th In the world
• Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your Application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.

Overview

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form.

When to Apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline.

Fees and Funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

Home

• £19,300 (Home student fee, 2026/27)

Overseas

• £30,400 (Overseas student fee, 2026/27)

Fee Status

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student.

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Loans

• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

Learning and Assessment

• How you learn
• How you're assessed

How You Learn

• Contact hours and independent study
• Teaching methods
• Academic support

How You're Assessed

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course.

Graduate Destinations

Our graduates typically go on to careers in planning consultancies, local and regional government, real estate and property development, and community advocacy organisations.

Overview

• Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £36,000
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Real Estate, Environment and Energy
  • NGOs and Charities
  • Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

Career Support

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Find Out More

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