Overview

This PhD offers training both in human geographic research and in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding/ responding to the challenges of an era of rapid urbanisation and urban redevelopment around the world. Urbanization and development are the main focus of work by both staff and students associated with this programme. But it also provides opportunities for research on topics and issues within human geography which are not specifically “urban” but which relate to other areas of expertise and interest of academic staff within the Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster.

The Human Geography and Urban Studies programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science aims to: (i) provide advanced knowledge of the principles and conceptual foundations of human geographic and urban social science research, together with the research skills and methodological understanding needed to develop original research in the field; (ii) expose you to the most recent developments and debates in human geography and urban studies; (iii) prepare you for careers in research, academia, international organisations, urban planning and governance, the consultancy sector and NGOs.

The Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster of the Department of Geography and Environment involves a concentration of researchers with particular interests in how social, economic and political processes interact across a range of urban contexts in all continents, and in different conditions of development. Issues related to the urban economy are also strongly represented within the Department's Economic Geography cluster. Research students on this programme are strongly encouraged to engage with the full range of urban research, teaching and scholarship within LSE's wider urban research community.

Careers

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. The programme will also prepare you for careers in international organisations (eg the World Bank, OECD, UNEP or European Commission), urban planning, governance, the consultancy sector, infrastructure providers and NGOs.

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Real Estate, Environment and Energy
Financial and Professional Services
Government, Public Sector and Policy
Consultancy
Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Staff/Research Students Seminars

Contemporary Debates in Human Geography

Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design

Qualitative Research Methods

Doing Ethnography

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-22 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Geography Urban Planning View 73 other PhDs in Geography in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

The minimum entry requirement for the standalone PhD +3 programme, is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in the dissertation, in a related discipline.
Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23500 GBP / year

≈ 23500 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Additional Details

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

The School recognizes that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.Find out more about financial support.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Human Geography and Urban Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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