Programme Specification: MSc City Design and Social Science
1. Awarding Body
2. Details of accreditation by a
professional/statutory body, e.g. ESRC;
BPS etc
3. Name of final award
4. Programme Title
5. Duration of the course
6. Based in the Department/Institute:
7. Relevant QAA subject benchmark
statements
8. Application Code
9. First written/last amended
LSE
N/A
MSc
City Design and Social Science
Full-time 12 months, part-time 24 or 36
months
Cities Programme, Sociology Department
N/A
L4UC
December 2007 / January 2013
10. The programme aims to:
Link the urban social sciences with the design and development of cities. The programme
seeks to bring an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis and design of urban
environments, the formulation and interpretation of urban policy, and the development of
urban economic, environmental and spatial strategies. The programme equips students for
work in the public, private or community sectors that requires practical and innovative
approaches to urban research, regeneration and development. Students are also wellpositioned to take on doctoral or professional research projects.
11. Programme outcomes: knowledge and understanding; skills and other attributes
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the ability to apply the basic tools of urban design analysis and research,
encompassing the spatial, social and economic aspects of urban contexts;
the ability to communicate visually using a range of methods of visual analysis
and presentation;
the ability to present clear and cogent written reports on key topics in urban
design, development, policy and planning;
the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
a high level of familiarity with relevant urban theory and social scientific analysis;
understanding of the social, political and design issues that shape cities,
particularly London;
the ability to assess practical urban development and spatial strategies, including
master plans and development briefs;
the ability to design and implement independent research into urban problems
and site contexts.
12. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved
and demonstrated
The City Design Research Studio is the central unit of the programme, linking the theoretical
issues raised in the core and optional lecture courses with the practical analysis of urban
contexts. This course promotes an understanding of the city as both a social and built
environment. In the first term, the course explores key approaches to spatial and social
analysis in urban contexts, including methods for analysing spatial and design contexts and
problems; social research methods; and methods of visual analysis, representation and
documentation. The second term involves an intensive studio project during which students
work in project teams on specific design, social and spatial issues in a London site, as well as
drawing on international comparisons, and develop practical proposals for urban intervention.
Throughout the course students produce work in a variety of mediums – including visual and
oral presentations and written submissions – and receive regular feedback through group
tutorials and Studio reviews. Final assessment is by group submission, moderated by tutors’
assessments of individual contributions.
The core course in Cities by Design involves one lecture/seminar per week – seminars focus
alternately on urban theory and key texts, and on the presentation and analysis of urban case
studies. Students complete a formative essay for feedback during the teaching term, and are
assessed by one extended essay.
The core course in City-making: the politics of urban form involves one seminar/workshop per
week, which includes lectures by course convenors, guest lectures by leading experts or
practitioners where appropriate, and student presentations and debates. Students complete a
formative essay for feedback during the teaching term, and are assessed by one piece of
coursework on an applied brief for urban intervention.
In the third term, students complete an Independent Project under the supervision of a faculty
member. This is assessed by a 10,000 word written submission.
In addition to the above, students are expected to attend additional master classes,
workshops and seminars by experts in the fields of urban design, architecture, sociology,
economics, environment, law and other areas relevant to the Programme.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules and awards
See further information on the MSc City Design and Social Science
Additional information
14. Criteria for admission to the programme
Good first degree or equivalent professional qualifications/experience in any relevant field of
architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, social science, economics, management,
environmental studies, law, humanities or natural science. Applicants usually have at least an
upper second class honours degree or its equivalent in one of these subjects. Relevant
professional experience will also be taken into account. The submission of a written statement
is required.
15. Indicators of quality
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entrance requirements (see 14. above);
consistently strong academic results on a challenging interdisciplinary programme for
students coming from a range of educational and employment backgrounds;
excellent employment outcomes with opportunities specifically targeted to Cities
Programme graduates;
members of the Cities Programme contribute to current urban debates through
participation on relevant boards, government task forces and policy/practitioner
networks;
External Examiners’ reports;
student questionnaires and feedback.
16. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standard of teaching and
learning
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MSc student representatives meet regularly with Cities Programme faculty members
and sit on the Sociology MSc staff-student committee;
annual feedback session with all MSc students in Summer Term;
TQARO Student Surveys;
External Examiners’ reports;
Programme Director sits on Sociology Teaching and Learning Committee which
oversees all aspects of teaching quality and monitoring;
The Teaching and Learning Centre is available to monitor and observe teaching and
offers constructive advice on how to improve the standard of teaching and quality;
Departmental TLAC review once every five years.