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Cities
|MA/MSc
|Part Time, Full Time
| Admissions status: OpenSTRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Indicative non-core content
Compulsory modules (MA & MSc pathway: 60 credits)- Practising Social Research (20 credits)
- Social Change in Global Cities (20 credits)
- Conceptualising Cities (20 credits)
Compulsory module (MSc pathway: 20 credits)
- Advanced Methods in Preparation for PhD Research in Human Geography (20 credits) – compulsory for those students following the MSc pathway (e.g., for those who wish to pursue a PhD afterwards).
Optional modules (MA pathway: 60–70 credits; MSc pathway: 40 credits)
MA pathway students must take 60–70 credits optional modules, with at least 40 credits from the "list of prescribed optional modules" given below, and the other credits may come from the "other optional modules" list. MSc pathway students take 40 credits from the "list of prescribed optional modules".
List of Prescribed Optional Modules Specific to this Programme:
- Urban Studies Internship (20 credits)
- Theory and Methodologies of the Social Sciences (20 credits)
- Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa: Livelihoods and Patterns of Growth (20 credits)
- Sustainable Urbanization (20 credits)
- Gentrification and Urban Regeneration (20 credits)
- Analysing Tourism in Practice at Heritage Sites (20 credits)
- Health, Lifestyles and Cities (20 credits)
- Understanding the Sustainable City (20 credits)
- Governing the Sustainable City (20 credits)
- Urban Policy in a Globalising World (20 credits)
- Key Issues in Tourism: Culture, Conservation and Development (20 credits)
Other Optional Modules Available to Students on this Programme (For availability of modules in 2012/13, please confirm with department concerned):
- Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department, including from the list of prescribed optional modules given above.
- Cinema and City (20 credits) [Film Studies Department]
- Histories of the Built Environment (20 credits) [American Studies Department]
- Culture and Commerce (20 credits) [Centre for Cultural, Media and Creative Industries]
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Specialist taught modules assessed by essay, presentation, lab work and occasionally by examination. The three-month dissertation is compulsory and can be taken overseas or in the UK.MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7SSG5061
Credit level: 7
This module is organised around three main themes that have been central to the way that thinkers have conceptualised the city: shape, circulation and crowds. Shape refers to the physical form and layout of the city which together comprise its legibility; circulation refers to the importance of movement, networks and transactional spaces in the city; and the crowd refers to the significance of anonymity and numbers of people in cities. Each of these themes is explored in the context of different theoretical approaches that have been important in the history of urban thought.
Credit level: 7
This module is organised around three main themes that have been central to the way that thinkers have conceptualised the city: shape, circulation and crowds. Shape refers to the physical form and layout of the city which together comprise its legibility; circulation refers to the importance of movement, networks and transactional spaces in the city; and the crowd refers to the significance of anonymity and numbers of people in cities. Each of these themes is explored in the context of different theoretical approaches that have been important in the history of urban thought.
Module code: 7SSG5002
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to derive a greater understanding of the relationship between methodology and method and the related notions of epistemology and ontology. The module is a mix of lectures and tutorials and enables students to develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods, which will have been worked through in tutorial sessions. The module lays the conceptual groundwork for the design of the dissertation and enables students to appreciate the connections between epistemology and the students particular programme of study
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to derive a greater understanding of the relationship between methodology and method and the related notions of epistemology and ontology. The module is a mix of lectures and tutorials and enables students to develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods, which will have been worked through in tutorial sessions. The module lays the conceptual groundwork for the design of the dissertation and enables students to appreciate the connections between epistemology and the students particular programme of study
Module code: 7SSG5051
Credit level: 7
This module explores the nature, forms and processes of social change in global cities. It examines the socio-economic changes which are reshaping global cities, linking these to a series of other changes including migration, occupational structure, income, ethnicity, the structure of the housing market and social segregation.
Credit level: 7
This module explores the nature, forms and processes of social change in global cities. It examines the socio-economic changes which are reshaping global cities, linking these to a series of other changes including migration, occupational structure, income, ethnicity, the structure of the housing market and social segregation.
Module code: 7SSG5150
Credit level: 7
The aim of the module is to enable students to (i) develop an in-depth understanding of four research methodology from a structured menu of qualitative and quantitative techniques and research management methodologies; (ii) prepare students to apply their chosen techniques in a research context such as their master's dissertation; (iii) enable students to understand how different techniques can be deployed in a multi-methods approach to research; (iv) meet - in conjunction with Practising Social Research 1 (SG5002) and the preparatory element of the dissertation - the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for recognition as a research training and specifically how to write a proposal for a postgraduate research studentship.
Credit level: 7
The aim of the module is to enable students to (i) develop an in-depth understanding of four research methodology from a structured menu of qualitative and quantitative techniques and research management methodologies; (ii) prepare students to apply their chosen techniques in a research context such as their master's dissertation; (iii) enable students to understand how different techniques can be deployed in a multi-methods approach to research; (iv) meet - in conjunction with Practising Social Research 1 (SG5002) and the preparatory element of the dissertation - the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for recognition as a research training and specifically how to write a proposal for a postgraduate research studentship.
Module code: 7SSG5121
Credit level: 7
With its focus on tourism in practice, this module will strengthen considerably the Tourism, Environment and Development Programme. Although the Programme focuses heavily on the developing world, two field visits to locations in the UK will prove appealing and thought provoking to students critical analysis of tourism in practice. The field visits and subsequent classroom discussions will assist students in their analyses of secondary source material, which is the dominant element of this course. The experience of researching information and presenting it in different ways will contribute to the development of students knowledge and skills, and will be of value to them in the preparation of their dissertations. The combination of lectures, field visits and student presentations will increase the depth of understanding of Heritage tourism and its practical implications.
Credit level: 7
With its focus on tourism in practice, this module will strengthen considerably the Tourism, Environment and Development Programme. Although the Programme focuses heavily on the developing world, two field visits to locations in the UK will prove appealing and thought provoking to students critical analysis of tourism in practice. The field visits and subsequent classroom discussions will assist students in their analyses of secondary source material, which is the dominant element of this course. The experience of researching information and presenting it in different ways will contribute to the development of students knowledge and skills, and will be of value to them in the preparation of their dissertations. The combination of lectures, field visits and student presentations will increase the depth of understanding of Heritage tourism and its practical implications.
Module code: 7AAQS535
Credit level: 7
This module will examine the relationship between cinema, the most important cultural form, and the city, the most important form of social organization, in the twentieth century and beyond. The course will be inter-disciplinary in its approach, giving attention to the cinema-city relationship not only from the point of view of film studies but through architecture, urban studies, geography, and critical theory.
Credit level: 7
This module will examine the relationship between cinema, the most important cultural form, and the city, the most important form of social organization, in the twentieth century and beyond. The course will be inter-disciplinary in its approach, giving attention to the cinema-city relationship not only from the point of view of film studies but through architecture, urban studies, geography, and critical theory.
Module code: 7SSG5152
Credit level: 7
This modules examines the theoretical debates concerning the study of health within geography and the inter-relationships between health and the built form of cities. It critically assesses current public health policies and the practices involved in governing unhealthy lifestyles. It evaluates how spatial and social differences between and within cities condition the problematisation of lifestyles. This module enables students to acquire an understanding of the incorporation of health within the remit of an increasing array of governmental and non-governmental actors.
Credit level: 7
This modules examines the theoretical debates concerning the study of health within geography and the inter-relationships between health and the built form of cities. It critically assesses current public health policies and the practices involved in governing unhealthy lifestyles. It evaluates how spatial and social differences between and within cities condition the problematisation of lifestyles. This module enables students to acquire an understanding of the incorporation of health within the remit of an increasing array of governmental and non-governmental actors.
Module code: 7SSG5151
Credit level: 7
This module aims to (i) examine changing theoretical approaches towards the study of migration; (ii) recognise the importance of a historical perspective by setting contemporary migrations within the wide historical continuum of migration; (iii) consider the impacts of migration on sending and receiving regions and to link these to associated debates on global development; (iv) examine the process of migration policy making at the local, national and supra-national level; (v) understand the city as magnet for international migrants and examine the insertion of migrants within the urban economy and the consequent demands on the local infrastructure.
Credit level: 7
This module aims to (i) examine changing theoretical approaches towards the study of migration; (ii) recognise the importance of a historical perspective by setting contemporary migrations within the wide historical continuum of migration; (iii) consider the impacts of migration on sending and receiving regions and to link these to associated debates on global development; (iv) examine the process of migration policy making at the local, national and supra-national level; (v) understand the city as magnet for international migrants and examine the insertion of migrants within the urban economy and the consequent demands on the local infrastructure.
Module code: 7SSG5114
Credit level: 7
To examine the influence of historical urbanisation paths as constraining factors on the production of geographies of urban environmental risk and security. Theorise the relationships between social structures and human agency in negotiating the distribution of risk and vulnerability in the city. Examine the utility of environmental risk as a lens for viewing crises of urban development. Through grounded case study analysis to identify the complexity of living in places of urban risk and vulnerability, to unpack the interaction of urban livelihood sustainability with vulnerability and the tensions that come from the demands of living in poverty and with vulnerability.
Credit level: 7
To examine the influence of historical urbanisation paths as constraining factors on the production of geographies of urban environmental risk and security. Theorise the relationships between social structures and human agency in negotiating the distribution of risk and vulnerability in the city. Examine the utility of environmental risk as a lens for viewing crises of urban development. Through grounded case study analysis to identify the complexity of living in places of urban risk and vulnerability, to unpack the interaction of urban livelihood sustainability with vulnerability and the tensions that come from the demands of living in poverty and with vulnerability.
Module code: 7SSG5080
Credit level: 7
Through seminar discussions, students will consider a range of philosophical approaches to the social sciences, from positivism and empiricism, to hermenuetics, marxism, and post-structuralism, and discuss the relationship between theoretical debates in particular disciplines to those within the wider social sciences. Each seminar will begin with student-led discussion of readings and then end with a more formal presentation from the instructor to introduce the material for the coming week.
Credit level: 7
Through seminar discussions, students will consider a range of philosophical approaches to the social sciences, from positivism and empiricism, to hermenuetics, marxism, and post-structuralism, and discuss the relationship between theoretical debates in particular disciplines to those within the wider social sciences. Each seminar will begin with student-led discussion of readings and then end with a more formal presentation from the instructor to introduce the material for the coming week.
Module code: SG5115
Credit level: 7
The module reviews the experience of urban regeneration in the context of post second world war urban policy and developments. This is done mainly from a British perspective but North American and European examples are drawn up and it is hoped that Professor Bob Beauregard who is a leading North American urban scholar and a visiting professor will lead one session. The first part of the module discusses the experience of urban decline and resurgence over the last half century. In the second half we look at a number of specific issues including the conflict between the concepts regeneration and gentrification, the role of culture and in particular focus on the regeneration of East London and the role of the Olympic Games. In the final week, there is an East London fieldtrip which includes a visit to the Olympic site (subject to continuing access being granted).
Credit level: 7
The module reviews the experience of urban regeneration in the context of post second world war urban policy and developments. This is done mainly from a British perspective but North American and European examples are drawn up and it is hoped that Professor Bob Beauregard who is a leading North American urban scholar and a visiting professor will lead one session. The first part of the module discusses the experience of urban decline and resurgence over the last half century. In the second half we look at a number of specific issues including the conflict between the concepts regeneration and gentrification, the role of culture and in particular focus on the regeneration of East London and the role of the Olympic Games. In the final week, there is an East London fieldtrip which includes a visit to the Olympic site (subject to continuing access being granted).
Module code: 7SSG5064
Credit level: 7
This practical module will provide masters students with hands on experience working with selected urban research organisations (e.g. national and local government departments, museums, urban think tanks) involved in urban-based research, policy formulation and implementation in a major city (normally expected to be London). The module will enable students to ground theoretical and conceptual issues relating to urban research in a practical setting.
Credit level: 7
This practical module will provide masters students with hands on experience working with selected urban research organisations (e.g. national and local government departments, museums, urban think tanks) involved in urban-based research, policy formulation and implementation in a major city (normally expected to be London). The module will enable students to ground theoretical and conceptual issues relating to urban research in a practical setting.
Module code: 7SSG5100
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to evaluate the way in which globalization (in the form mainly of structural adjustment programmes) has influenced African cities and contemporary livelihoods and economic strategies (employment, incomes, food and shelter) for the majority of Africa's urban population, the urban poor. Assessing urban growth patterns in this region and its periodization and the changing nature of rural-urban migration and linkages over time. The constraints on planning and servicing imposed by extreme resource constraints and the privatization encouraged by structural adjustment are evaluated. The module also explores the specificities of the urban experience in southern African countries with their legacies of institutionalised and racially-based influx control.
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to evaluate the way in which globalization (in the form mainly of structural adjustment programmes) has influenced African cities and contemporary livelihoods and economic strategies (employment, incomes, food and shelter) for the majority of Africa's urban population, the urban poor. Assessing urban growth patterns in this region and its periodization and the changing nature of rural-urban migration and linkages over time. The constraints on planning and servicing imposed by extreme resource constraints and the privatization encouraged by structural adjustment are evaluated. The module also explores the specificities of the urban experience in southern African countries with their legacies of institutionalised and racially-based influx control.
KEY FACTS
Programme leader/s
Professor Tim Butler
Awarding institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus
Student destinations
Students on this programme have gone on to: undertake further postgraduate study as research students; work as research analysts for international consultancies; occupy senior management positions.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
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