Unique in the UK, the only MSc to explicitly address sustainable cities. Interdisciplinary programme. Internships available. Focuses on the human and physical processes shaping urban ecologies and environments. Leads to careers in: international organisations, agencies, consultancies, national and city governments, charities, research organisations and academia.
KEY BENEFITS
- Unique in the UK it is the only MSc to address sustainable cities explicitly.
- Programme is interdisciplinary.
- Internships are available.
- Located in the heart of London.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Programme graduates work in a wide variety of areas including: international organisations, agencies and consultancies, national and city governments, charities, research organisations (governmental and non-governmental) and academia.
Programme leader/s
Dr Richard Wiltshire
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
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Geography
Closing date
None.
Intake
Approximately 20 FT/PT.
Fees
PT Home: £3750 (2012)
PT Overseas: £7998 (2012)
FT Home: £7500 (2012)
FT Overseas: £15995 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 1977 / 7203
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The degree combines pure and applied research methods from human and physical geography leading to an advanced level understanding of contemporary debates about sustainable cities. Specific foci will be the human and physical processes shaping urban ecologies, environments and social structure and process.
DESCRIPTION
The MSc Sustainable Cities programme provides advanced level understanding of contemporary debates about sustainable cities, with a specific focus on the human and physical processes shaping urban ecologies and environments.
The programme aims to:
- develop a critical understanding of the interrelationships between urbanization and human lifestyles, politics, economy, ecology and environment.
- develop a critical understanding of human impacts on physical processes in cities, and the implications for habitation and liveability.
- develop an ability to evaluate critically advanced scholarship in the field of urban policy, with reference to sustainable environmental management.
- promote initiative and the exercise of independent critical judgment in identifying, analysing and solving problems at an advanced level.
- develop relevant transferable skills embedded in the learning and assessment schemes in the programme.
- develop practical skills in data handling, interpretation, and use, and develop skills in (inter) relating physical dynamics to social, political and management processes.
- enable those with first degrees in a range of disciplines – geography, sociology, environmental science, engineering etc to focus on the challenges of managing cities in an integrated and sustainable manner
- enable those taking the programme to deploy scientific and social and economic theory within a sustainability framework which takes into account the need to address the needs of society, the economy and the protection of environmental services.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Indicative non-core content
Compulsory modules (100 credits):
- EITHER Practising Social Research (20 credits) OR Methods for Environmental Research (20 credits) depending upon the science background of the student.
- Understanding and Managing the Urban Atmosphere (20 credits)
- Understanding and Managing Urban Aquatic and Terrestrial Systems (20 credits)
- Understanding the Sustainable City (20 credits)
- Governing the Sustainable City (20 credits)
Optional modules (20–50 credits)
Students must take 20 credits optional modules from any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5142
Credit level: 7
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to follow their own interests by investigating a particular issue in depth. The objective of the dissertation is for students to design and execute a research project on a subject of their own choice. The dissertation should identify a research problem and attempt to 'solve' it through the collection and analysis of primary or secondary data. The dissertation should be written as if it was to be submitted to an academic journal for publication, with a clear statement of objectives, an assessment of the merits of undertaking this piece of research (eg lack of knowledge about it, disagreements in the literature, failure of previous studies to consider certain potential causal circumstances), an explanation and justification of the methods and data that have been used, an evaluation of the results obtained and a consideration of how the research has met its original aims. Students are expected to present dissertations that are based on original research, involving empirical analysis or computer simulation. Special permission must be sought from the Master's Tutor for a dissertation to be entirely philosophical or conceptual in content.
Opportunity will be made available in the Practising Social Research 1/Methods for Environmental Research modules (where applicable) in the first semester to discuss appropriate projects and a design for the research project must be produced and will be examined.
Module code: 7SSG5110
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide a background in issues and methods involved in doing environmental research, including research methods and design. To achieve this, the module consists of a series of lectures, seminars, and practicals giving an overview of methods in designing, analyzing, presenting and evaluating environmental research. A subcomponent of this module will be an additional unassessed but required set of practicals and seminars giving a overview of laboratory and field equipment available in the KCL Department of Geography. On completion of this module, the student will be able to define the features of environmental problems and will be able to assess environmental investigations in terms of their design strategies for collection of data, data analysis, and results presentation. When taken with SG/5111 the students will be fully equipped to carry out their own independent research into environmental problems using these methodologies.
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
Module code: 7SSG5145
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide key knowledge and understanding of the urban atmospheric system to support the development of sustainable environmental management strategies for cities. Specifically the module will: - identify the major atmospheric issues that are likely to compromise the sustainability of cities; critically assess the relevance and utility of current environmental legislation in the context of urban atmospheric management and sustainability; critically examine current knowledge concerning the measurement and modelling of the flows of energy (heat) and mass (water and gases) between the urban surface and the atmosphere as a basis for understanding urban atmospheric dynamics and managing the outcomes of urbanisation; identify the nature of urban atmospheric science required to serve urban sustainability policy needs.
Module code: 7SSG5146
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide key knowledge and understanding of the urban aquatic and terrestrial systems to support the development of sustainable environmental management strategies for cities. Specifically the module will: - identify the major aquatic and terrestrial issues that are likely to compromise the sustainability of cities; critically assess the relevance and utility of current environmental legislation in the context of urban aquatic and terrestrial management and sustainability; critically examine current knowledge concerning the measurement and modelling of the terrestrial and aquatic components of the urban environmental system as a basis for understanding and managing the environmental outcomes of urbanisation; identify the nature of urban aquatic and terrestrial science required to serve urban sustainability policy needs.
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.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5090
Credit level: 7
Aims- To introduce students to the history of politically organised space and the territorial origins and characteristics of the Westphalian state system.
- Review the changing manner in which political geography and geopolitics have covered the questions of international boundaries and state territory over time – from traditional deterministic concerns, through the humanisation of borderland studies to deterritorialisation, reterritorialisation and postmodernity.
- Develop a familiarisation with the methods by which territory may be acquired in international law.
- Gain a working knowledge of the principles, problems and practicalities involved in ocean boundary-making.
- Appraise students of the various debates existing in political and international studies over the importance of international boundaries and state territory.
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate the potential contradictions existing between the European-derived system of delimiting state territory by linear boundaries and non-European concepts of sovereignty/non-Western notions of social and spatial organization.
- Apply a range of classifications, typologies and interaction models from political geography that will aid understanding of individual international boundaries and borderlands and allow for comparative analysis.
- Understand the interrelationship between the concepts of territory, sovereignty and jurisdiction in international law and its implications for the conduct of international boundary disputes.
- Evaluate the potential maritime zone generating capacity of various coastal and insular features.
- Gauge the extent to which boundary and territorial disputes are used to symbolise wider differences between states.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5148
Credit level: 7
This module provides students with an appreciation of the theoretical and empirical links between political ecology and global consumption. It enables students to develop a critical awareness of the role of the middle-class and rich people in global patterns of consumption and environmental interaction and facilitates an understanding of the ethical implications of high level consumption on the global environment.
Module code: 7SSG5106
Credit level: 7
This module examines the way that the environment is understood within the context of development, focusing on the global South. It explores the importance of the environment and natural resources to the development process, and the legacy of colonialism and underdevelopment in framing environmental problems. Finally the module considers recent shifts in the debates surrounding development and the environment initiated under both economic restructuring (the so-called Washington Consensus) since the 1980s, and the increasing attention to global environmental problems, including biodiversity and climate change.
Module code: 7SSG5149
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide students with training in critical social science with which to examine the causes of natural disaster associated with climate change and other extreme events and the ways in which natural disaster risk and recovery are managed. The module exposes students to vulnerability and capacity assessment methodologies, and management approaches including community based risk management. There is a particular, but not exclusive focus on Africa, Asia and Latin America. Theoretically the module draws from the political ecology of disaster and hazardscapes work.
Module code: 7SSG5107
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
This module starts with a focus on meanings, approaches, and debates resolving around sustainable livelihoods and development from various perspectives. Thematic exemplars will involve in-depth coverage of current issues, such as fair trade, agrarian change, and natural resources management. There will also be focus on discourses of participation and community in development as it pertains to macro- and micro-level implications. This will be linked to broader debates about gendered livelihoods and gender-development debates. The module will involve in-class discussions, based on assigned readings that students are expected to read, as well as documentary analyses linked to the practical coursework assessment
Module code: 7SSG5073
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to understand the main problems and opportunities of environmental actors with regard to environmental policy formulation and implementation. It gives students an insight into the pertinent debates surrounding the role of different environmental actors in the environmental management process and enables them to understand debates surrounding differences between environmental policy-making in advanced economies and the Third World and why different environmental actors are pursuing different agendas with regard to environmental policy and politics.
Module code: 7SSG5109
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to capture spatial GIS data from a variety of sources, to assess and manage spatial data quality, to integrate and analyse these data within the latest business and research standard GIS environments. The module focuses particularly on the integrated use of spatial (GIS) data alongside remote sensing technologies and simulation models for better understanding and managing the natural environment. Various aspects of spatial and spatio-temporal analysis are covered and the role of GIS in supporting management decisions is emphasised. Course materials focus on the physical environment and ecological systems but include socio-economic information where necessary.
Module code: 7SSG5070
Credit level: 7
This module enables students to understand the main opportunities and constraints facing the policy-influencing capacities of environmental organisations, through the medium of an internship placement with an NGO. Students gain insights into the workings of environmental organisations and a feel for the day-to-day working practices of environmental activists. While on placement students learn how to collect/process environmental information relevant to the campaigning activities of environmental organisations, and subsequently put together a structured and coherent report reflecting on their practical experience.
Module code: 7SSG5029
Credit level: 7
The module enables students to understand the information content of optical, thermal and radar remotely sensed data and to be able to identify the appropriate type of data for use in different environmental investigations. Students will learn to understand and apply various data calibration, processing and analyses techniques to maximize the interpretation of remotely sensed imagery. They will search, order and import various types of remote sensing data into appropriate software packages, and will be able to identify, obtain, calibrate, process and interpret data from sensors such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and/or Landsat Thematic Mapper to illustrate examples of environmental change phenomena.
Module code: 7SSG5092
Credit level: 7
This module enables students develop a critical awareness of how the presence (real or rumoured) of natural resources may affect the alignment and alter the status of international boundaries on land and sea. Develop an appreciation of the issues involved in the conduct and management of international river disputes (both successive and divided international rivers). Review the manner in which the presence and location of hydrocarbons have affected the drawing of land and maritime boundaries and promoted the outbreak and resolution of associated disputes. Unravel the complexities of current resource and territorial disputes in the Caspian Sea, Gulf of Guinea, Persian Gulf and South China Sea. Promote an awareness of the range of international disputes in existence over the resources of the sea (primarily fishing and other environmental issues)
Module code: 7SSG5147
Credit level: 7
This module provides a practical and theoretical underpinning to the MA degree; to enable students to ask fundamental questions about the nature of the global environment; to be able to make links between the key ideas of globalisation and the global environment; to better understand the changing environmental role of the state; to appreciate the basis for global environmental governance.
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.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5116
Credit level: 7
The management of both freshwater resources and freshwater ecosystems is dependent upon an ability to understand, quantify and forecast hydrological processes and their interactions. Therefore, this module aims to present an overview of hydrological processes in different environmental contexts. It will provide a critical understanding of how water is stored and flows through river catchment areas, consider the measurement and estimation of particular hydrological processes, the linkages between them and, in particular the relationships between surface and sub-surface processes and the impacts of land use. The module will also explore how hydrological processes interact and underpin larger scale catchment behaviour and assess the relevance of these interactions for flood forecasting and management of water resources.
Module code: 7SSG5031
Credit level: 7
Through seminars and hands on experience, this module enables students to develop a research-level understanding of environmental modelling applications and limitations. Students will gain the ability to build, develop and apply a wide-range of modelling solutions to environmental problems. Students will also be able to critically assess research involving models and the application of models.
Module code: 7SSG5035
Credit level: 7
This module introduces students to the details and practicalities of environmental monitoring, using a variety of methodologies and measurement techniques, specifically using electronic-based sensors and instrumentation. Students acquire the skills to manipulate raw field, laboratory and logged data for analysis, to monitor, measure and analyse data on environmental stores and fluxes, and to interpret, analyse and present field and laboratory data clearly in written reports in order to explain processes operating in the environmental system under investigation. Students will also gain experience to design field or laboratory based research projects to monitor environmental systems, making use of appropriate field, laboratory and measurement equipment. Field monitoring methods are taught in the context of atmospheric environments, catchment monitoring, fluvial systems, hydrological processes, complemented with a practical fieldwork exercise.
Module code: 7SSG5122
Credit level: 7
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk assessment and its uses. It examines the conceptual approaches to the assessment of risk, the models and methodologies used in the technical assessment of risk, the uses of risk assessment in decision-making and policy and critiques current risk assessment models. It examines human health risk assessment, environmental risk assessment and site-specific risk assessment.
The module aims:
- To develop an understanding and knowledge of risk assessment concepts and tools,
- To develop an understanding and knowledge on the uses of risk assessment in government and industry,
- To develop an understanding of the application of risk assessment concepts and tools to human health, environmental and site-specific hazards,
- To evaluate the ability of risk assessment tools to achieve their objectives, and
- To develop understanding on the role and function of risk assessment tools in decision-making.
Module code: 7SSG5123
Credit level: 7
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk communication. The first section of the module focuses on how the field of risk communication was developed with a number of classes discussing the psychology of risk. The second half of the module provides an overview of the conceptual theories and ideas prevalent in the area of risk communication such as social amplification of risk and trust, and ends with a discussion on the future of risk communication. The module aims:
- To provide the students with a history of the risk perception literature with a focus on both natural and technological hazards;
- To develop an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of risk communication;
- To examine the successes and failures of risk communication programmes in both Europe and North America; and
- To develop an understanding of how regulators, policy makers and industry use risk communication techniques in every day policy making.
Module code: 7SSG5119
Credit level: 7
This module examines the governance of risks to human health and safety and the environment in a wide range of governance settings. The module develops conceptual understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of risk regulation regimes and examines a range of explanatory approaches to risk governance. Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of the variety of ways in which risks to human health and safety and the environment are governed;
- develop understanding of the concept of risk regulation regimes as a tool for describing and analysing risk governance variety;
- develop understanding of the range of factors that shape risk governance regimes, how they succeed and why they fail;
- develop understanding of trends in the reform of risk governance regimes and the related impacts of reform.
Module code: 7SSG5120
Credit level: 7
This module explores the emergence, practices and problems of risk management. It will help the student develop both a conceptual and practical understanding of risk management from a range of institutional, social theoretic and practice orientated perspectives. Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of risk concepts and the emergence of risk management;
- develop understanding of the character and diversity of risk management practices across the private and public sectors;
- develop understanding of a range of social theoretic critiques of risk management;
- develop understanding of the organisational factors that shape risk management practice, success and failure;
- to help the student critically evaluate and address risk management problems in a range of institutional settings.
Module code: 7SSG5117
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide the key knowledge and understanding necessary to support the development of management strategies for rivers. It therefore embraces three complementary topics: the dimensions of catchment and river system processes, particularly the connectivity between catchment, river and their floodplain processes and the interdependency of hydrological, geomorphological and ecological processes; the ways in which human activities at a range of spatial and temporal scales impact on the fluvial system and how these impacts propagate through the catchment, river system and floodplain; the options available for environmentally-sensitive management of rivers, their catchments and floodplains.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5101
Credit level: 7
The module enables students to adopt a critical approach to the relationships between the environment, agricultural production and change and political ecology in southern Africa. It covers the agricultural and environmental characteristics of the southern African region, including both the small-scale and large-scale agricultural sectors, and the discourses and debates about how these should be interpreted and analysed. It provides a strong appreciation of how structural factors such as land alienation and migrancy influence contemporary agricultural performance, and the significance of indigenous knowledge and the limitations of technocratic solutions. The module also addresses critically the philosophy behind, and empirical outcomes of, CBNRM approaches in a region rich in wildlife and national parks.
Module code: 7SSG5032
Credit level: 7
The module enables students to have contact and presentations from a number of personnel directly involved in environmental management in the commercial world. It gives students an understanding of the interdisciplinary processes involved in environmental management, enabling students to design management solutions to a number of environmental problems. It enables students to present the results of an environmental management investigation both orally and in a written report.
Module code: 7SSG5091
Credit level: 7
This module introduces students to contemporary and historical mechanisms for boundary territorial dispute resolution. Provide a practical understanding of the manner in which the World Courts gain jurisdiction to try territorial/boundary disputes and of the manner by which they have resolved them to date. Facilitate an appreciation of the range of underlying issues that characterise contemporary individual territorial disputes, from complex issues of decolonisation, through partition and secession to attempted annexation. Review in detail recent cases of international boundary settlement on land and sea, reached through remodule to bilateral negotiations, arbitration or judicial settlement and appreciate the arguments, principles and evidentiary issues that prevailed. Provide a basic familiarity with the types of primary evidence used in boundary territorial settlement before the international courts, typically documentary and cartographic materials held in the major London repositories.
Module code: 7SSG5013
Credit level: 7
The module enables students to acquire a thorough grounding in the historical geography of colonial Latin America sufficient for independent research and to gain a sophisticated understanding of the complexity of economic, social and demographic processes associated with colonial rule. It places particular emphasis on the impact of colonial rule on indigenous societies.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5108
Credit level: 7
After charting the growth and development of tourism at a global level and also within countries of the South, the module adopts an analytical approach, examining the impact of power relations and risk on tourism development at different scales in developing countries. It examines the different roles played by different interest groups in the industry and the inter-relationship between these groups. It analyses the advantages and disadvantages of tourism on economies of the South and examines possible ways of bringing theory and practice in tourism together in the pursuit of socio-economic development.
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.
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.
Module code: 7SSG5104
Credit level: 7
This module provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the recent history of water resource allocation and management especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Priority will be given to outlining a conceptual framework identifying the relevant underlying ecological, economic and sociological principles relevant in the evaluation and management of water resources. The conceptual framework will also show the link between these underlying principles and environmental and economic policies. The roles of the institutions and technologies through which such policies can be implemented will also be analysed and exemplified.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum standard is a 2:1 degree or international equivalent, eg GPA of 3.3 from a US University. Candidates who do not achieve a 2:1 but have professional or voluntary experience will also be considered. Mature candidates will be considered favourably.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
We run a rolling admissions system. We aim to process all applications within four weeks; during February and March and over holiday periods, applications may take longer to process. There is no set deadline.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
None. However, you are very welcome to add a personal statement that shows how your own interests are linked to the programme.
FUNDING
Varied including Research Councils, University of London Scholarships, departmental bursaries and career development loans. For overseas students Chevening Scholarships are available from the British Council.
For further information on funding, including conditions of eligibility, please consult the Postgraduate Funding Page on the master's section of the Geography Department's website -
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/geography/study/masters/funding.aspx
Related programme student profile
Global Environmental Change MScI chose to study the MSc Global Environmental Change because of its multidisciplinary approach, its student-faculty interaction and highly experienced faculty members, many of whom also engage in consulting and research work.
The optional modules are very interesting and I actually had a bit of difficulty deciding in only two and consequently I decided to audit one more. I chose 'Environmental Actors and Politics' and 'Environmental Internship' as the two optional courses for the year. I have now secured an internship at a consultancy in which I will acquire important knowledge for my professional future.
The Department of Geography, is located at the Strand campus which is a beautiful place to study in. As master's students we have exclusive access to facilities created especially for us, such as the common room, the computer laboratory and computer rooms in the Maughan Library (within a 5 minutes walk reach from the Strand).
Seminars at the Department are organised on a weekly basis and are always followed by a reception which helps to get to know more of the students in the Department. There is also a weekly pub trip to which all are invited, professors and students.
Thanks to Conacyt (Mexican Government scholarship organisation), a great part of my living expenses and tuition fees are covered. This has undoubtedly helped to focus my attention on studying and not to worry about taking a part-time job.
When I finish writing my dissertation I will search for a job in consultancy as I want to develop experience in this field. Later on I would like to open my own consultancy in Mexico.
King's is undoubtedly the best choice I could have selected. As the days go by the only thing that worries me is that I'm running out of time!