Urban Studies, MSc by Research
Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
Start date: MSc by Research - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. The MSc by Research in Urban Studies allows you to undertake a year-long (full time) or two-year-long (part-time) individual programme of personally and professionally enriching research, supervised by our Human Geography academic staff. Your urban studies research project will be shaped by participation in research activities such as seminars and reading groups, as well as your involvement in one of our established Human Geography research groups.
The range of our current human geographical research in urban studies includes: Global cities World cities Global urban networks Poststructuralism, actor-network theory, assemblage theory and the city Psychoanalytic urban geographies The political economy and cultural political economy of cities Urban geographies of violence Modernity, Postmodernity and the city Alternative Urban theories We are ranked: Top 100 in the World (Shanghai Ranking Subject Rankings 2024) 90% of our research outputs have been recognised as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 100% of the environment was rated as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Key highlights
- Individual year-long research project supervised by Human Geography academic staff
- Membership of an established Human Geography research group
- Research seminars and reading groups shape your project
- Research themes include global cities and global urban networks
- Specialisms span urban geographies of violence and psychoanalytic urban geographies
- 90% of research outputs rated world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Careers this course leads to
- Urban researcher
- Urban planner
- Policy analyst
- Regeneration officer
- Research assistant
- Local government officer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £21,950 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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