MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies is a unique planning programme as it's based on the economics, geography and the politics of land-use planning, drawing on LSE’s strength in interdisciplinary teaching.
The programme has a long tradition in training both people seeking careers in urban and regional planning policy and mid-career professionals. It attracts students from all over the world including North and South America, Asia and Europe.
The MSc aims to provide a common understanding of the various influences affecting the planning process, and to teach a set of research skills that will help planners in practice. These skills include urban and regional economic analysis, the evaluation of environmental and regional policies and the study of institutional and political factors that impact city and regional development.
We provide strong professional linkages through our very active alumni network and links to the Association of European Planning Schools. This programme benefits from a partnership agreement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), thus conferring professional recognition upon graduation.
The master's in Regional and Urban Planning Studies is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) . Students who pass their degree will automatically gain accreditation.
Discover more about our students and department below and read about the LSE student experience on our student blog .
Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 .
Here at LSE, we offer a unique opportunity to study geography in a university with a worldwide reputation in the social sciences. We specialise in economic, urban and development geography, environmental social science and climate change, all with a strong emphasis on real-world applications.
Many of our academics are internationally renowned in their fields. You’ll find a good balance of experienced and younger academics in the department. Within the team, we’ve had three holders of the highly prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize Fellowships for researchers under the age of 36.
Our research is interdisciplinary and international in its scope and we work closely with academics from several other departments at LSE. Teaching staff are active within the following research centres:
Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant social science, or professional qualifications and experience.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.