Entry requirementsEntry requirements Applicants will normally be expected to have a relevant first degree with first or upper-second class honours (or equivalent) in Geography or another discipline in the arts, humanities or social sciences. We actively encourage applications from students who have developed an interest in any aspect of cities and cultures at undergraduate level, and/or who have practical experience of working in related areas.
Academic titleMA Cities and Cultures
Course descriptionThe MA Cities and Cultures is an innovative programme that combines the study of cultural geography with a specific concern with cities. Focusing on urban cultures in the past and present, it is taught by members of the Department’s Culture, Space and Power research group, made up of leading geographers in the field.
The programme draws upon the latest thinking in cultural geography and urban theory to provide an advanced and critical understanding of how cities are socially produced, imagined, represented and contested. It engages with original texts that have informed thinking about urban spaces and cultures as well as a range of other source materials – including the built environment, art practices, literature, music and film – through which the meanings and politics of spaces in diverse cities can be analysed.
The Queen Mary campus at Mile End offers the ideal base for studying cities and cultures. The vibrant surrounding area in London’s East End is explored in seminars and practical exercises during the programme.
MA Cities and Cultures is recognised under the ESRC’s 1+3 funding scheme. The Arts and Humanities Research Council also offers studentships for this programme for those students intending to apply subsequently for a PhD.
Programme outline
Compulsory modules:
* Social Science Research: Methods and Methodologies (jointly taught with Geography at UCL) with the accompanying ‘Thinking Geographically’ seminar series unique to Queen Mary.
* 15,000 word dissertation
Optional modules include:
* Culture, Space and Power
* Art, Performance and the City
* Cities, Empire and Modernity
* Option of taking one other approved module in another department in place of one of the specialised modules
Assessment
Assessment on each of the modules is through a variety of coursework assignments ranging from extended essays to book reviews and practical reports. You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation (equivalent to 60 credits) on a topic of your choice relating to the programme.