MA Cities | Part-time
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Part-time
- Course duration:
- 2 years
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
About this course
Dive right into contemporary UK and international cities from an exciting socio-economic, cultural, theoretical and practical perspective with this cross-disciplinary masters.
Get ready to explore how people and policy shape our cities, and the key role culture and creativity have in driving the development of modern cities.
- Gain understanding of key urban theories, trends, policies and dynamics
- Examine how cultural policy fits with broader strategies for re-imagining and regenerating cities
- Examine grassroots culture, social infrastructure and community development through captivating case studies and field visits
- Explore concepts such as city marketing, place identity, place brand and branding
- Develop your research design, project management and qualitative research skills
- Critically engage with the theories, principals, debates and policies that underpin the study of cities, cultures and creativity
- Benefit from our partnerships with LJMU’s Cities Lab, FACT cinema and media art gallery, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool Biennial festival, the Everyman cinema and theatre, Tate Liverpool art gallery, the Institute of Cultural Capital (ICC), the Liverpool Business School, and the School of Humanities and Social Science
If you are already working in the industry or a related industry, this holistic and multidisciplinary programme will inform and enhance your practice. If you are progressing from undergraduate or changing career, this masters will open doors to job roles within culture, heritage and the creative industries including museums, tourism boards, community and voluntary sector, local councils, cultural centres, festival organisation, charities, marketing, communications, PR, urban regeneration and community development to name only a few.
"I chose to study the MA Cities course as I had always had an interest in cities and the way they function and attract people to visit and/or invest in them. I was excited to find a course which replicated my interests in such subject. The course covered a variety of topics and included a good balance of different assessment types. Following on from graduation, I now work in Sustainability and ESG in the regeneration field, and the course has provided me with the perfect backdrop as I help to implement sustainability within our Placemaking activities."
Olivia Milligan, MA Cities graduate
Find out more about MA Cities
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Understanding Cities: Theory, Culture and Social Change
30 credits
30 credits
This module develops your knowledge of theoretical approaches to understanding cities. It focuses on interrelationships between cities, culture, and urban change. It provides:
- an understanding of cities, culture and creativity in a different range of contexts
- the necessary knowledge to understand the social and cultural importance of cities
- an understanding of contemporary debates and their historical context
- an awareness of key urban theories, economic changes, cultural policy, trends and underlying dynamics
Re-imagining Cities: Using Cultural Policy and Place Marketing
30 credits
30 credits
This module discusses how urban images and identities are constructed/reconstructed, by whom and for what purpose. You will explore in-depth concepts such as city marketing, place identity, place brand and branding. You will also investigate city service systems and the increasing importance of digital place to cities. Case studies from a wide range of cities are used to identify the multiple expressions of urban imagining and imaging globally.
Creative Communities
30 credits
30 credits
This module explores a series of case studies using differing scales of creative practice and interventions led by or instigated at individual or community level. The case studies will bring you an understanding of complex issues arising from creative communities as a focus of research or study. It aims to:
- provide an appropriate range and depth of theoretical and professional knowledge to enable you to understand the key issues and challenges for creativity and /or culture-led community interventions
- critically evaluate the impact of arts and culture on community building, civic participation and enhancing personal wellbeing, through a series of case studies and opportunities for critical inquiry
- develop your ability to evaluate critically established practices, paradigms and/or methodologies and foster the formulation of new critical insights into creative practices
Research Inquiry
30 credits
30 credits
This module is shared by all students studying on taught Art and Design, MA Cities and Immersive Media postgraduate programmes.
The Research Inquiry module aims to develop and improve your research and analytical skills. Analysis and problem-solving skills are critical to student employability and subsequent success in most types of careers post MA.
Students are immersed in a range of methodological approaches across the arts and social sciences, and will develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of contemporary approaches to research in their field of study. This will be crucial in laying the foundation for developing their own subsequent projects.
A series of lectures and seminars will introduce you to current and emerging practice in relation to a diverse range of historical, theoretical and critical principles. Seminars will require you to share, discuss and evaluate ideas and practice with others.
You will read and discuss a range of primary and secondary texts in your chosen field(s) to develop critical thinking together with historical and theoretical knowledge.
The module culminates in the successful preparation and delivery of a professional project proposal and accompanying professional presentation.
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
This module aims to support you in applying critical skills in advanced research methods and methodologies. It helps you to identify appropriate methodologies, theoretical frameworks and resources to complete your dissertation successfully. It also supports you in developing and modifying your dissertation through discussion, reflection and feedback.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
The majority of teaching takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with an intensive period of contact time at the start of semester one to kick start the programme.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and field visits. Internships and placement opportunities will also be available across a range of cultural and creative industries in Liverpool.
Applied learning
You will hear from a range of high profile speakers, not only from LJMU's vibrant academic community, but also from elsewhere in the commercial, cultural and policymaking sectors. These regular guest speakers will elaborate on many of the programme’s key themes.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
You will be assessed via: presentations, essays, a practical portfolio, research-based exercises, critical reviews, research plans, student defined assessments and the dissertation. Self-led investigation is also required and you will be expected to generate assignment titles, case studies and examples for critical evaluation.
Where you will study
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. Redmonds Building is shared by School of Law and Justice Studies and Liverpool Business School making for a rich blend of student learning experiences. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Mount Pleasant Campus Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.
Course tutors
Dr Gerwyn Jones specialises in economic and social geography. He completed his MA at Manchester University under the tutorage of Professor Jamie Peck, and his PhD at Liverpool University, under the tutorage of Professor Richard Meegan. After completing his PhD, Gerwyn worked in the private sector for five years as a senior research manager for asocial policy research consultancy. He returned to academia and joined the European Institute for Urban Affairs at LJMU in 2008, as part of Professor Michael Parkinson's leading urban research unit. In recent years, Gerwyn has worked as a co-investigator on ESRC funded research looking at the impact of recession and austerity on cities, and has published several academic papers on this topic in leading peer-reviewed journals.
Today's job markets are very competitive and, while researchers need to be academically bright, they also need to be adaptable and determined individuals who can apply their research skills practically in a variety of settings. This is a key feature of our MA and it is very rewarding to see students develop these skills and attributes during the 12 months they study with us.
I began my master’s degree studying MA Cities after my undergraduate degree in Geography. I wanted to delve deeper into urban regeneration and the influence of creativity, culture, and the community on the built environment. A mixture of multidisciplinary modules and expert academics within this Masters has equipped me for my current role at St Helens Borough Council. As a Graduate Infrastructure Officer I sit within a team who delivers the borough’s significant and ambitious growth plans, while securing benefits for communities and tackling inequalities. My educational background at Liverpool John Moores University has helped me to thrive within this role.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The programme has institutional ties with FACT, the Philharmonic, Liverpool Biennial, the Everyman Theatre and Tate Liverpool and these relationships offer insights into contemporary practice as well as work-related learning opportunities. Such hands-on experience is vital for your future professional success.
On graduation you will understand the development of urban environments and will be able to interpret place-making for a wide variety of purposes. For those who prefer a holistic approach to understanding cities - including social, economic, cultural and local historians, geographers, art historians, planning specialists, media practitioners, film-makers and journalists - this programme will inform your practice and deepen the range of your output.
Career opportunities for graduates include positions in: culture, heritage and creative industries within urban environments, museums, community and voluntary sectors, cultural centres, city councils, festival organisation, charities, regeneration projects, marketing and communications, public relations, arts and cultural bodies, administration, management, funding management and monitoring, teaching, research and academia.
"Liverpool's cultural programme is world renowned and the potential to keep telling our story in new ways is a driver both for local engagement and tourism. To do this we need new ideas, fresh thinking and great imagination. By working with LJMU we hope to nurture and develop talent for the future good of the city."
Claire McColgan MBE, Director of Culture, Liverpool City Council
"Since starting the course, I have learnt in depth about cultural policy and its place in urban development, and the importance of grassroots community projects in invigorating and democratising the arts sector, as well as training in research methods."
Laura Parsons, Development Officer at Tate Liverpool
Tuition fees and funding
- Part-time per credit:
- £50
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
A minimum 2:1 honours degree in a related subject plus a reference
Additional requirements
-
Relevant work experience
Applicants with appropriate work experience who may have an academic qualification will also be considered, subject to interview.
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
- You will not be interviewed if you have the appropriate academic qualification.
- Those without academic qualification but appropriate work experience will be interviewed.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
6.5 with no component less than 5.5 or equivalentView country specific entry requirements
Other international requirements
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via ECCTIS.
View country specific entry requirements
Contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance on visa information. Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
- You will not be interviewed if you have the appropriate academic qualification.
- Those without academic qualification but appropriate work experience will be interviewed.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
To apply for this programme you will need to submit a completed LJMU online application form, your academic transcript or equivalent and an academic reference.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.