Elaine Yeung, MSc Urban Studies

“I was drawn to UCL’s MSc Urban Studies for its interdisciplinary approach, which aligned with how I understood urbanism: through lived experience and cultural context. Coming from a cultural sector background, I valued how the programme combined both the ‘hardware’ of the built environment and the ‘software’ of how people navigate urban space. I had hoped to get to know London through the degree — although the pandemic meant completing all coursework online!

“The programme’s mix of theory and practice, along with the freedom to take Bartlett and STEaPP modules, allowed me to shape the degree around my professional interests in placemaking and cultural policy. Highlights in the programme were Planning Discourses for Urban Development in Historic Cities and Neighbourhoods (grounding me in built‑environment contexts), Creative Cities (exploring how culture shapes urban policy internationally), and Urban Innovation and Policy (learning to develop policy recommendations through a live case study). Now that I live in London, passing Meridian Water, Smithfield Market or the Barbican still reminds me of my term projects.

“Our cohort benefited from engaged faculty who were open to bringing our ideas onboard: for example, we enjoyed World Cities Culture Forum Director Laia Gasch’s session on London’s cultural and creative industries so much that we were keen to continue the conversation. We were delighted that the faculty invited Laia back for a cultural policy workshop, where she also shared more about her experience working as Senior Advisor for Culture at the Mayor of London’s office. Laia and I stayed in touch, and we now even collaborate together in a professional capacity. 

“Since graduating, I’ve worked on digital communications and place‑based strategies at a cultural landmark in Berlin, become a Salzburg Global Public Policy Fellow, produced an urbanism programme series, and now work in London as a place specialist and communications consultant. As a Happy Museum Project steering group member, I bring together my experience in culture, placemaking and urbanism in a way that reflects the interdisciplinary spirit of Urban Studies.

“My advice for prospective students is: start the programme with a clear sense of what you want to get out of it. Having that clarity from the start helps you make the most of your degree.”