To assist us in the selection of candidates for the MUS, we require you to prepare an essay of 1 200 to 1 500 words (one a half to two pages if typed in a 10 point font, single spaced) on the topic below. The essay must be clearly structured with sub-headings, and must include an introduction and a conclusion.
It is not our intention to test your competence in the field in which you intend studying. However, we do need to judge your interest and motivation in studying in this field and your ability to understand an assignment brief, structure thoughts, develop an argument and communicate this in writing. If you make use of books, articles or any other sources, please reference these fully. If quoting directly from any source, please use inverted commas for the quoted sections and reference these fully. You may not be assisted any by another person.
Please see this as a useful opportunity for you to reflect on your interest in the field you intend studying, as well as your aims and objectives. It is an important preparation for your enrolment.
Please provide as a title the field of study you have chosen (Sustainable Energy Efficient Cities, Housing and Human Settlements, Politics and Urban Governance, Urban Management, or Urban Research). Should you be applying for more than one of these options, then make this clear in your heading and address both fields in your assignment.
Essay question:
In your introduction, set out what draws you to the field of study that you have chosen. Provide a brief motivation for wanting to study towards an MUS in this field, and explain how the remainder of your essay is structured. Then, in the main text of the essay, briefly discuss the city in which you live, identifying three key challenges that relate to the field of study you are choosing. How you understand the causes of this situation, and in which way this situation be addressed through your chosen field of study? End with a brief conclusion.
Should you be applying for more than one of the MUS fields, then use the introduction of the essay to communicate your first choice, respond to the essay brief for the field of study of your first choice, and add an additional 400-500 words to do the same for your second choice.