Program Overview

Introduction to the City Planning MPlan

The City Planning MPlan is a two-year, full-time, accredited program designed to provide students with a solid foundation to build their careers in planning. This urban planning master's degree encourages students to think independently and critically about city and regional planning challenges.

Program Overview

The program is principle- and theory-driven, providing students with a conceptual understanding of planning principles and the skills needed to build a career in planning and the built environment. Students learn to think creatively and analytically across different spatial scales, from strategic to local levels, and across urban design, city planning, place-making, real estate, and sustainability.

Key Features of the Program

• The program includes a residential field trip to explore themes relevant to the course in different place contexts.
• Students can choose to study abroad or take a workplace placement with one of the program's partners.
• The program is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Students gain a comprehensive understanding of urban design, planning research, and planning and environmental law.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. English language requirements are also specified, with Level 2 being the required standard. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students to develop their academic English and skills.

Equivalent Qualifications

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list of countries. The equivalency corresponds to the broad UK degree classification stated on the program's webpage.

Course Structure

The two-year program is structured into modules that cover various aspects of city planning, including:

• Spatial Planning: Concepts and Contexts
• Urban Design: Place Making
• Pillars of Planning: Economics
• Planning Practice
• Comparative Planning Systems and Cultures
• Introducing Planning and Environmental Law
• Dissertation in City Planning

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a range of specialist elective modules, including:

• Infrastructure Planning
• Investigating Urban Transformation in Historic Cities
• Planning for Housing
• Planning for Sustainability, Climate Change and Inclusion
• Planning for Urban Design
• Smart City Theory and Practice
• Sustainable Development Themes and Goals
• Urban Regeneration

Careers and Employability

The program equips students with in-demand skills for a wide range of careers in planning and the built environment. Graduates are highly sought after by public and private employers in the UK and abroad. Career support is available from UCL Careers and the program's careers specialist.

Transferable Skills

Students gain many transferable skills, including:

• Report writing
• Urban design skills
• Use of software for urban design and planning
• Presentations

Fees and Funding

The program's tuition fees are Ł16,800 for UK students and Ł29,500 for international students for the 2026/27 academic year. Additional costs include a fee deposit, travel and accommodation for the field trip, and transport to site visits.

Scholarships

The Bartlett Promise Scholarship is available for students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment. Other funding options are also available, and students can visit the Scholarships and Funding website for more information.

Conclusion

The City Planning MPlan at UCL is a comprehensive and accredited program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in planning and the built environment. With its strong reputation, research-led education, and excellent career prospects, this program is an ideal choice for those looking to pursue a career in city planning.