Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading research university located in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the Urban Planning and Resilience MSc.

Overview of the Urban Planning and Resilience MSc

The Urban Planning and Resilience MSc is a postgraduate program that provides students with the academic and professional core knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience required to practice as an urban planner. The program is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and is designed to help cities address and find solutions for 21st-century challenges.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
• Start date: September
• Location: Canterbury

Course Structure

The program consists of several modules, including:

• Development of Planning & Resilience Theory
• Conservation Principles
• Planning Policy & Practice
• Global Planning & Resilience Practice
• Resilience in Cities
• Methods for Research in Academia or Practice
• Dissertation or Industry-based Project

Module Descriptions

• Development of Planning & Resilience Theory: This module develops students' understanding of alternative views in planning and resilience theories.
• Conservation Principles: This module explores the concept of heritage, its development, and its significance in conservation attitudes and philosophies.
• Planning Policy & Practice: This module covers changing planning legislation, spatial planning mechanisms, and the relationship between decision-making and development outcomes.
• Global Planning & Resilience Practice: This module examines how the core values of urban planning and resilience apply in different cities and global contexts.
• Resilience in Cities: This module focuses on the impacts of urbanization on urban climate and the planning, design, and building of places for communities.
• Methods for Research in Academia or Practice: This module supports students in developing project proposals for their final module, which can be a traditional written thesis, research-by-practice, or industry-based project.
• Dissertation or Industry-based Project: Students develop their research skills through a large project under the guidance of a supervisor, which can be undertaken within an academic or professional setting.

Fees and Funding

• The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • Full-time: £10,000 (UK), £19,300 (EU and International)
  • Part-time: £5,000 (UK), £9,650 (EU and International)
• For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please refer to the Student Finance Guide.
• Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of the course.

How You'll Study

• The program aims to provide a challenging, exciting, and dynamic learning experience.
• Students develop a range of problem-solving, interpersonal, and teamwork skills across the modules.
• The University has excellent contacts with businesses and culture in the local area, including regional organizations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Kent County Council.

Support and Resources

• The University offers a range of support services, including academic support, career advice, and accommodation assistance.
• Students have access to a dedicated computing suite with environmental construction software and a Digital Crit Space.
• The University has a dynamic publishing culture, with staff publishing regularly in journals, conference proceedings, and books.

Next Steps

• To apply for the Urban Planning and Resilience MSc, students can submit an application through the University's website.
• Students can choose to start their course in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2029.
• The University welcomes applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and experience.