Program Overview

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Introduction to the City Planning & Real Estate Development MSc

The Masters in City Planning & Real Estate Development will prepare students for working either as a planner or real estate surveyor. Students will develop an in-depth appreciation of how different stakeholders in the planning and real estate sectors make decisions about future places. Cities lie at the heart of the many challenges human societies face today, including climate change, infrastructure delivery, affordable housing, and social inequality. These challenges ensure that the professions of city planning and real estate development are in high demand around the world.

Why this Programme

• This programme is accredited by professional industry bodies, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Dual accreditation will significantly enhance employment prospects in this field.
• The philosophy of the programme is to break down the professional barriers between two built environment disciplines that make better place-based decisions when they work together.
• The skills and knowledge this degree delivers are crucial in our rapidly changing world, particularly in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
• Students have excellent employment prospects with alumni working in major international planning consultancies, local and national government, and in the third sector.
• Teaching on this programme is research-led and students will be taught by lecturers at the forefront of urban research.

Programme Structure

This programme allows students to gain a greater insight into city planning and real estate. Split into three parts, students gain a grounding on the principles and practice of city planning and real estate, with a major research project or dissertation at the end.

Core Courses

Part 1: Principles

• Economics of Planning and Development Lab
• Planning Systems and Procedures
• Property Law for Real Estate Surveyors
• Real Estate Markets
• Real Estate Valuation and Appraisal

Part 2: Practice

• Applied Built Environment Research
• Designing Resilient Places
• Development Appraisal for Real Estate Surveyors
• Sustainable Spatial Strategies Lab

Part 3: Project

• Real Estate and Planning Dissertation OR Real Estate and Planning Major Research Project

Career Prospects

This unique programme brings together two disciplines to help students form a rounded picture of the sector and enable them to take the next step forward in their career.

Career Opportunities and Pathways

This jointly accredited programme offers a quicker pathway to becoming a chartered town planner, chartered surveyor, or both. Students have excellent employment prospects, with alumni working in major international planning consultancies, local and national government institutions, and in the third sector.

Fees & Funding

MSc

Home & RUK

• Full-time fee: Ł11,943
• Part-time fee: Ł1,327 per 20 credits

International & EU

• Full-time fee: Ł27,720

Fee Status

• Fee status guidance

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of Ł2,000 when an offer is made.

Entry Requirements

• 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant social science or humanities subject.
• Relevant work experience may also be considered. Please provide a CV.
• If the qualification is below 2:1 or in a subject not listed above, students are required to complete a personal statement for entry to this programme.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
• Other accepted English language qualifications include TOEFL, Pearsons PTE Academic, Cambridge Proficiency in English, and more.

How to Apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree, students must apply online. The University cannot accept applications any other way.

Documents

As part of the online application, students also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of the official degree certificate(s)
• A copy (or copies) of the official academic transcript(s)
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of English language ability (if the first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme
• A copy of the photo page of the passport

Application Deadlines

International & EU Applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year.

Home Applicants

• 21 August 2026

Accreditations

This programme is jointly accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Related Programmes

Urban Studies & Social Policy

• City Planning [MSc]
• City Planning [PgCert]
• Global Health Policy & Society [MSc]
• Public Policy [MSc]