Program Overview

International Planning and Sustainable Development MA

Course Overview

This course is aimed at built environment professionals and others with a relevant social or physical science background who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of planning and sustainable development, whether to improve career prospects in their country or enter international practice. Through the course, you'll examine the growing problems of sustainable development facing cities, regions, and communities in a rapidly urbanizing world, subject to growing climate change and other environmental, economic, and social pressures and risks.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 years
• Attendance: Part-time day/evening - September 2026, Full-time - September 2025, Part-time day/evening - September 2025, Full-time - September 2026
• UK Fees: £1,211
• International Fees: £2,000
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Duration: 2 years
• Campus: Marylebone, Central London
• Price per 20-credit module: £1,211 (UK), £2,000 (International)

Course Summary

This course explores contemporary theories, public policy thinking, and good practice in planning that spans both developed and developing world contexts, and offers you the opportunity to explore one area of specialism in a related field in some depth.

Course Pathways

• Spatial Planning Pathway: Has a strong urban design component and an emphasis on the development planning process.
• Urban Resilience Pathway: Provides a sustainable development-focused route with a core emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation planning.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• Learn from Experts: You’ll be taught by academics and practitioners, experts in the field, who are involved in publication, research, and consultancy for a variety of organizations in the UK and internationally.
• Professional Links: We have close links with professional practice and members of our teaching team are active in professional associations.
• Accredited Course: The Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience MA pathways each have full Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accreditation as a ‘Combined Planning Programme’.

Course Climate Action Statement

The course recognizes the historic colonial roots of climate crisis and the underlying issues of climate justice between Global North and Global South and East countries.

Course Structure

• Core Modules - Both Pathways:
  • Planning in a Globalising World
  • Sustainable Neighbourhood Development and Management
  • Sustainable Cities and Neighbourhoods
  • International Spatial Planning Practice
  • Planning Skills and Research Methods
  • Dissertation or Major Project
• Core Module for Spatial Planning Pathway:
  • Urban Form and Growth
• Core Module for Urban Resilience Pathway:
  • Planning for Urban Risk and Resilience
• Option Modules:
  • Environmental Policy, Assessment and Climate Change
  • Place and Experience in Design for Urban Spaces
  • Emerging Landscapes and Urban Ecologies
  • Urban Design Project
  • Housing and Urban Regeneration
  • Communities Towards Sustainability – Public Engagement
  • Conservation and Heritage
  • Information Management Applications for Urban Planning
  • Destination Development – Case Study Perspectives
  • Land Use, Planning and Transport
  • Traffic and Streets

Course Accreditation

The Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience MA Pathways each have full RTPI accreditation as a ‘Combined Planning Programme’.

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • A minimum of a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) in a relevant built environment or land planning-related discipline.
  • Alternatively, a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) in a relevant human geography, social or environmental science subject and relevant practical experience of working in a built environment discipline.
  • If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
• International:
  • A minimum of a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) in a relevant built environment or land planning-related discipline.
  • Alternatively, a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) in a relevant human geography, social or environmental science subject and relevant practical experience of working in a built environment discipline.
  • If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment: Practical and coursework assessments.

Research Groups

• Max Lock Centre

Supporting You

• Student Hub: Study support, personal tutors, student advice team, and extra-curricular activities.

Course Location

• Marylebone Campus: Home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning, and Tourism courses.

Other International Planning and Sustainable Development Courses

• International Planning and Sustainable Development Postgraduate Diploma

Related Courses

• Urban and Regional Planning MA
• Urban Design MA