Program Overview

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Overview

The Urban Planning Master's provides a core introduction to urban planning issues, professional and theoretical debates, and their application to live cases and places. This course is suitable for those new to studying urban planning or those who have studied it before but in a different regulatory context.

What You'll Learn

Through this Master's in Urban Planning, you'll learn the fundamentals of urban planning, academic underpinnings of planning, principles of planning, and legal, economic, social, political frameworks in which planning is situated. The majority of the course consists of a series of compulsory modules that introduce you to the core values and principles of urban planning.

Modules

You will study modules on this course, including:

• Introduction to Planning law
• Project 1: Spatial Strategies
• Economics of Development
• Planning Frameworks
• Planning and Sustainability
• Dissertation
• The Reflexive Practitioner (MSc version)
• Research Design
• Planning, Power and People
• Community Building

Optional modules include:

• Engagement with environment, landscape and planning
• Green Infrastructure, Landscape Planning & Nature Based Solutions
• Regenerating Places
• Global Urban Challenges
• Valuation and Appraisal for Planning
• Urban Policy: Origins and Alternatives
• Housing and Settlements
• Mapping, Data and Measurement

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, and optional international field trips. A member of planning staff will mentor you through your individual dissertation research study. Assessment methods depend on your modules and may include computer assessment, dissertation, essay, professional skills assessments, practical lab report, report, reflective log, research proposal, and research paper.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

The course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The Development pathway is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and offers a RICS-accredited route to gain Chartered Surveyors status.

Facilities

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent studio teaching facilities and our research suite provides designated space and equipment for each postgraduate researcher. Our facilities include studios, exhibition spaces, print room, seminar rooms, IT suites.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time)
• International students: £26,500 (full-time)

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements include a 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent, with preference given to graduates of a related discipline. Applicants with significant knowledge and professional experience in UK town planning are also welcome.

English Language Requirements

International students need to meet the English language requirements, which can be found on the university's website.

Admissions Policy

The university's admissions policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

Pre-Master’s and English Language Courses

Need an alternative route to study this course? Our International Study Centre offers Pre-Master’s degrees and English language courses to prepare you for study.

How to Apply

The course starts in September, and there is no application closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. You can choose to start your application, save your details, and come back to complete it later.