Program Overview

---

Urban and Regional Planning MSc

The Urban and Regional Planning MSc is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the planning profession. The course examines the factors that shape cities and rural areas, and explores how research is used in policy-making and evaluation.

Course Description

Our one-year masters will help you get started in the planning profession. The course examines the factors that shape cities and rural areas. We’ll show you how research is used in policy-making and evaluation. You’ll develop research and design skills and explore multiple aspects of planning.

This MSc is innovative and intensive, with your study carefully structured. The first semester focuses on developing core skills and knowledge in planning, focusing on theories and practices of planning and policy making in the UK, Europe and the fast developing Global South.

In the spring semester you'll apply these skills and knowledge to particular planning problems. You'll also have the opportunity to specialise your study through a number of option modules.

You'll develop a good understanding of both theories of planning and public administration and its practice.

Accreditation

This programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Completing an accredited course puts you on track to become a chartered town planner, opening up a wide range of future career opportunities.

This MSc is also accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), on the ‘Planning & Development’ pathway. This provides a breadth of knowledge and industry-wide recognition of your qualification.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. As you progress through your course, we'll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

• Core modules:
  • Spatial Planning Systems
  • Perspectives on Spatial Planning and Development
  • Values in Planning
  • Plan Making
• Optional modules:
  • The Urban Climate Emergency
  • Issues in Housing
  • GIS for Built Environment Professionals
  • Urban Informality
  • Planning Law
  • Health, Wellbeing and the City
  • Urban Heritage and Conservation
  • Urban Regeneration (PGT)

Dissertation

You will complete your dissertation over the summer. This is a core module which allows students to develop and manage an individual research project.

Open Days

Interested in postgraduate taught study? Register your interest in studying at Sheffield or attend an online event throughout the year to find out what makes studying here special.

Duration

1 year full-time

Teaching

Your programme is designed and managed to ensure you get the most out of your course, and have every opportunity to deepen your intellectual and practical skills.

Lectures, tutorials and seminars give you the chance to examine the knowledge you have gained, and to study current developments in planning.

Individual and group projects help develop your research, negotiation, analysis and decision-making skills, and your skills in information technology and team working.

Workshop sessions give you advice and guidance on techniques, strategy and skills in project work. Engagement with guest speakers including policy makers and professional planners helps you to put your learning in context by developing insights into planning practice and governance.

Your personal dissertation supervisor, a specialist in your field of study, will guide you through the research process and help develop your knowledge of leading research in the field.

Assessment

The emphasis is on continual assessment. This provides feedback and testing of your skills as your work progresses and allows a wide range of skills to be tested.

Assessment methods include essays, policy papers, reports, posters and oral presentations, all designed to test specific skills and levels of understanding. There are no final unseen examinations.

Your Career

The employability of our graduates is of paramount importance to us. The development of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that enhance your career underpins our course design.

School

The School of Geography and Planning is internationally recognised for its expertise in tackling the global challenges of climate and environmental change, urbanisation, sustainability and social justice.

Student Profiles

Sheffield is a fantastic city to live in as a student. I am thrilled to be studying here and excited for the opportunities which lie ahead...

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £12,360
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £26,320

The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you're studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study.

Additional Costs

Costs for field classes are not included in the tuition fee.

Funding

Funding for postgraduate taught courses is available.

Save on Your Course Fees

• £3,000 scholarships for international students
• Save up to £2,500 on your course fees if you are a Sheffield graduate.