Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Urban and Regional Planning MSc prepares professionals to excel in planning and the built environment, addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable development. Land use and space are crucial for healthy communities and residents’ quality of life. Planners mediate competing interests, fostering equitable growth and sustainable, liveable environments.

Course Accreditation

This course is accredited by The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Accreditation by the RTPI ensures that the course meets the highest professional standards and supports your pathway to becoming a Chartered Town Planner.

Course Structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules.

Semester 1

In Semester 1, you will study the following modules:

• Introduction to Spatial Planning
• Sustainable Cities
• Urban Property Development

Course Highlights

You can benefit hugely from the diversity of activity undertaken by the Urban and Regional Planning team within the School of Geography. Our extensive research and consultancy work ensures that our teaching is relevant, up-to-date and research-led, while losing none of its intellectual rigour. With a history of international excellence in research and teaching, join the next generation of urban planners to solve the many challenges of today’s world.

• Diverse activities enhance student learning
• Research and consultancy keep teaching current
• Research-led instruction provides cutting-edge knowledge
• Balances intellectual rigor with practical application

Course Delivery

Our Urban and Regional Planning course emphasises practical, real-world learning. You’ll acquire essential skills valued by employers, including teamwork, IT proficiency, presentations, and report writing. Assessments will cover essays, reports, projects, reflective pieces, and a 12,000-word dissertation.

• Emphasis on applied, real-world study
• Group and project work for essential skills
• Variety of assessments, including essays and reports
• 12,000-word dissertation for in-depth research

Module Information

You will study six core modules, plus one optional module and a dissertation of 12,000 words.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

• Dissertation (Urban and Regional Studies) | 60 | Full Term
• Development Management | 20 | Semester 2
• Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 | Semester 1
• Place-making in Practice | 20 | Semester 2
• Planning Practice: Skills, Behaviours and Professional Development | 0 | Semester 2
• Urban Property Development | 20 | Semester 1
• Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 1

Choose 20 credits from the following:

• Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 | Semester 2
• Professional Placement | 20 | Semester 2
• Urban Regeneration and Renewal | 20 | Semester 2

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• £11,250 (full-time)
• £5,625 (part-time)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

Paying Your Tuition Fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

• 28 August 2026: Application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.

Career Opportunities

This course is perfect for those aiming to gain a professional qualification that opens doors to a thriving career in spatial planning. You’ll be equipped to excel in regeneration, economic development, housing, and transport sectors. With a strong focus on employability, this program ensures you acquire the essential skills and knowledge highly valued by employers, setting you up for success in dynamic and impactful roles.

Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:

• Avison Young (UK)
• Savills
• Arup
• Claremont Planning Consultancy Ltd
• Sandwell Council
• Lambert Smith Hampton
• WSP in the UK
• Montagu Evans
• CBRE
• Mott MacDonald
• AtkinsRéalis

Their job roles include:

• Senior Planner
• Graduate Planner
• Associate Planner
• Principal Planner
• Senior Development Manager
• Planning Officer
• Planning Consultant
• Urban Designer
• Planning Director
• Regeneration Team Leader
• Senior Acquisitions Manager
• Town Planner
• Senior Planning Consultant (MRTPI)
• Planning Associate Director

Related Courses

• Sustainable Urban Planning and Design MSc
• Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
• Living in Birmingham: As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student Support: Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
• Campus Life: Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.