City Planning

description: The MSc in City Planning at University College London is a comprehensive and research-intensive programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of urban development and planning. This programme provides a thorough understanding of the social, economic, environmental, and political factors that influence urban areas worldwide, fostering critical thinking and innovative solutions for sustainable city growth. Students will engage with core topics such as urban design, land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and policy analysis, supported by a strong theoretical foundation and practical case studies. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds to develop holistic strategies for urban management. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, students will learn to analyze urban problems, craft effective planning policies, and communicate their ideas effectively to stakeholders. The programme also offers opportunities for engagement with industry practitioners and policymakers, providing real-world insights and networking avenues. Graduates of this MSc programme are well-prepared for careers in urban planning agencies, governmental departments, consultancy firms, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. They will possess the analytical, technical, and ethical understanding necessary to shape sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities for future generations. The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members committed to advancing urban planning knowledge and practices, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education aligned with current professional standards and global challenges facing urban environments.

The programme equips students theoretically and practically, engaging them academically and in practice with planning and related fields of knowledge. Students will learn how to think critically, creatively and analytically across different spatial scales, from strategic to local - and across urban design, city planning, place-making, real estate and sustainability arenas - as they seek integrated solutions to defined planning problems.

Students undertake modules to the value of 300 credits.

MSc students must take seven compulsory modules (135 credits), one optional modules (45 credits), two elective modules (30 credits), all assessed by either coursework or exam or both, and submit a 15,000-word dissertation or major personal project (90 credits).

Core modules

• Spatial Planning: Concepts and Contexts (15 credits)
• Pillars of Planning (30 credits)
• Urban Design: Place Making (15 credits)
• Sustainability and Environmental Justice (15 credits)
• Plan Making Studio (30 credits)
• Planning Practice (15 credits)
• Dissertation in City Planning (90 credits)
• Major Personal Project in City Planning (90 credits)
• Comparative Planning Systems and Cultures (15 credits)

Optional modules

• Any open MSc module from the Bartlett School of Planning or Centre for Applied Spatial Analysis (15 credits)
• Either Study Abroad in City Planning, orWork Placement in City Planning

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project compising a proposal of 2,000 words and culminating in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

Methods of delivery will vary (because of the flexible nature of the programme) but a student might encounter studio teaching, formal lectures, analytical modelling, small-group tutorials and discussion, formal presentations, and site visits. Student performance is assessed through individual and group work, essays, and project work.

Placement

Term two of year two is spent either as study abroad or in an industry placement.

45 credits are awarded for the placement.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Master of Science in City Planning at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore multiple funding sources, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans. UCL provides various merit-based scholarships which are competitive and aim to attract outstanding students from around the world. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees and are awarded based on academic achievement, relevant experience, and motivation. Additionally, students may be eligible for external funding from governmental agencies, professional organizations, and private foundations, depending on their country of origin and personal circumstances.

UCL’s financial support also includes student loans, which are often dependent on the applicant's home country and the regulations governing educational loans. International students should check specific requirements and options available through their home country's education funding programs or international loan schemes. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for funding and managing tuition payments. UCL also offers work placements, part-time work opportunities within the university, and internships that can help students offset living expenses and gain practical experience in the field of urban planning.

Students are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each funding source. It is recommended to apply early to maximize the chances of securing financial assistance. Furthermore, some students may qualify for research or teaching assistantships associated with their program, which can provide additional financial support while gaining valuable academic experience. Budgeting for living costs and travel expenses is essential, as London is an expensive city. Students are encouraged to explore external grants, sponsorship opportunities, and country-specific financial aid programs suitable for international students pursuing a degree in city planning at UCL. Overall, a combination of institutional support, external funding, and careful planning can make studying city planning at UCL more financially accessible.

The MSc Urban Planning programme at University College London is a comprehensive and rigorous course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in urban planning and related fields. This programme offers a broad perspective on the social, economic, political, and environmental aspects of urban development, fostering an understanding of the complex interactions that shape cities worldwide. Students will engage with core topics such as land use and infrastructure planning, urban design, spatial analysis, sustainable development, and policy-making processes. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address real-world challenges faced by urban environments.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from UCL’s strong connections with industry professionals, policymakers, and research institutions, providing excellent networking and internship opportunities. The programme features a blend of lectures, seminars, group work, case studies, and project-based assessments, promoting collaborative learning and critical thinking. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) labs and urban data platforms, to support their research and analysis work.

The MSc Urban Planning at UCL is designed to serve both recent graduates seeking to develop their expertise and professionals aiming to advance their careers. The programme is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), which recognizes its high standards and relevance to current industry needs. Graduates of this programme often go on to work in local government, consultancy firms, environmental organizations, NGOs, and international development agencies. They contribute to planning policies, urban regeneration projects, sustainability initiatives, and innovative urban design solutions. The university’s location in London, a global city with diverse urban challenges, provides a unique learning environment and real-world case studies. Overall, the MSc Urban Planning from UCL offers a distinctive combination of academic excellence, practical skills, and professional preparation, making it a highly attractive option for aspiring urban planners.