Housing and City Planning

Housing and City Planning MSc at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills required to analyse, develop, and manage housing and urban environments. The course explores the complex social, economic, political, and environmental factors that influence housing policies, urban development, and planning processes across different contexts worldwide. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to critically examine issues such as affordable housing, urban regeneration, sustainable development, and public policy implementation. The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from urban studies, architecture, economics, and sociology, to prepare graduates for careers in planning practice, policy-making, research, and consultancy. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and project work, participants will develop practical skills in urban analysis, spatial planning, community engagement, and strategic decision-making. The curriculum also provides opportunities for students to undertake research projects and placements that connect academic learning with real-world urban challenges. Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to contribute to shaping inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities, and to influence housing and spatial planning policies at local, national, and international levels. The programme maintains strong links with industry professionals, policy makers, and academic researchers, ensuring students receive relevant, up-to-date insights into current challenges and innovative solutions in housing and urban planning sectors. Whether aimed at those seeking to advance their existing careers or to pivot into urban development roles, the MSc in Housing and City Planning offers a rigorous, research-informed education grounded in the latest developments and debates in the field.

Students will develop appropriate design, analytical and presentational skills, and work on practical cases that test their capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving. The curriculum covers UK-specific policy and practice as well as a range of international case studies and globally relevant debates in the provision of housing.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two elective modules from across The Bartlett School of Planning or beyond, subject to approval (30 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, six core modules (90 credits), two elective modules (30 credits), full-time nine months, is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate, four core modules (60 credits), at least full-time three months, is offered.

Core modules

• Planning for Housing: Process
• Planning for Housing: Project
• Principles of Sustainable Housing Design
• Low Energy Housing Retrofit
• Economics and Finance for Housing Projects
• Management of Housing Projects

Optional modules

• Spatial Planning (for professional accreditation)
• Critical Debates in Planning (for professional accreditation)
• Or any other open MSc module in The Bartlett School of Planning, or the wider Faculty of the Built Environment

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, projects and problem-based learning. Assessment is through a mix of essays, group projects, problem-sheets, individual projects, classroom tasks and the dissertation.

Preferably an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a UK university. Overseas qualifications of an equivalent standard will also be considered. Admissions tutors may, at their discretion, consider applications from students who have not achieved this but hold professional qualifications (e.g. RTPI) or can demonstrate substantial work experience in the field of housing development, planning for housing, or housing design. (Applicants will still be expected to meet the minimum UCL requirement of a 2:2, however.

Bartlett Masters Scholarship

Value:

£10,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on financial need

UCL Bartlett School of Planning - Land Securities Scholarship

Value:

£10,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

Housing and City Planning at University College London is a comprehensive programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex issues related to urban development, housing policy, and city management. This programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in public planning agencies, private consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, and academia. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable development, urban regeneration, housing economics, and policy analysis, ensuring that students understand both the socio-economic and environmental aspects of urban planning. Students have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary projects, case studies, and site visits that provide real-world experience. The programme also offers specialised modules in topics such as transport planning, built environment professionalism, and smart city technologies, reflecting current trends and innovations in the field. Faculty members are experts in urban planning, architecture, sociology, and environmental science, providing a well-rounded education. The university's central London location allows students to access a wide range of urban planning initiatives, government agencies, and industry networks, enriching their learning experience. Students are encouraged to collaborate on research projects, participate in workshops, and attend conferences to develop professional skills and networks. The course typically includes a dissertation, enabling students to conduct in-depth research on a specific urban planning issue. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to contribute to sustainable city development and improve urban living conditions, making a significant impact in their professional careers.