A Masters in Urban Planning is a one year course in the UK that is ideal for students who have a keen interest in economic development, regeneration, transport and housing planning. Building communities and enabling a sustainable environment are taught in this rigorous programme, offered by some of the best universities in the UK.
Urban planning modules such as Environment and Sustainability, Shaping Towns and Cities and Development Appraisal and Planning will give you a thorough grounding in what is required to become a successful urban planner and teaching is informed by research from industry and the very best academics in the world.
Urban planning graduates can choose to move into a variety of careers, including but not limited to Economists, Geographers, Surveyor and Environment Developers. Many students progress to become professional members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The salary for urban planners rises with the year of experience the students gain. The fresher level average annual salary for an urban planner is around £25,000, and can go as high as £55,000 within a few years.
Learn more about becoming a master of planning on urban design in the UK below and begin your UK study journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India.
Five Reasons to Study Masters of Urban Planning in the UK
1. Placement years
Almost all UK universities who offer urban planning masters programmes provide placements and sandwich years, ensuring you are industry ready once you graduate.
2. Reputation of UK universities
Universities in the UK are listed as the top institutes, not just in Europe, but all over the world for the study of urban planning and town design.
The University of Cambridge MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies has an international reputation for being the best in the world, with Bob Muhia, a former student, saying: “I am delighted that I considered applying to the Department of Architecture to take the multidisciplinary course of the MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies. The opportunity to learn and associate with academic staff who are leaders in their field worldwide is an experience that I will forever hold dear and special in my heart.”
3. An in-demand sector
A report by Polaris Market Research showed that by 2030 the urban planning sector will still be growing, meaning the demand for skilled experts is not going away any time soon. A master's graduate in urban planning is highly likely to land great jobs post-degree completion.
4. Wide scope for employment
Urban planning graduates have many possible career choices when they begin their careers. Be it government or private, students with an urban planning degree can earn jobs in architectural, engineering and managerial roles.
5. Extensive Skill Development
A master in urban planning is an extensive skill-developing course that allows students to hone skills such as negotiations, presenting, planning and strategizing. This directly helps in becoming an employer ready candidate, having rewarding skills.
Top Universities for MSc in Urban Planning
The top 5 universities in the UK (CUG) offering master of urban planning degrees to students are:
1. University of Cambridge
Urban planning degrees at the University of Cambridge create practitioners that are job-ready. The urban planners are trained to practise sustainable development to build great urban communities and localities through the offered course.
- Courses offered: MSc in Urban and Regional Planning
2. University College London
The MSc in Urban Development Planning at UCL is designed with an outlook of providing an international understanding of urban policy and planning to students. The course offers a deeper evaluation and comprehension of urban change and sustainable development.
- Course offered: MSc in Urban Development Planning
3. University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is one of the top universities offering a master's degree in urban design. Students are exposed to economic, political and environmental segments of the studies, equipping them with the knowledge that is usable and practical in real-life settings and scenarios.
- Course offered: MA in Urban Design
4. University of Reading
Making a career in towns as a planner with the postgraduate programme at the University of Reading is highly beneficial. Skills such as problem-solving, information handling, leadership and technology are added to your profile so that better opportunities are available for you after graduation.
- Course offered: MSc in Spatial Planning and Development
5. Newcastle University
The Urban Planning MSc at Newcastle University is about planning, devising strategies and understanding society at large. The University offers a degree that is fully accredited by the RTPI and partially accredited by the RICS.
- Course offered: MSc in Urban Planning
The entry requirement for international students wishing to study an urban design course are:
- An equivalent to a 2:1 honour’s degree in subjects such as history, architecture, geography and design
- Valid scores in English language tests such as IELTS above 6
Study Urban Planning in the UK
Do you want to learn more about urban planning courses in the UK? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
