A Master's in urban planning is a one-year course in the UK ideal for students who have a keen interest in economic development, regeneration, transport, and housing planning. This rigorous program, offered by some of the best universities in the UK, teaches building communities and enabling a sustainable environment.
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. Teaching is informed by industry research and the best academics in the world.
Urban planning graduates can choose to move into various careers, including, but not limited to, economists, geographers, surveyors, and environmental developers. Many students become professional Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) members. The salary for urban planners rises with the students' years of experience. 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 London.
Five Reasons to Study Master's of Urban Planning in the UK
Are you considering studying for a master’s in urban planning? Here are five top reasons why you should study this unique subject in the UK.
1. Placement years
Almost all UK universities that offer urban planning master's programmes provide placements and sandwich years, ensuring that students are industry-ready once they graduate.
2. Reputation of UK universities
Universities in the UK are listed as the top institutes in Europe and worldwide for studying urban planning and town design.
The University of Cambridge's MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies has an international reputation for being the best in the world. Bob Muhia, a former student, said: “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 leaders in their field worldwide is an experience 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 will not go away soon. A master's graduate in urban planning will likely land great jobs post-degree completion.
4. Wide scope for employment
Urban planning graduates have many possible career choices when they begin their careers. Whether government or private, students with an urban planning degree can earn jobs in architectural, engineering and managerial roles.
5. Extensive Skill Development
A master's in urban planning is an extensive skill-development course that allows students to hone skills such as negotiation, presentation, planning, and strategizing. This directly helps in becoming an employer-ready candidate and has rewarding skills.
Top Universities for MSc Urban Planning
According to the Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design rankings in the CUG 2025, the best degrees for master’s in urban planning in the UK are:
1. University of Cambridge
The MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies at the University of Cambridge provides students with two learning streams: History and Theory, which focuses on the socio-political and cultural context of architecture and cities, and Technical and Sustainability, which centres on a ‘quantitative approach to architecture and urban planning’.
The curriculum offers flexibility, with seminars exploring socio-political contexts and quantitative approaches to architecture and urban planning. Students are encouraged to integrate both streams and pursue research that is aligned with their interests. The programme integrates closely with departmental research groups, enriching teaching with real-world insights and individual supervision.
- Suggested course: MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies
- Entry requirements: A UK High II.i Honours Degree.
- International fee: £27,523
2. 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 the economic, political, and environmental segments of the studies, equipping them with knowledge that is usable and practical in real-life settings and scenarios.
The Urban Design programme prepares professionals to address complex urban challenges by integrating architectural projects with broader planning strategies. Emphasising community engagement, students undertake design studio projects and study core modules on urban theory.
- Suggested course: MA in Urban Design
- Entry requirements: An upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standing.
- International fee: £34,400
3. University College London
The Urban Design and City Planning MSc at UCL is designed to provide students with an international understanding of urban policy and planning. The course offers a deeper understanding of urban change and sustainable development.
The Bartlett School of Planning ranks #1 in the UK for Construction, Surveying, and Planning. The curriculum combines practical skills, lectures by industry experts, seminars, and field trips. Assessment methods include individual/group projects, essays, exams, and dissertations. The programme emphasises critical debates, collaborative strategies, sustainability, and urban design principles.
- Suggested course: Urban Design and City Planning MSc
- Entry requirements: An upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standing.
- International fee: £34,400
4. Loughborough University
Loughborough’s Urban Planning programme offers vital skills to address cities' complex challenges, from climate change to population growth. Developed with practitioners, the course emphasises digital and data skills crucial for planning smart cities. Through practical experiences like case studies, students link theory to practice, envisioning healthier, more sustainable cities.
The course is multidisciplinary, and students collaborate with architecture, engineering, and management peers to simulate real-world projects. With input from leading academics, the programme equips graduates to shape future urban environments effectively.
- Suggested course: MPlan (Hons) Urban Planning
- Entry requirements: IB - 35 (6,6,5 HL). A-level: AAB.
- International fee: £25,500
5. University of Edinburgh
The MSc Urban Strategies and Design degree, jointly offered by the Edinburgh School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture and Heriot-Watt University, integrates historical expertise with contemporary teaching. Taught by experienced researchers, it promotes a comprehensive understanding of socially sustainable urban transformation on local to global scales.
Students explore diverse social, economic, and political processes shaping contemporary urban environments. The curriculum, enriched by guest speakers and excursions, promotes multidisciplinary collaboration. With Edinburgh as a unique learning environment, students engage with urban design issues informed by global perspectives, supported by location-based dissertations.
- Suggested course: Urban Strategies and Design MSc
- Entry requirements: A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
- International fee: £29,900
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 London today.
FAQ
What degree is best for urban planning?
The best degree for urban planning in the UK is the MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies at the University of Cambridge.
Who is eligible for urban planning programmes in the UK?
Eligibility for master’s in urban planning programmes typically requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While specific requirements may vary, candidates from diverse academic backgrounds such as social sciences, humanities, engineering, or architecture may be eligible, provided they display an interest and aptitude for urban planning.
What is the difference between master planning and urban planning?
Master planning and urban planning are related but distinct fields. Urban planning focuses on developing and managing urban areas, addressing land use, transportation, housing, and sustainability issues. Master planning typically involves creating comprehensive plans for developing specific areas, neighbourhoods, or regions within urban or rural contexts.
What are the subjects of urban planning?
Urban planning master's programmes cover land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing policy, economic development, public policy analysis, community development, and sustainability.
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