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Course overview
Critically analyse the challenges faced by urban areas in designing sustainable, inclusive, and healthy urban environments, evaluating the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies and policies.
High quality planning and design are at the heart of transforming our cities to meet our future needs. Students taking this programme will be at the cutting edge of this transition toward a more sustainable and healthy planet
Course structure
Students take core planning modules in Semester 1 with optional modules to build a wider understanding of urban challenges in Semester 2. A studio module operates across both semesters and there is also a research-based dissertation project.
September – December 2025 (11 weeks).
There are two core planning modules in semester 1 which introduce spatial planning and explore themes around sustainable cities. These modules run in parallel to the first half of the studio module which runs across Semesters 1 & 2.
Course highlights
Cities are the engines of our economies, societies and cultures, where the majority of the population live, work and play. To make a more sustainable world, we need to make more sustainable cities. High-quality planning and design are essential, and the next generation of professionals working in the field needs to be able to tackle the sustainability challenges facing cities today and in the future.
This course is aimed at people who want to make a difference to the world they live in, learning about international best practice, while building practical skills in research and design to tackle complex problems.
Programme highlights
- Combining a grounding in traditional planning competence with interdisciplinary perspectives to tackle sustainability challenges
- A unique ‘Sustainable Places’ studio module building design skills and hands-on approaches
- Opportunities to work with practitioners to explore planning theories in real-world contexts
Course delivery
The programme is taught through a mixture of traditional lectures, group seminars, studio sessions, fieldwork and opportunities for original research.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
Projects
1:1 Supervision
Module information
There are two 20-credit modules in each of Semester 1 and 2. A 40-credit studio module takes place in Semester 1 and 2. There is also a 60 credit project module which runs across the whole year.
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.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation for Urban Planning and Design | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Sustainable Places Studio | 40 | Full Term |
| Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 2 x 20 credit modules from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Advances in Water Science and River Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Quantitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Urbanity and wellbeing | 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.
- A 2:1 honours degree
or equivalent in geography, planning, architecture, urban studies, engineering, social sciences or a cognate 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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- 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
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
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.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Graduates from our planning programmes go on to careers linked to planning practice, urban design, real estate, construction and allied professions. The programme is also valued by employers in wider fields such as consultancy, policymaking, business and industry.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
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. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
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.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.