Our Urban and Regional Planning MSc prepares professionals to excel in planning and the built environment, addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Land use and space are crucial for healthy communities and residents’ quality of life. Planners mediate competing interests, fostering equitable growth and sustainable, liveable environments.
Accreditation by the RTPI ensures that the course meets the highest professional standards and supports your pathway to becoming a Chartered Town Planner.
MSc Urban and Regional Planning provided a good balance of academic debate with practical application, especially as people working in the field were often integrated into the lecture programme.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis.
While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. This is based on a full time Masters course. For part-time students we will devise a study plan in the first weeks tailoring your studies to your non-academic commitments.
In Semester 1, you will study the following modules:
In Semester 2, you will study the following modules:
You will also choose 20 credits from the following:
Dissertation (60 credits)
You can benefit hugely from the diversity of activity undertaken by the Urban and Regional Planning team within the School of Geography. Our extensive research and consultancy work ensures that our teaching is relevant, up-to-date and research-led, while losing none of its intellectual rigour. With a history of international excellence in research and teaching, join the next generation of urban planners to solve the many challenges of today’s world.
Our course allows students to integrate core modules in spatial planning with specialized focus in areas like urban regeneration, community-based planning, and designing green and healthy cities
in the World for Geography
QS World University Rankings 2025
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2025
Our Urban and Regional Planning course emphasises practical, real-world learning. You’ll acquire essential skills valued by employers, including teamwork, IT proficiency, presentations, and report writing. Assessments will cover essays, reports, projects, reflective pieces, and a 12,000-word dissertation.
You will study six core modules, plus one optional module and a dissertation of 12,000 words.
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.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (Urban and Regional Studies) | 60 | Full Term |
| Development Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Place-making in Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Planning Practice: Skills, Behaviours and Professional Development | 0 | Semester 2 |
| Urban Property Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Professional Placement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Urban Regeneration and Renewal | 20 | Semester 2 |
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.
in a relevant discipline
To enroll in a Graduate Diploma, you need a degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in a relevant field. Graduate Diploma students who excel in their modules may transfer to the Masters level.
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.
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.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
This course is perfect for those aiming to gain a professional qualification that opens doors to a thriving career in spatial planning. You’ll be equipped to excel in regeneration, economic development, housing, and transport sectors. With a strong focus on employability, this program ensures you acquire the essential skills and knowledge highly valued by employers, setting you up for success in dynamic and impactful roles.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
• Avison Young (UK)
• Savills
• Arup
• Claremont Planning Consultancy Ltd
• Sandwell Council
• Lambert Smith Hampton
• WSP in the UK
• Montagu Evans
• CBRE
• Mott MacDonald
• AtkinsRéalis
Their job roles include:
• Senior Planner
• Graduate Planner
• Associate Planner
• Principal Planner
• Senior Development Manager
• Planning Officer
• Planning Consultant
• Urban Designer
• Planning Director
• Regeneration Team Leader
• Senior Acquisitions Manager
• Town Planner
• Senior Planning Consultant (MRTPI)
• Planning Associate Director
Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute, ensuring professional recognition
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.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
