MA Urban Design and Planning

Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences

Planning and investing in the spaces where we live and work has never been so important. An accredited MA from one of the UK's top planning schools can help you make a positive impact.

I chose to study at Sheffield because of its good international rankings and the scholarship I was  awarded. After completing my MA I would like to stay in the UK to acquire professional experience and then return to work in my home country. Urban Studies is all about social research, I see myself working with communities to improve the physical and social conditions of urban areas.

Ana Maria Monsalve Sanchez, MA Urban Design and Planning

About the course

September 2018 start

Course description

Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

To deal with the complex challenges of urban development, planners have to know how to work with other professionals. This course equips you with the skills to produce sensitive plans and creative designs, taking into account the financial and practical issues associated with property development.

This course will develop your skills in urban design, planning and the development of cities.

You’ll study the UK urban experience and also rapidly urbanising cities in Asia and Africa. The course draws on leading teaching and research at the University, combining the urban design expertise of the School of Architecture and the international planning expertise of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. The course is accredited as a Specialist Planning Programme by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Ana Maria Monsalve Sanchez, MA Urban Design and Planning

Autumn semester

Core modules:

  • Principles of Urban Design
  • Perspectives on Spatial Planning and Development
  • Research Methods

Examples of optional modules

Choose one module from a list including:

  • Spatial Planning Systems
  • Urban Development in the Global South

Spring semester

Core module: either Urban Design in the Global South and International Development Field Class, or Integrated Project.

Examples of optional modules

  • Advanced Software Skills in Urban Design
  • Transport Planning
  • Conservation and Regeneration
  • Sustainable Development: A Critical Perspective
  • Cities of the South

Course duration

1 year full-time

Entry requirements

For UK students, the usual entry requirement is a 2:1 degree or evidence of equivalent achievement (for example, a professional qualification combined with work experience). You’re welcome to apply with a 2:2 degree, although we would normally expect to see evidence of work experience or other relevant activity.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

Apply now

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Bobby Nisha, MA Urban Design and Planning course director

Our MA Urban Design and Planning offers a unique opportunity to combine introspective planning strategies with practical urban design skills to help shape sustainable urban futures. Its diverse content will equip you with key urban analytical, research, visual communication skills and knowledge that will enable you to analyse, envision and design urban environments; thus opening out your prospect to tap into the significant career opportunities that lie in the world of urban design and planning.

Bobby Nisha, MA Urban Design and Planning course director

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Apply now

Find out more

Course page on Department of Urban Studies and Planning website

Department of Urban Studies and Planning

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: usp@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 6900