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.

My inspiration: seeing the present situation in India. Due to rapid development and growth, planning is not given much consideration... I already have an option of going back to work with planners in India and make a difference.

Veena Narayan, MA Urban Design and Planning

About the course

Course description 2017

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.

Town and Regional Planning studentAutumn semester

Core modules:

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

Examples of optional modules

A choice of two modules from a list including:

  • Spatial Planning Systems
  • Urban Development in the Global South
  • Conservation and Regeneration
  • Policy and Law

Spring semester

Core module:

  • Urban Development in the Global South or Integrated Project.

Examples of optional modules

  • Advanced Software Skills in Urban Design
  • Sustainability: A Critical Perspective
  • Transport Planning
  • Managing Cities: the Seoul case study
  • Cities of Diversity
  • Cities of the South

Course duration

1 year full-time

Entry requirements

A good honours degree or equivalent qualification at undergraduate level and/or relevant practical experience.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 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 6920