
Urban Studies and Planning MPlan(UG)
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Explore this course:
You are viewing this course for 2023-24 entry. 2022-23 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels ABB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code K400
- 4 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
- Study abroad
Course description

The MPlan is a professionally-accredited four-year integrated masters and undergraduate degree that gives you the skills, knowledge and qualification to enter planning and related professions.
Emphasis is placed on combining core knowledge and skills with an intellectual approach spanning design, climate change, economics and social issues to enable you to anticipate and shape the future. The course includes training in IT skills such as Geographical Information Systems and design software.
The first year covers core ideas that influence planning and urban development and the skills planners need, including urban design and climate change. Your first year typically includes a field trip, where you will learn how to read space and place, and begin to think critically about how different urban environments might be experienced.
In your second year you'll develop your understanding of concepts and practices in urbanism, spatial change and planning. This year typically includes a core field trip, which provides hands-on experience of planning issues. You can also apply to spend this year at one of our international partner universities.
Before you begin your third year, you'll have a period of work experience in a local planning office or private sector planning consultancy, looking at how plans are made. All core field trips are funded by the department.
The third and fourth years continue to develop core knowledge and skills with the opportunity to develop specialist interests through the dissertation and optional modules. It's possible to spend the second half of the fourth year studying abroad in Europe.
Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Membership and by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Our housing modules are also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), making the MPlan the only course of its kind in the UK to offer triple professional accreditation.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: K400
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Information and Communication Skills
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The skills needed to be able to find, evaluate, summarise and critically evaluate information are all vital to success in an undergraduate degree programme, and are also key transferable skills. This module provides basic knowledge of a range of methods for information-gathering and forms of communication. The teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials and seminars, with students expected to take more responsibility for their own learning as the module progresses. Lectures provide basic knowledge on method for information gathering and forms of communication, whilst seminars, tutorials and a range of exercises are used to develop these skills
10 credits - The Making of Urban Places
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This module will introduce you to cities and urbanisation, from the very first settlements to contemporary metropolises, using examples from across the world. The module focuses on thinking about the role of cities within societies and civilisations throughout history. The first half, on the history of urbanisation and urban settlement, looks at how various forces have shaped cities, and the outcomes of urbanisation for cities and their populations. The second half, on contemporary global urbanisation challenges, examines some of the major global challenges facing cities today. Throughout, we will explore influential ideas which have changed our thinking about cities, and look at how urban governments and planners have sought to respond to the challenges of urbanisation.
20 credits - Understanding Sheffield; place, work, folk
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The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to Sheffield with a particular focus on place, people, the local economy and urban change. You will be introduced to some of the theories, information and techniques that planners use in their efforts to understand and create better places and the module will develop your skills of analysis for assessing the social, economic and environmental qualities of urban places. Through a series of site visits, you will gain a basic understanding of several different areas in Sheffield so that you develop a broader appreciation of the city's strengths and some of the contemporary challenges that it faces.
20 credits - The Environmental Challenge
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Humans are altering the climate, with significant impacts on livelihoods, wellbeing, equality, and the environment across the globe. While international organisations and governments are crucial in mitigating and adapting to these threats, individual and small group collective action are also essential in creatively exploring how the necessary changes can be realistically and equitably implemented.
10 credits
This module uses the community linked to the University as a Living Lab. Focusing on one aspect of daily life in which there is potential for more mitigation or better adaptation, you will identify and plan an investigation or intervention (a 'project') to take a step towards more or better climate action. You will need to justify your choices by elaborating what you would consider success, how you would deliver it, as well as assessing the impact of its wider implementation. - Economics for Spatial Planning
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This module provides an introduction to economic concepts and theories and to the way in which they are applied to the analysis of selected markets and policy challenges. The module seeks to offer an economic perspective on planning issues by focusing on land market and urban development. The overall aim of the module is to develop students' understanding of the economic environment within which planners and other urban professions operate and to enhance understanding of economic theory and the property market in general.
10 credits - Urban Analytics
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This module will serve as an introduction to quantitative research methods, with a specific focus on data sources, analysis methods and presentation techniques for policy analysis in social science. It will expose students to a wide variety of substantive issues surrounding the use of data in practice and enhance their understanding of methods used in the real world policy settings. Students will access and use a range of different datasets, covering demographics, property, and land use. They will be required to demonstrate competence in accessing, analysing and presenting such data in order to gain a deeper understanding of key issues.
10 credits - Development, Planning and the State
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The module provides an introduction to spatial planning in theory and practice, exploring arguments for and against spatial planning and the rationale for state intervention into land and property development. The first part of the module covers key debates on the purposes of planning, the historical development of planning as a state activity and the current structure of national, regional and local government. The central part of the module introduces key aspects of the English planning system and key debates about its role and purpose. The final third of the module explores how spatial planning responds to major societal challenges.
20 credits - Professional Skills Development (L1)
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* A foundation to articulate the skills-based nature of study in USP.
* An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills.
* A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.
This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.
Optional modules (20 credits from a range of modules including):
- Housing, Home and Neighbourhood
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Issues relating to housing, homes, streets and neighbourhoods that we live in are in the news every day. Whether this is over concerns about housing shortages, affordability, housing bubbles, 'generation rent', social housing, housing evictions, Covid lockdown, city-centre housing, DIY and 'grand designs', or debates about the domestic sphere, 'home as a haven', 'benefit streets', flooding and shack settlements, housing is often at the centre of social science research. This module aims to introduce students to this broad and diverse subject by drawing on the expertise of staff who research across these multiple themes. The module focuses on contemporary concerns, while maintaining an appreciation of the impact of historical trends (e.g. the Global Financial Crisis of 2007/8). The module will make use of cases from the UK and abroad to illustrate trends, arguments and challenges. The module introduced students to various concepts and debates relating to housing, as well as indicating the linkages to housing and urban policy.
10 credits - Cities
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The main aim of Cities and Inequality is to introduce you to our urban condition in a global context, with particular attention to the multiple forms of inequality that pervade urban life. Drawing on a wide range of expertise within the Department, we will introduce you to a range of key issues in contemporary urban studies and help you to understand more about the roots of urban problems and questions of social differentiation and injustice in a range of global urban contexts. The course also aims to develop students' capacity for comparative urban analysis
10 credits - Living with Environmental Change
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This module will introduce students to a wide range of critical environmental issues facing the world today from physical science and social science perspectives. Using a range of environmental problems evident in the Global North and Global South (such as climate change, habit loss, water resources, land-use change, agriculture), the physical and social processes implicated will be examined. Drawing on a range of examples, students will critically explore the causes, consequences, management and solutions to environmental issues and learn how to question assumptions about environmental processes.
20 credits - Why Geography Matters
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Geography helps us plan for the future by investigating social and physical processes as they interconnect from the past through to the present. Geographers actively contribute to contemporary debates across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. We address some of the most pressing issues facing the modern world, from climate change to food security, informing policy and practice. The module provides a challenging but accessible insight into the origins of the discipline and how these translate into the cutting edge of contemporary geographical research, and how this helps us understand our changing world. Serving as a bridge between the general introductory modules, and the more specialist modules taught at levels 2 and 3, this module provides an opportunity for students to engage with topical issues in contemporary human and physical geography led by academics actively engaged in cutting edge research on those subjects. Because you will be exposed to a wide range of topical areas and multiple approaches to these you will have the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the contexts and perspectives that inform decision making and how those decisions can result in greater or lesser social justice. You will also be able to develop your ability to apply knowledge to real world examples.
20 credits - Exploring Human Geographies
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The module provides an introduction to key principles, relations and processes that contribute to social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects of human geography. It looks at spatial patterns of power, inequality and interdependence produced by economic and cultural globalisation, how those are experienced at the local scale, and how they have changed over time. It outlines key concepts and current debates shaping how human geographers approach these issues by drawing on examples from around the world and at a variety of geographical scales. It highlights the value of a geographical perspective on the world we live in.
20 credits
Core modules:
- Urban Design and Place-Making
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The overall aim of the module is to improve students' understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas, practices and techniques of urban design, focusing particularly on the contemporary context for place-making.
20 credits - Spatial Analysis
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The aims of the module are to provide students with a broad introduction to the basic concepts of GIS and how they can be used for the spatial analysis of a wide range of data for planning purposes. The assessments will (a) test students' individual understanding of key concepts and their ability to think about the potentials and limitations of using spatial analysis to solve planning related problems; and (b) assess students' skills in the practical application of GIS and spatial analysis to a contemporary planning-related problem.
20 credits - Urban Theory
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This module aims to develop student's imaginative engagement with the nature of urban life and human settlement. Urban theory refers to writing and thinking devoted to 'seeing' and understanding urban life - ideas are critical to how we engage with the key features and problems of the urban world. Theory is also important to our understanding of how cities work in practice - how we understand and view urban life is critical to the development of cities and to efforts seeking to make them more socially just, sustainable and better places to live. Urban Theory introduces a range of ideas and key concepts in urban studies with a view to understanding how cities have developed and how they 'work' in broad terms. The module considers a range of thinkers, ideas and problems.
20 credits - Researching the city: applied skills for practice
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Level Two study of urban design, urban management, social research methods and the distinctiveness of place is enhanced by learning about how to conduct research in urban context. Students taking this module will consider various topics, such as the impact of planning policy, flood management, urban ethnicity and social segregation, housing developments, or issues in the use of public space, through learning about and, circumstances permitting, conducting field investigation. They will be introduced to a range of qualitative and quantitative research skills and techniques, as well as interpretative methods.
20 credits - Profit, Planning and Context
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The module explores the relationship between the activities of profit-seeking business, the use and development of land and the planning activity. It provides an elementary introduction to the economics of land and property development and explores how these pressures interact with lifestyle choices to shape the use of land and property and the implication for public planning. The first part provides a brief introduction to measuring the performance of businesses and investments. The remainder of the module looks at the use of land and property for housing, retail, leisure, employment and transport uses in 'urban' contexts
20 credits - Design and Development Project
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This module explores the interrelationship between planning, design and development profitability. It examines the structure of real estate markets, the roles and objectives of the various stakeholders involved in the development process and the main aspects of development appraisal. At the same time, the module introduces the physical dimensions of urban planning and considers the urban design process and proposals for improving urban space. Students will work towards producing a development proposal that balances profitability with good design and in doing so, will learn to balance the competing demands of planning, design and real estate markets.
20 credits - Professional Skills Development (L2)
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This module will provide a space for you to consider, plan and reflect on your personal and professional development as you complete your degree programme. It will support you to identify and reflect on the professional and technical skills gained through your other modules as well as the transferable skills covered in the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. It will provide information, advice and support in order to help you get the most out of your learning experience and, through developing self-awareness and reflective skills, to prepare for professional employment or higher-level study. It will also provide an opportunity for you to practice some of the skills required for success in the recruitment process.
Core modules:
- Dissertation
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This module allows students to develop and manage an individual research project. Building on their topic idea paper (submitted for TRP215) where they identified a research topic of interest, students will refine their topic selection, develop an appropriate research design to address this, and conduct primary or secondary research to provide critical insight and analysis of the research issue. The module aims to develop students' skills in scoping and refining an appropriate research topic, and expand and deepen their knowledge of social research methods, in order to support them to design and undertake an appropriate and feasible programme of research. The module will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of research in relation to theoretical and practical dimensions of urban studies and planning, and will allow students to deepen their own knowledge in a chosen field of specialist planning concern. The module will be of interest and practical use to students in carrying out their individual research projects, and in introducing a range of research, analytical and writing skills that will be useful in future careers.
40 credits - Environmental Policy and Governance
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This unit aims to help students analyse environmental policy. It provides an overview of the principal elements of contemporary environmental governance, and an introduction to the process of systematic policy evaluation in relation to a policy element of your choice. The module draws attention to the contested and complex nature of the policy environment, and the role of the competing interests in relation to policy on the environment. Through individual investigation of a specific element of policy, you will explore the multi-level nature of environmental policy, contested and competing policy goals, and one approach to understanding how policy brings about change.
20 credits - Housing Policy and Governance
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The aims of this Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) accredited module are to build on substantive knowledge, theory and skills about housing. Emphasis is placed on policy, practice, strategy analysis and understanding the links between housing, planning, social policies and outcomes at national, regional and local levels. The module further aims to: increase understanding of contemporary issues and debates in housing and housing policy and strategies; understand the causes and manifestations of problems, dilemmas and conflicts in housing systems and policy processes; and to develop abilities to synthesise and apply knowledge by understanding and critically assessing potential policy approaches to addressing housing problems.
20 credits - Professional Skills Development (L3)
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This module will provide a space for you to consider, plan and reflect on your personal and professional development as you complete your degree programme. It will support you to identify and reflect on the professional and technical skills gained through your other modules as well as the transferable skills covered in the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. It will provide information, advice and support in order to help you get the most out of your learning experience and, through developing self-awareness and reflective skills, to prepare for professional employment or higher-level study. It will also provide an opportunity to learn advanced skills required for success in the recruitment process.
- Transport and Infrastructure Planning
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This module will provide students with an introduction to planning and policymaking in relation to the provision of transport and other types of infrastructure. The module develops students' ability to think critically about the framing of transport and infrastructure policy using an appreciation of historic developments, current practices and debates, transport and infrastructure planning examples from the UK and abroad. It will focus on how planners working at a range of spatial scales can give shape to effective transport and infrastructure strategies, which balance a range of environmental, social and economic objectives.
20 credits - Values, Theory and Ethics in Spatial Planning
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Drawing on insights from theoretical debates in planning and policy studies the module explores the assumptions underlying spatial planning practice and the challenges confronting practitioners. Firstly, it explores the values underpinning planning to understand why we plan, the nature of the challenges planning seeks to address and the dilemmas and conflicts these generate for planning practice. Secondly, it presents diverse theoretical approaches that planning has taken to address these dilemmas and conflicts. Thirdly, it examines the implications different planning theories have for the values of planning and the ethical frameworks available to planners in deciding how to act. Lectures will employ real-world cases and dilemmas faced by individual practitioners in their day-to-day work. Seminars will involve discussion based on films and other relevant material. Workshops will support students in the application of the approaches and theories discussed to specific cases, in preparation for the assignment.
20 credits
In your fourth year, you can take one of two streams: Planning in the UK or Planning in Europe. Planning in the UK is below.
Core modules:
- Development Planning
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This module examines evolving approaches to spatial regulation through the planning system. The module considers the mechanisms used to make decisions about development through planning control and development plans. The module explores the changing priorities for governments in the regulation of development and issues of power, control, influence and public engagement with the planning system. The module takes an international perspective that compares and contrasts the basis for spatial regulation in different national and urban contexts.
30 credits - Professional Skills Development (L4)
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This module will provide a space for students to consider, plan and reflect on their personal and professional development as they complete your degree programme. It will support students to identify and reflect on the professional and technical skills gained through their other modules as well as the transferable skills covered in the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. It will provide information, advice and support in order to help students get the most out of their learning experience and, through developing self-awareness and reflective skills, to prepare for professional employment or higher-level study. It will also provide an opportunity to learn advanced skills required for success in the recruitment process.
- Making Better Places
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This engaged, place-based module introduces students to the theory and practice of participatory planning and place-making. This builds on students' prior learning about the social purposes of planning, extending their understanding of the roles people can and do play in shaping the future of their communities. Taking a place-based approach and working in conjunction with local stakeholders, students will be required to collate evidence on the development of a selected locality and conduct public engagement activities to obtain the views of local people on selected issues. Through a learning-by-doing approach, the module challenges students to apply their existing knowledge of planning and place-making whilst developing new skills in participatory practice. Teaching will involve both group and individual working to consider and put into practice key principles, techniques and approaches to participatory planning
30 credits - Planning Law
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This course will provide a thorough introduction to the rationale, purposes and values that underpin the legal control of development, including the legal framework for the English planning system and the procedures for the control of development in the English planning system
15 credits
Optional modules:
- Cities of Diversity
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Acknowledging diversity within cities is increasingly regarded as central to successful planning, urban development and city making and is a very hotly debated issue currently, particularly with #MeToo, Brexit and Trump! But what do we mean by diversity and what theories exist to help us understand it? This module will focus on various aspects of diversity in the form of differing social identities (such as age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and gender - including focusing on masculinity within cities) but also critically explore the ways in which diversity is understood by policy makers and city managers. The module will focus on cities in both the global South and North and consider the significance of migration in relation to diversity in both contexts. The module will rely on a critical engagement with literature from the discipline of geography, planning, urban studies and development studies.
15 credits - Citizen Participation in Planning and Development
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Recent decades have seen a proliferation of initiatives to involve citizens in policy-making, planning and urban governance. There is widespread agreement that 'citizen engagement' can play a positive role in democratizing urban development. However, public participation raises a range of significant challenges for urban professional practice. This unit will draw on critical debates about the roles citizens and publics can and should play in shaping the city to reflect on the theory and practice of participation. The module is taught through seminars which structure learning, and help students to research case studies of participatory initiatives.
15 credits - Health, Wellbeing and the Built Environment
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This module explores the urban environment as a determinant of health and well-being and examines how planning and urban design can contribute to improvements in health. Beginning with an exploration of the historic relationship between planning and public health, the module focuses on how urban environmentst support or undermines health in relation to mental health, ageing, obesity, air quality and noise pollution. The module also introduces the notion of health impact assessment and further reflects on the contribution of planning to environmental justice and the reduction of inequalities in health.
15 credits - International Real Estate Market Analysis
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This module will provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts and approaches to the analysis of international real estate markets. This module makes a simple operational distinction between mature, emergent and transitional markets as a first step towards a systematic framework for analysis. It gives an introduction to specific real estate markets and the ways in which they function, and offers generalizable conclusions about the wider operation of global real estate markets. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of global political economy as a context for interpreting real estate markets.
15 credits - Mega Urban Projects
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In many cities nowadays, mega urban projects such as mega events like the Olympic Games or Central Business Districts like Canary Wharf are seen as an effective means to boost the local economy and to promote the city on a global scale. However, many of them often fail to contribute to the local economy whilst having detrimental impacts on local residents and the wider society. This module offers an in-depth understanding of the development processes and outcomes of large-scale urban projects by exploring aspects of why such projects are developed, how they are governed and their socio-economic impacts.
15 credits - Planning for Informality
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The overall aim of this module is to critically examine informality, with a particular but not exclusive focus on cities of the Global South. The module relies on a mixture of lectures, seminars and student-led group work, with the latter focusing on an in-depth case study of a selected city. It explores patterns and causes of informality and discusses the strengths and limitations of a range of theoretical approaches. It also analyses the success of different real-world urban planning responses (understood in broad terms), including government-led, donor-led and community-focused ones, in addressing key urban issues in the context of informality.
15 credits - Advanced Software Skills in Urban Design
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This option module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of key 2D, 3D and immersive technology (Virtual reality and augmented reality) design software packages which are increasingly required to visually communicate development proposals and ideas within the urban design and planning professions. The module will equip students with a broad understanding of different methods of communicating urban design ideas using digital technologies, and a critical appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of design software packages enabling the effective selection and utilisation of appropriate software in order to perform a range of different urban design tasks.
15 credits
In your fourth year, you can take one of two streams: Planning in the UK or Planning in Europe. Planning in Europe is below and includes a semester studying abroad at a European university.
Core modules:
- Development Planning
-
This module examines evolving approaches to spatial regulation through the planning system. The module considers the mechanisms used to make decisions about development through planning control and development plans. The module explores the changing priorities for governments in the regulation of development and issues of power, control, influence and public engagement with the planning system. The module takes an international perspective that compares and contrasts the basis for spatial regulation in different national and urban contexts.
30 credits - Professional Skills Development (L4)
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This module will provide a space for students to consider, plan and reflect on their personal and professional development as they complete your degree programme. It will support students to identify and reflect on the professional and technical skills gained through their other modules as well as the transferable skills covered in the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. It will provide information, advice and support in order to help students get the most out of their learning experience and, through developing self-awareness and reflective skills, to prepare for professional employment or higher-level study. It will also provide an opportunity to learn advanced skills required for success in the recruitment process.
- Making Better Places (Outgoing ERASMUS)
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This semester-long,'capstone' module prepares students for professional practice and represents the culmination of what the student has learnt during the MPlan programme to date. Specifically, the module involves students studying and reviewing a range of planning-related topics and techniques as well as critical reflection upon professional skills in planning. Adopting a learning-by-doing approach, the module may also involve some 'mock' simulation exercises, role-play and problem-solving activities to give students the opportunity to practice some of the techniques covered in the module.
15 credits - Planning in Europe
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This 60 credit triple module enables students to study for part of semester 2 in either Lyon, France; Aalborg, Denmark; or Milan, Italy under the EU's Socrates programme. The module is taken in a planning department at an overseas university which offers professional courses. The module consists of practical work under the supervision of staff at the host university and it is assessed at the University of Sheffield, by methods to be formulated in conjunction with the host institution. The aims of the module are to develop an extensive understanding of the process of developing sites, the nature of professional work and the importance of interdisciplinary working, within a particular European context and its culture of planning and development decision-making.
60 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
In order to help you develop the practical skills you will need as an urban professional, we typically offer a core field class in your second year. You will also have the option to spend a part of your degree studying at one of our overseas partner universities.
You'll be able to access course-related software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software as well as cutting edge facilities including our virtual reality (VR) studio.
All our teaching is research-led. Our teaching staff are world-leading researchers and experts in their field: in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), the Department of Urban Studies and Planning was ranked as the #1 RTPI-accredited planning school in the UK.
Our expertise ranges from UK and international planning to real estate, geographical information systems (GIS) and global urban development.
Assessment
Our courses are assessed through exams, group work, live projects, policy reports, essays and independent studies.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
A Levels + additional qualifications BBB + B in a social science related EPQ; BBB + B in Core Maths
International Baccalaureate 33
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in a relevant subject
BTEC Diploma DD + B at A Level
Scottish Highers AAABB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AB
Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
Other requirements-
GCSE Maths grade 4/C
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB
A Levels + additional qualifications BBB + B in a social science related EPQ; BBB + B in Core Maths
International Baccalaureate 32
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM in a relevant subject
BTEC Diploma DD + B at A Level
Scottish Highers AABBB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + BB
Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
Other requirements-
GCSE Maths grade 4/C
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Urban Studies and Planning

We're an internationally-renowned centre of excellence for the study of planning, urban studies and real estate, which includes environmental policy and international development. We help make better, healthier and more sustainable places.
We're the top-rated Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)-accredited planning school in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2022.
Our courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills to build a successful career in planning and other urban studies and environmental professions.
Our students are at the heart of a vibrant academic community, contributing to the department through our student-staff committee, evaluation processes and involvement in organised events.
Our staff are approachable and we have an excellent staff-student ratio, resulting in a genuinely friendly and inclusive academic environment. Our cutting-edge research feeds directly into our teaching, and you’ll be taught by world-leading academics in urban studies and planning.
We have an intellectual reputation for theoretical strength, especially in the fields of urban inequalities and social justice. Alongside this, many of our staff are involved in practical projects with a commitment to producing positive change in the world.
We work with national governments, international bodies such as the UN, research councils, private business, the voluntary sector, and local communities in Sheffield, the UK and abroad.
We're a supportive and friendly department where academics and students interact on a day-to-day basis. For this reason, we operate an open door policy and students do not need to book an appointment to talk to their lecturers.
Our award-winning building sits in the beautiful surroundings of Weston Park, alongside one of the main University libraries.
Facilities
Urban Studies and Planning students at Sheffield enjoy exclusive access to their own flexible study space, including high-spec networked computers with the latest specialist design and mapping software, as well as dedicated virtual reality (VR) and design facilities.
Department of Urban Studies and PlanningWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A top 100 university 2022
QS World University Rankings
92 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories
Research Excellence Framework 2021
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
The Guardian University Guide 2022
The Times and Sunday Times University League Table 2022
The Complete University Guide 2020
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Graduate careers
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Our Placements, Employability and External Relations team maintains close links with external organisations to ensure that you have access to the world of work. This supports you in gaining an insight into many different professions.
A dedicated Professional Skills module will help develop your career plans and can support you in finding work experience and completing a placement year, which will help you gain practical experience in the workplace.
Most of our graduates go on to work in planning or a related career in the built environment professions, including housing, transport planning, real estate, development control, forward planning, regeneration, urban design, heritage and conservation.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for public and private sector organisations such as AECOM, Arup, CBRE, Deloitte, Harrow London Borough Council, Sheffield City Council and the Lake District National Park Authority. More than half of our graduate planners take up posts with planning consultancies and several are employed by major global built environment firms.
Our alumni frequently return to the department to give talks on cutting-edge planning topics. Several alumni sit on our Liaison Board, ensuring our courses are in tune with the needs of employers. Many alumni work at organisations which can offer work placements, or deliver guest lectures within our modules and attend other events.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 6900
Email: usp-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.