International Planning and Urban Design (MSc) 12 months Postgraduate Program By Cardiff University |Top Universities

Program overview

Main Subject

Urban Planning

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The extraordinary effects of urbanisation are now deeply interconnected with many of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Cities around the world recognise that they can no longer ignore the scale of the political, socioeconomic, and environmental problems which often define the urban experience. These impacts – such as the erosion of public spaces, community displacement, traffic congestion, pollution and environmental damage, outdated and failing infrastructure, sharpening inequalities in wealth, health and well-being – are pervasive. Our MSc in International Planning and Urban Design is designed to equip you with the skills needed to analyse, understand, and confront these challenges.

Today, the speed and scope of urbanisation is intertwined with the need for immediate and profound response to the environmental climate crises facing our planet. The work of critical planners and innovative urban designers is now imperative as we seek to overcome the most profound challenges facing humanity: how can we (re)create cities that are responsive to the needs of citizens today whilst ensuring the sustainability of our collective global future?

In response to these immense challenges, national governments, municipal authorities, and communities alike need the help of practitioners of planning and urban design in their quest for the revolutionary reimagining of the possibility of cities. This programme will support you in developing a powerful range of skills and aptitudes for research, design, and critical thinking - tools that are vital for practitioners seeking to engage with communities, developers, politicians, and institutions - to help create healthy, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

We place an emphasis on the theoretical, methodological, and empirical ways of understanding urban problems. You will gain a broad education in international planning and a specialism in urban design, incorporating practical analysis and design skills, techniques for communication and collaboration, and a wide range of essential professional tools. This knowledge and learning experience will empower you with the ambition and confidence to shape a career in urban design and planning as an agent of positive change for our collective future.

Program overview

Main Subject

Urban Planning

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The extraordinary effects of urbanisation are now deeply interconnected with many of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Cities around the world recognise that they can no longer ignore the scale of the political, socioeconomic, and environmental problems which often define the urban experience. These impacts – such as the erosion of public spaces, community displacement, traffic congestion, pollution and environmental damage, outdated and failing infrastructure, sharpening inequalities in wealth, health and well-being – are pervasive. Our MSc in International Planning and Urban Design is designed to equip you with the skills needed to analyse, understand, and confront these challenges.

Today, the speed and scope of urbanisation is intertwined with the need for immediate and profound response to the environmental climate crises facing our planet. The work of critical planners and innovative urban designers is now imperative as we seek to overcome the most profound challenges facing humanity: how can we (re)create cities that are responsive to the needs of citizens today whilst ensuring the sustainability of our collective global future?

In response to these immense challenges, national governments, municipal authorities, and communities alike need the help of practitioners of planning and urban design in their quest for the revolutionary reimagining of the possibility of cities. This programme will support you in developing a powerful range of skills and aptitudes for research, design, and critical thinking - tools that are vital for practitioners seeking to engage with communities, developers, politicians, and institutions - to help create healthy, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

We place an emphasis on the theoretical, methodological, and empirical ways of understanding urban problems. You will gain a broad education in international planning and a specialism in urban design, incorporating practical analysis and design skills, techniques for communication and collaboration, and a wide range of essential professional tools. This knowledge and learning experience will empower you with the ambition and confidence to shape a career in urban design and planning as an agent of positive change for our collective future.

Admission requirements

1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Cardiff University offers 350 degree programmes offering choice and flexibility. Our range of modules mean that you can effectively tailor your degree programme to suit your particular interests and career ambitions.

Our courses rank #40 in the world for Communication & Media Studies, #43 for Dentistry, in addition to Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Psychology, GeographyNursing and Pharmacy & Pharmacology all ranking in the top 100 according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. 

Cardiff University’s undergraduate teaching has been recognised as excellent in the UK, with Electrical & Electronic Engineering as #1, Architecture recognised as #2, Midwifery as #3, Physics as #10, and Psychology as #12 by the The Guardian University Guide 2024. Cardiff's Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics ranked #3, Dentistry as #4 and Pharmacology & Pharmacy ranked #5 in The Complete University Guide 2024, and Nursing as #4, Communication & Media Studies as #9 by The Times University Guide 2024. Many of the University’s degree schemes are accredited by professional bodies and provide partial or complete exemption from relevant professional examinations.

Cardiff offers unique opportunities for its students during their undergraduate studies. Students can undertake international study, volunteering and work placements through the Global Opportunities Team. Students can also learn a language for free as part of the Languages for All initiative – Welsh lessons are also offered to help students get a flavour for the unique cultural environment Cardiff provides. These extra services, as well as a dedicated Students’ Union (voted 2nd best in the UK two years in a row), ensure that students at Cardiff University thoroughly enjoy their experience. In the National Student Survey 2023, 72% of final-year undergraduate students reported that they were satisfied with their course.

Undergraduate students at Cardiff University are supported throughout their courses, right from day one up until graduation. In addition to having access to facilities supporting student wellbeing, such as the dedicated International Student Support team, Cardiff University students also have access to excellent careers and employability services. 95% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, 15 months after the end of their course.

A place in one of the University’s 5,543 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year undergraduates entering the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self-catered flats. Students enjoy some of the lowest rents in the UK as Cardiff is the most affordable university city in the UK.

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Study with us at Cardiff University and you’ll join a thriving community of 10,000 postgraduate students from more than 115 countries. We have more than 300 postgraduate study options for you to choose from, including full-time, part-time, blended learning and distance learning courses for balancing study with professional, financial or family commitments.. 

90% of research at Cardiff University is officially world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest independent assessment of research quality across UK higher education institutions (REF 2021). 

We have a long history of providing outstanding research-led teaching. Our staff are experts in their fields, working at the forefront of their academic discipline – which means that you will too.

Bursting with culture, cuisine, architecture, entertainment and history, where beyond the buzz of the city, you will find incredible beaches, countryside and mountains. Cardiff was ranked the best city in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller in 2023. The city is also budget-friendly: Cardiff was recently ranked as the second UK’s most affordable university city (Natwest Student Living Index 2023).

We have a number of funding opportunities available, including our Master’s Excellence Scholarship scheme. Many courses are also eligible for government postgraduate loans for master’s programmes for UK and EU students. We want to help you make the most of your postgraduate experience, by ensuring you can access any additional help you may need. From money advice and confidential counselling to disability services and award-winning childcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Students' Union is the 2nd best in the UK (Whatuni Choice Awards 2024). Home to over 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs, a free employment service and a number of social spaces, the Students' Union caters to every student's needs.

Our Languages for All programme gives you the chance to improve your language skills alongside your studies – for free. Our flexible choice of study options allows you to learn in a way that suits you, through weekly classes, intensive sessions or independent learning.


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Theology (MTh)

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Psychiatry (MSc)

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