MSc Global Urban Development and Planning

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Global Urban Development and Planning

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom , Manchester

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,500 / year

Next Intake January-2026

MSc Global Urban Development and Planning

About

Improve your understanding of global urban development issues, particularly relating to cities of the global South.
Develop the conceptual and operational skills to apply solutions for sustainable urban development in specific contexts, by drawing on the expertise of academics and practitioners from development studies, planning, architecture, and business studies.
Explore global real-life planning and development issues in-person and supplement your classroom learning with an international fieldtrip.

MSc Global Urban Development and Planning will improve your understanding of global urban development issues, particularly relating to cities of the global South.

Cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America struggle with growth, and urban communities in the developing world are increasingly faced with problems relating to poverty, informality and inequality, climate change, insecurity and lack of social cohesion.

The course will also suit development professionals seeking to acquire new expertise in dealing with urban issues, and social development specialists working in the voluntary, private or public sector.

Disciplines

Master of Science (MSc)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Full entry requirements

English Program Requirements

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

This programme accepts successful completion of the 6- and 10-week pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.

Pre-sessional 6-week course requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic: 6.0 Overall with 6.0 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 5.5 and no other sub-skill below 5.5

TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall with 20 in Writing, 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 65 Overall with 65 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 59 and no other sub-skill below 59.

Pre-sessional 10-week course requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic 5.5 Overall with no sub-skill below 5.5

TOEFL iBT 72 Overall with 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 59 Overall with no sub-skill below 59

Career

Career opportunities

MSc Global Urban Development and Planning students develop an advanced knowledge and skill base that can be applied to professional activities relating to a variety of urban-related fields.

Past students have gone on to work as consultants for international development cooperation agencies, planners for national and local governments and private companies, and as practitioners in slum upgrading programmes, or international networks and national NGOs in cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Planning, Property and Environmental Management graduates in general are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose policies and implement strategies is vital.

After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including environmental management and consultancy, urban planning and design, real estate development, urban and regional development policy, central and local government, international development, energy and water, non-governmental organisations, and research.

Top employers include AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, and Rolls-Royce.

If you decide not to follow a vocational career, your wide knowledge base and transferable skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, creativity and communication fit what most employers are seeking.

Hear from our professional partners on a 'Meet the Professionals' event for Planning, Environmental Management, Real Estate and Urban Design.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK. International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country.

It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe, here .

Accrediting organisations

This course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

After completion of relevant work experience, you may be able in due course to proceed to full RTPI membership.

Students wishing to obtain full RTPI accreditation will need to take, in addition to the core course units of the MSc, a specific combination of relevant core and optional course units.