MSc Urban Design and International Planning

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Urban Design and International 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 Urban Design and International Planning

About

Study a course fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Explore the relationship between the design and planning of contemporary cites.
Develop and employ applied urban design practice skills/techniques through the production of detailed design analysis and proposals across multiple scales.
Explore global real-life planning and development issues in-person on an international fieldtrip.

MSc Urban Design and International Planning provides a specialist understanding of the relationship between urban design and planning by focusing on issues that are of international significance.

It will provide you with the core knowledge and competencies needed to become a chartered planner specialising in urban design and international planning.

It will also provide you with the technical applied skills and knowledge to practice as a professional urban designer across multiple scales and contexts.

The course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and is an Educational Member of the Urban Design Group as part of the Recognised Practitioner in Urban Design pathway.

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, in any discipline.

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 .

You are required to provide a valid English language qualification which meets our entry requirements for the Master's or a pre-sessional course at the time of application.

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 subskill 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

This course has been specifically designed to equip you for professional practice in urban design and planning in a fast-moving international market.

Opportunities will arise in both the private and public sectors across global consultancies, development companies, government departments and agencies, and third sector organisations.

All student work is presented to a wide range of local, national and international employers at the end of year Manchester Urban Design LAB (MUD-Lab) showcase event, the best student work included in an annually published yearbook, and each student will develop a personal urban design portfolio to enhance their employment opportunities through the showcasing of their technical and applied design skills and knowledge.

More generally, Planning, Property and Environmental Management graduates 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 of our Planning, Property and Environmental Management graduates include AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, Rolls-Royce, Turley, Gillespies, and Barton Willmore.

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 also 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.

View the alumni networks already operating across the globe

Accrediting organisations

Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Educational Member of the Urban Design Group as part of the Recognised Practitioner in Urban Design pathway.