COURSE CURRICULUM

The Urban Planning and Development BSc at Cardiff University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to shape cities, regions, and rural areas. In the first year, students focus on foundational concepts, studying the social, economic, political, and environmental processes that influence urban and regional development. Core modules introduce key aspects of planning, urban economies, property development, and regeneration, alongside analytical and creative skills developed through fieldwork and site-based projects. Year two builds on this knowledge, emphasizing practical application through projects and assignments that simulate real-world planning challenges. Students explore development management, environmental planning, planning law, local government operations, spatial analysis, and research methods, with optional modules covering areas such as sustainable development, community engagement, and global development issues. The program also offers the opportunity to undertake a placement year, providing professional experience and enhancing employability. In the final year, students consolidate their learning and begin to specialise within a sub-field of planning, developing critical thinking, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills. Core modules focus on planning theory and practice, research methods, and sustainable transport, while optional modules allow exploration of topics such as social justice in cities, infrastructure, climate change governance, and digital planning. Overall, the program combines theoretical understanding with practical, professional skills to prepare students for careers in planning, development, and related fields.