COURSE CURRICULUM

The Urban and Regional Planning MSc is structured to provide a progressive learning experience that combines foundational knowledge with applied practice. In the first semester, students are introduced to planning and its practice across different spatial scales, exploring how planners operate within local, regional, and national contexts. Core modules such as Spatial Planning Systems, Perspectives on Spatial Planning and Development, Values in Planning, and Plan Making develop an understanding of the principles, frameworks, and ethical considerations that underpin planning decisions. The second semester focuses on applying this knowledge to specialist areas of planning. Core modules, including Planning and the Development Process and Urban Design: Principles and Processes, provide practical skills in managing development projects and designing urban spaces. Students also select two optional modules from a range of topics, including The Urban Climate Emergency, Issues in Housing, GIS for Built Environment Professionals, Urban Informality, Planning Law, Health, Wellbeing and the City, Urban Heritage and Conservation, and Urban Regeneration, allowing them to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. The program culminates in a Dissertation completed over the summer, enabling students to undertake independent research or applied planning projects. This combination of theory, practice, and research equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for professional careers in planning, urban design, and related fields.