You'll build a firm foundation in urban planning. You'll learn to ‘read’ a city and understand the importance of design and sustainability. You'll also develop knowledge of the political, social and economic forces that shape society and cities.

You'll focus on professional development and skills. You'll learn vital research methods and develop an understanding of professionalism in the planning sector. You'll have a choice of optional modules to help tailor this year to your interests.

You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad.

You'll study modules concerned with strategic planning, planning politics and development management. A dissertation will give you the chance to study in depth a topic of interest to you, showcasing your knowledge and skills to future employers.

Following your one year paid work placement, you'll return to the University to complete a final year of advanced professional modules in planning.

Based full-time at the University, you'll have the opportunity to work with outside planning and planning-related organisations on live reports, and attend practitioner workshop sessions. 

You'll choose from four specialist pathways: regeneration, green infrastructure and landscape planning, global sustainable development, or urban design.

Compulsory modules

All students will take the following modules:

Pathways

Students will take the remaining 40 credits by choosing one of the following four pathways: