Urban planning is the development and design of land use and the built environment. This can include airspace, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas. Good urban planners take into consideration the political, environmental, economic, cultural and social facets of a city, as well as understanding the physical aspects like air quality, water supply and infrastructure including buildings, roads and facilities.
The rapid growth of the worldwide population, as well as pressing climate change issues and questions around sustainable development, urban planners are having to be increasingly resourceful. This is making the training of urban planners more important, ensuring that graduates are well rounded and capable.
A degree in urban planning will include modules about the specific design and planning of spaces. You may also be required to study modules that are business based, such as economics, policy, law and history, among others.
Your degree will likely be delivered mostly in a lecture or seminar format. There may be some practical based lessons and assessments, but this will depend on your institution. Some institutions may encourage you to undertake a placement, as this gives you relevant work experience.
The UK is a popular destination for international students who want to study abroad. With a wide range of universities offering a variety of courses, there are so many opportunities that students might not be able to find elsewhere. Each university will pride itself on offering high quality education from leading teaching professionals. A qualification gained in the UK will be well regarded across the globe, making an education in the UK a great investment in your future. As well as this, there are many highly ranked universities in the UK, around 17 of which are consistently appearing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings.
Urban Planning and Property Development BSc (Hons)
Heriot-Watt University United Kingdom
Find out moreReal Estate with MSc/Diploma in Urban Planning and Development BSc (Hons)
University of Reading United Kingdom
Find out moreArchitecture and Urban Planning BA (Hons)
Newcastle University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesUrban Planning & Development BSc
Cardiff University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesUrban and Regional Planning BA (Hons)
University of Manchester, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Faculty of Humanities United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesUrban Regeneration and Planning (K430) BA (Hons)
University of Liverpool United Kingdom
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London South Bank University (LSBU) United Kingdom
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Sheffield Hallam University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesArchitecture BSc (Hons)
University of East London (UEL) United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesWant to see postgraduate courses? See postgraduate degrees in Urban Planning in the UK
Don't meet the entry requirements for these courses? Learn more about pathway programme options.
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