Urban Planning Degrees in the UK

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.