Ranking
16th
for Environmental Sciences
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course overview
Planning lies at the heart of many of the major challenges that face existing and future generations. With a history of international excellence in research and teaching, join the next generation of urban planners to solve the many challenges of today’s world.
Focused on international practice with a modern approach, MSc Urban Planning covers key theoretical and practical perspectives. Through our interdisciplinary approach to teaching, you will develop a range of knowledge to tackle some of the biggest challenges in urban societies.
Urban planning is a fascinating and impactful field, playing a crucial role in shaping the environments in which we live and work. The opportunity to have learned from knowledgeable professors was incredibly enriching, providing both theoretical foundations and practical insights into real-world challenges.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
September – January (11 weeks)
In Term 1, you will delve into the theory and history of urban planning providing you with a deep understanding of the key philosophical and historical perspectives that have shaped urban planning over the years. Our teaching will blend theory and practice by examining urban planning through modern lenses, focusing on the application of sustainable and smart strategies. You will explore how these approaches can be used to understand and analyse the relationship between people and places, enhancing your ability to address contemporary urban challenges effectively.
Course highlights
Join our innovative and cutting-edge research community as you learn from world-leading academics who teach both in the UK and Dubai. With our unique industry links, teaching and workshops are delivered by local professionals and international consultants such as AECOM, WSP, JACOBS, SIEMENS. Benefit from the opportunity to actively participate in research through research grants awarded from local government foundations. Gain real-world experiences and apply your learning as you take part in a one week international field trip with related costs covered by us.
- One-week international field trip
- International excellence in research and teaching
- Research grants available
- 16th
in the UK for Environmental Sciences
(QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 100%
course satisfaction
(Dubai Student Survey 2024)
Award-winning state-of-the-art campus and provides perfect learning environment.
Course delivery
MSc Urban Planning combines a variety of learning and teaching methods, providing a holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary urban planning. An emphasis will be placed on teaching that engages with the ‘real world’ to provide hands-on experiences.
Taught modules - You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, site visits, lab classes, practitioner talks and field work.
Masterclasses - Engage with government agencies through masterclasses delivered by leading global companies.
Assessments - includes essays, presentations, case study reports, urban design plans, and an extended research project.
Dubai, Your Living Urban Laboratory
In every area of your learning, we’ll emphasise real world applications. Utilising Dubai as an urban laboratory, all assessments will be based on authentic scenarios involving living case studies. This approach not only enhances your understanding but also equips you with practical skills that are highly valued by employers. We also will invite colleagues from local and international professional practices, consultancies, local authorities, and government agencies to provide insights and expertise.
The full-time timetable is designed to deliver teaching on one or three evenings from 18:00 - 21:00 Monday - Wednesday (day varies per module). The part-time timetable allows for study during these hours as per the number of modules you choose to study.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
This degree is structured to reflect key urban issues with a modern theoretical and practical lens, consisting of six taught compulsory modules and a research dissertation.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| LM Planning for Healthy Cities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Smart Cities | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM The Planner in Contemporary Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Urban Design And Property Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Urban Lives | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
(or above) in a related subject. There is a possibility of entry with a 2:2, or equivalent, with relevant work experience.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 123,933
Full time – annual fee for January 2025 entry.
- AED 61,697
Part time – annual fee for January 2025 entry.
The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying courses over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
Kickstart your career as a contemporary planner. Make a genuine impact on the environmental and sustainability issues that urban areas face. Our graduates are highly sought after by major employers with 100% finding employment within six months. Some of our graduates have worked in various industries around the world including the USA and Australia.
Graduate career destinations have included:
- The Road and Transport Authority
- Government ministries
- Public sector roles
- Urban development firms
- Consultants (e.g. KMPG, McKinsey)
- Global organisations (e.g. the United Nations, World Bank)
I truly enjoyed my time here studying my urban planning course. It gave me plenty of opportunities to learn from everyone with diverse backgrounds. The learning environment was so healthy and supportive, and all of us felt safe discussing, asking any questions, and sharing our experiences from different perspectives.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.