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Urban and Regional Planning MSc / PGDip
- Delivery formatOnline and in person
- Start dateSeptember 2025DurationMSc: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Fees£10,900 (full-time) / £5,450 (part-time)
Course overview
Our Urban and Regional Planning MSc prepares professionals to excel in planning and the built environment, addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Land use and space are crucial for healthy communities and residents’ quality of life. Planners mediate competing interests, fostering equitable growth and sustainable, liveable environments.
MSc Urban and Regional Planning provided a good balance of academic debate with practical application, especially as people working in the field were often integrated into the lecture programme.
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, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. This is based on a full time Masters course. For part-time students we will devise a study plan in the first weeks tailoring your studies to your non-academic commitments.
In Semester 1, you will study the following modules:
- Introduction to Spatial Planning (20 credits)
- Urban Property Development (20 credits)
- The Planner in Contemporary Society (10 credits)
You will also choose 20 credits from the following:
- Commercialisation in Public Services (20 credits)
- Public Management and Governance (face to face) (20 credits)
- Public Policy and Evidence (Blended learning) (20 credits)
Course highlights
You can benefit hugely from the diversity of activity undertaken by the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS) within the School of Geography. Our extensive research and consultancy work ensures that our teaching is relevant, up-to-date and research-led, while losing none of its intellectual rigour. 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.
- Diverse activities at CURS enhance student learning
- Research and consultancy keep teaching current
- Research-led instruction provides cutting-edge knowledge
- Balances intellectual rigor with practical application
Our course allows students to integrate core modules in spatial planning with specialized focus areas like urban regeneration, community-based planning, economic development, and urban resilience.
Course delivery
Our Urban and Regional Planning course emphasises practical, real-world learning. You’ll acquire essential skills valued by employers, including teamwork, IT proficiency, presentations, and report writing. Assessments will cover essays, reports, projects, reflective pieces, and a 15,000-word dissertation.
- Emphasis on applied, real-world study
- Group and project work for essential skills
- Variety of assessments, including essays and reports
- 15,000-word dissertation for in-depth research
Module information
You will study eight core modules, plus one optional module and a dissertation of 12,000 words. In terms of the progression through the course the choice of option must be related to the dissertation.
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.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (Urban and Regional Studies) | 60 | |
| LM Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Place-making in Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Planning Methods and Techniques | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Urban Property Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Planner in Contemporary Society | 10 | Semester 1 |
Choose 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Commercialisation in Public Services | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Community Involvement in the Built Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Creative Economies and Creative Cities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Public Management and Governance (face to face) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Urban Economics and Real Estate | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Policy and Evidence (Blended Learning) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urban Regeneration and Renewal | 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 equivalent
in a relevant discipline
To enroll in a Graduate Diploma, you need a degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in a relevant field. Graduate Diploma students who excel in their modules may transfer to the Masters level.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
This course is perfect for those aiming to gain a professional qualification that opens doors to a thriving career in spatial planning. You’ll be equipped to excel in regeneration, economic development, housing, and transport sectors. With a strong focus on employability, this program ensures you acquire the essential skills and knowledge highly valued by employers, setting you up for success in dynamic and impactful roles.
- RTPI-accredited
Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute, ensuring professional recognition
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
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 bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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.