Cardiff University
International Planning and Urban Design (MSc) MSc (PG)
Cardiff University

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This MSc will provide you with a broad education in international planning and a specialism in urban design, enabling you to acquire the knowledge and critical understanding to make a significant contribution to the management and design control processes of cities.

The extraordinary effects of urbanisation are now deeply interconnected with many of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Cities around the world recognise that they can no longer ignore the scale of the political, socioeconomic, and environmental problems which often define the urban experience. These impacts – such as the erosion of public spaces, community displacement, traffic congestion, pollution and environmental damage, outdated and failing infrastructure, sharpening inequalities in wealth, health and well-being – are pervasive. Our MSc in International Planning and Urban Design is designed to equip you with the skills needed to analyse, understand, and confront these challenges.

Today, the speed and scope of urbanisation is intertwined with the need for immediate and profound response to the environmental climate crises facing our planet. The work of critical planners and innovative urban designers is now imperative as we seek to overcome the most profound challenges facing humanity: how can we (re)create cities that are responsive to the needs of citizens today whilst ensuring the sustainability of our collective global future?

In response to these immense challenges, national governments, municipal authorities, and communities alike need the help of practitioners of planning and urban design in their quest for the revolutionary reimagining of the possibility of cities. This programme will support you in developing a powerful range of skills and aptitudes for research, design, and critical thinking - tools that are vital for practitioners seeking to engage with communities, developers, politicians, and institutions - to help create healthy, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

We place an emphasis on the theoretical, methodological, and empirical ways of understanding urban problems. You will gain a broad education in international planning and a specialism in urban design, incorporating practical analysis and design skills, techniques for communication and collaboration, and a wide range of essential professional tools. This knowledge and learning experience will empower you with the ambition and confidence to shape a career in urban design and planning as an agent of positive change for our collective future.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • MBA
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study International Planning and Urban Design (MSc), MSc (PG), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

**Typically, you will need to have either: **

a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as economics, geography, planning, architecture, sociology, engineering, politics and history, or an equivalent international degree.

a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification

or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. The reference must be from your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application. 

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 33 university rankings of Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Established in 1883, Cardiff University is located in the urban setting of the city of Cardiff, Wales. Some of the university’s most obvious advantages include world-leading research, a knowledgeable and proactive career services office, and the central location. Cardiff is a vibrant, modern city with a young and diverse population known for accepting people from all walks of life.

List of 334 Bachelor and Master Courses from Cardiff University - Course Catalogue

  • Student life at Cardiff University
  • Student Megan tells you all about Chemistry at Cardiff
  • Cardiff University - Adult Nursing (BN)
  • International students at Cardiff University School of Biosciences

Where is this programme taught

Cathays Park Campus
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Design with Placement MDes Brunel University - - - £9250 £21470 £23615 - Uxbridge On campus Full-time
Design MDes Brunel University - - - £9250 £21470 £23615 - Uxbridge On campus Full-time
Graphics Illustration Photography MDes Glasgow School of Art - - - £8820 £22679 - Glasgow On campus Full-time
Superyacht Design MSc Southampton Solent University - - - £9000 £15300 - Southampton On campus Full-time
Design MA University of Greenwich - - - £11000 £17450 - London On campus Part-time
Digital Design MSc Southampton Solent University - - - £8850 £9675 £14550 £17065 - Southampton On campus Full-time
Visual Communication: Illustration MA London Metropolitan University - - - £1170 £2020 - London On campus Part-time
Illustration MA University of Huddersfield - - - £7900 £17600 - Huddersfield On campus Full-time
Design (Textiles) MA Bath Spa University - - - £9520 £17760 - Bath On campus Full-time
User Experience Design MSc Loughborough University of Technology - - - £13000 £28100 - Loughborough On campus Full-time