Critically analyse the challenges faced by urban areas in designing sustainable, inclusive, and healthy urban environments, evaluating the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies and policies.
High quality planning and design are at the heart of transforming our cities to meet our future needs. Students taking this programme will be at the cutting edge of this transition toward a more sustainable and healthy planet.
This MSc strikes a practical balance between scholarly thinking and applied skills. What makes it stand out is our regular input from industry practitioners, who join the teaching programme to connect academic ideas with on‑the‑ground realities.
Course Structure You will take core planning modules in Semester 1 with optional modules to build wider understandings of urban challenges in Semester 2. A studio module operates across both semesters and there is also a research-based dissertation project.
2025-2026
There are two core planning modules in semester 1 which introduce spatial planning and explore themes around sustainable cities. These modules run in parallel to the first half of the studio module which runs across Semesters 1 & 2.
2025-2026
In Semester 2 you will choose two module options which build knowledge in different areas of sustainable urban planning, for example green infrastructure, hydrological processes, big data and wellbeing. You will also take the second half of the compulsory studio module Sustainable Places.
2025-2026
During the summer period you will undertake independent dissertation project (60 credits) working closely with your supervisor to produce an original piece of research.
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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.
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.