Urban Planning BSc

Urban Planning is the study of how towns, cities and regions are designed, developed and managed. It combines social, economic, environmental and political perspectives to create sustainable and liveable places. An Urban Planning degree is ideal for students who are interested in shaping communities, solving real-world challenges such as housing and transport, and working at the intersection of design, policy and society.

Course Structure

Most Urban Planning degrees last three years full time (BSc/BA), or four years with a placement or study abroad option. Some universities also offer integrated master’s programmes (MPlan, four years) accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops, studio projects, site visits and group work. Many courses include placements with councils, consultancies or planning organisations. Assessment includes essays, exams, reports, design proposals, presentations and a dissertation or final project.

Typical Modules

Year 1 – Foundations of Urban Planning

Introduction to Planning and the Built Environment

History of Cities and Urban Development

Sustainability and Environmental Systems

Urban Design Principles

Planning Practice and Governance

Research Skills and Data Analysis

Year 2 – Core Planning Knowledge

Planning Law and Policy

Transport and Infrastructure Planning

Housing and Regeneration

Economic Development and Planning

Environmental and Climate Change Policy

Intermediate Planning Studio Project

Year 3 – Advanced Study and Practice

Strategic Planning and Regional Development

Urban Design and Place-Making

Planning for Sustainable Communities

GIS and Spatial Data Analysis

Dissertation or Independent Research Project

Final Planning or Design Studio Project

Optional modules may include heritage conservation, smart cities, or international planning.

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

A levels: Geography, Sociology, Politics, Economics, Environmental Science, or Design Technology.

BTECs: Construction & the Built Environment, Applied Science, or Business.

International Baccalaureate: Higher Level Geography, Economics or Environmental Systems are useful.

What Makes a Strong Application

Universities look for students with an interest in places, people and policy. A strong application should include:

• A personal statement showing enthusiasm for planning, sustainability or urban issues.

  
  

• Evidence of wider engagement, such as volunteering with local councils, youth councils, environmental groups or community projects.

  
  

• Curiosity about cities and communities, demonstrated through reading, site visits or independent exploration.

  
  

• Good communication and analytical skills developed through essay-based subjects.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

An Urban Planning degree provides a unique mix of technical, analytical and professional skills:

• Policy analysis – understanding and applying planning law and regulations.

  
  

• Spatial and design skills – creating development proposals and urban design strategies.

  
  

• Data handling – using GIS and statistics for spatial planning.

  
  

• Problem-solving – addressing housing shortages, transport issues and environmental challenges.

  
  

• Communication – writing policy reports, presenting plans and engaging communities.

  
  

• Project management – working on planning briefs with deadlines and budgets.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Urban Planning Students

Here are four inspiring and accessible books:

“Town Planning in Britain” by J.B. Cullingworth and Vincent Nadin – A clear introduction to planning systems in the UK.

“Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design” by Charles Montgomery – Explores how urban design affects wellbeing.

“The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs – A classic critique of modern planning.

“Cities for People” by Jan Gehl – A guide to creating sustainable, people-centred urban spaces.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Urban Planning graduates often start as assistant planners in local authorities, consultancies or government departments. Starting salaries are typically £23,000–£28,000. With experience and RTPI chartership, salaries rise to £35,000–£45,000. Senior planners, consultants or urban design specialists may earn £50,000–£70,000+, with leadership positions exceeding this.