Urban Design and Planning MA
London South Bank University, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Urban Design and Planning
London South Bank University
Urban Design and Planning
Program Overview: MA Urban Design and Planning
The MA Urban Design and Planning at London South Bank University focuses on urban design as part of town planning, giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding of urban design and development issues through working at different scales of the city and engaging with theoretical debates. Planning is treated as both a design and public policy profession, showing how professional knowledge and deep community engagement are essential for creating lasting, liveable places.
LSBU is the second oldest planning school in the UK, providing accredited planning education for over 50 years. The programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), meaning graduates can become licentiate members and progress toward chartered membership with relevant work experience.
Live project working integrates real-world projects and site visits with theoretical debates, inspiring you to think critically about what makes good places. The programme includes a compulsory one-week residential European field study visit to cities such as Barcelona, Turin, Venice, or Dortmund, with costs included in the programme fee.
Key Program Highlights
- Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), enabling a direct pathway to chartered planner status
- Compulsory European field trip included at no additional cost, with recent destinations including Barcelona, Turin, and Venice
- Located in the heart of London, one of the world's most dynamic cities for urban design and planning practice
- Second oldest planning school in the UK with over 50 years of accredited planning education and three past RTPI presidents among alumni
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Urban Design and Planning is structured across two semesters running from September to June, combining core taught modules with a substantial independent research project. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical design skills, preparing you for professional practice in urban design, planning, and property development.
Planning, Politics and Theory
Core ModuleProvides a critical understanding of theories and ideas that have historically justified spatial planning practice. The political nature of spatial planning and the ethics of practice are key focuses of this module.
The Making of Place
Core ModuleIntroduces principles and processes for creating high-quality, inclusive places. Students analyse an area of London undergoing radical change and prepare, visualise, and justify ideas for its future development.
Design and Property Development
Core ModuleExplores the role of good design within the property development process, from inception to disposal. Topics include property boundaries, design across use categories, valuation impacts, and long-term management, supported by case study visits.
Sustainable Places
Core ModuleExamines sustainability issues and challenges alongside responses from spatial planning agencies and institutions. Develops understanding of climate change impacts and mechanisms that allow areas to fulfil their potential while addressing environmental challenges.
Urban Design: From Theory to Practice
Core ModuleCovers the substantial fields of urban design, planning, and development, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students explore how design theory informs real-world urban interventions and professional practice.
Dissertation or Major Project
Core ModuleAn opportunity to carry out a significant piece of independent research. Students demonstrate their independence as scholars and aim to make a contribution to scholarly debates surrounding their chosen topic.
Specialist Focus Areas
Admission Requirements
The MA Urban Design and Planning welcomes applicants from a range of academic backgrounds related to the built environment and social sciences. Whether you hold a cognate or non-cognate degree, there may be a pathway into this programme through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum Degree ClassificationLower second class (2:2) Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
- Relevant Subject AreasBuilt environment subjects, social science subjects, or related disciplines
- Non-Cognate ApplicantsApplicants with a non-cognate degree and several years of relevant work experience may be considered if they demonstrate suitable specialist knowledge
- Professional ExperienceRelevant work experience in planning, design, or built environment fields is advantageous but not mandatory for cognate degree holders
- PortfolioContact Uni4Edu for current portfolio requirements and guidance on preparing your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- PTE AcademicMinimum of 60 in each component (or equivalent)
- Other Accepted TestsEquivalent qualifications accepted; contact Uni4Edu for the full list of recognised English language tests
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
London South Bank University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students to help make postgraduate study more accessible. These awards are designed to recognise academic achievement and support talented students in their journey at LSBU.
Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
GBP 2,000 per academic yearRecognises outstanding academic achievement among international students with grades equivalent to AAB and above at UK A-level. This award applies to each academic year of study and is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Global Success Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000Awarded to international students for their first year of study at LSBU. Designed to provide a springboard for your global career, this scholarship also helps fast-track your student visa process.
European Impact Scholarship
GBP 5,000 per yearAvailable to eligible European students for the entire duration of their programme. This annual tuition fee discount supports talented students from Europe who choose to study in the UK at LSBU.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Urban Design and Planning are well-positioned for careers across the expanding profession of urban design and the related fields of planning and property development. The RTPI accreditation provides a direct pathway to becoming a chartered town planner, significantly enhancing your professional standing and employability in the UK and internationally.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
London South Bank University is recognised in multiple international and national ranking systems. The university has a strong reputation for social inclusion and reducing inequality, and its planning school is one of the longest-established in the UK with over 50 years of RTPI-accredited education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| THE Impact Rankings - Reducing Inequality | Times Higher Education | #6 in the World |
| Town and Country Planning | National Student Survey / CUG | Top in London (Modern Universities) |
| Social Inclusion | Daily Mail University Awards | University of the Year 2025 |
| Built Environment | QS Stars | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
18 months
Urban Transformation (Turkish) - Non Thesis Program
Istanbul Okan University, Tuzla, Turkey
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
4000 $
Master's & Postgraduate
9 months
Spatial Planning PGDip
Newcastle University, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
17650 £
Master's & Postgraduate
9 months
Urban Design PGDip
Newcastle University, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
17650 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Urban Planning MSc
Newcastle University, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
26500 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Urban And Environmental Planning (With Foundation Year) BA
London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2025
Gross Tuition
16500 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
