Urban Planning and Resilience - MA
Canterbury Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Urban Planning and Resilience
University of Kent
Urban Planning and Resilience
Program Overview: MA Urban Planning and Resilience
The RTPI-accredited Urban Planning and Resilience MA at the University of Kent provides the academic and professional core knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience required to practice professionally as an urban planner and help cities address 21st-century challenges. The program is delivered through the Kent School of Architecture and Planning, drawing on the university's European campuses and study centres to develop your research and analytical capabilities.
During your studies, you develop an understanding of the planning profession with reference to how people and places interact. You take into account the unique needs and characteristics of different places and people through working with city teams in Canterbury and beyond, gaining hands-on experience in real-world urban contexts.
You develop a range of problem-solving, interpersonal, and teamwork skills across the modules, which complement the theory and enhance its application in practice. The program builds your ability to work effectively within business, social, and neighbourhood forums, preparing you for a successful career in planning and urban resilience.
Key Program Highlights
- Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), enabling professional accreditation upon completion
- Live project work on real urban sites in Canterbury, Margate, Folkestone, Dover, and other locations with real clients
- Optional European field visit exploring global resilience practices across ecology, health, food security, and humanitarian crises
- Focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and evolving global sustainability standards
Curriculum and Modules
The program is divided into two stages. Stage 1 comprises modules totalling 120 credits, and Stage 2 comprises a 60-credit dissertation module. Core modules cover the theory, policy, and practice of urban planning and resilience, complemented by elective options that allow you to tailor your studies.
Development of Planning and Resilience Theory
30 CreditsDevelops your overall understanding of alternative views in planning and resilience theories. Addresses the political and ethical dimensions of planning and resilience practice using theories of planning, power, empowerment, and urban change.
Planning Policy and Practice
30 CreditsCovers changing planning legislation, planning law, spatial planning mechanisms, and the relationship between decision making and development outcomes. Includes seminars and industry workshop sessions with practitioners.
Global Resilience and Planning Practice
30 CreditsExplores how resilience extends beyond cities to include ecology, international development, health, urban forestry, food security, and global humanitarian crises. Uses a multiple case study approach to examine how resilience has become part of formal planning practice worldwide.
Climate Resilient Urban Solutions
30 CreditsFocuses on the impacts of urbanisation on urban climate and how we plan, design, and build places for communities. Evaluates urban morphology, built materials, and nature-based solutions on the urban microclimate through experimental and digital techniques.
Research Methods for the Built Environment
30 CreditsBrings you together with peers from different postgraduate programmes to explore research perspectives and methodologies relevant to the built environment. Addresses challenges associated with developing research methods for creative processes and industry-based projects.
Dissertation
60 CreditsAn independent research project completed during the summer term and over the summer months. Allows you to investigate a planning or resilience topic of your choice in depth, demonstrating your analytical and research capabilities.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA Urban Planning and Resilience welcomes applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience are also taken into account when considering applications. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your eligibility and to begin your application.
Academic Requirements
- Degree ClassificationA first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent)
- Relevant DisciplinesArchitecture, planning, psychology, international relations, archaeology, history, geography, or related disciplines
- Professional ExperienceProfessional qualifications and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal academic requirements
- International QualificationsEquivalent overseas qualifications are accepted; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific requirements
- Individual AssessmentAll applicants are assessed individually, taking into account the full range of qualifications and experience
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component (or equivalent) — contact Uni4Edu to confirm current requirements
- CEFR LevelB2 (Very Good level of English language)
- Pre-sessional EnglishPre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes are available through Kent International Pathways for those who need to meet the language condition
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international postgraduate students. These awards can significantly reduce the cost of your studies. Contact Uni4Edu for advice on which scholarships you may be eligible for and assistance with your application.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters Students
GBP 6,000Available to international students assessed as overseas fee payers who hold an offer for a full-time taught Masters programme. Awarded as a tuition fee reduction based on academic achievement and application strength.
Kent Future Students Global Scholarship
GBP 2,000A tuition fee discount for self-funded international students from eligible countries who hold an offer for a full-time postgraduate taught programme. Applied automatically upon meeting eligibility conditions.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Full funding (tuition fees, airfares, and living costs)Funded by the UK government in partnership with the University of Kent, this scholarship supports students from developing Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Covers tuition fees, return airfares, and living costs for one year.
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 Planning and Resilience are well prepared for professional careers in urban planning, policy development, and sustainability. The RTPI accreditation ensures that graduates can pursue chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute, a key professional credential in the field. Opportunities exist in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private sector firms dedicated to urban development and community resilience.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Kent is an internationally recognised institution with strong rankings across multiple league tables. The Kent School of Architecture and Planning is particularly well regarded, with Architecture ranked among the top disciplines at the university. The RTPI accreditation of this program further underscores its professional standing in the field of urban planning.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Guardian University Guide | #10 in UK |
| Social Sciences and Public Health | EduRank | Top 35 in UK |
| Law | Complete University Guide | #17 in UK |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World University Rankings | #260 globally |
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.
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