Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time)
- Entry requirements
-
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
- How to apply
- Apply online
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 1: No poverty
Course options
Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Y | N | N | N |
Course overview
- Improve your understanding of global urban development issues, particularly relating to cities of the global South.
- Develop the conceptual and operational skills to apply solutions for sustainable urban development in specific contexts, by drawing on the expertise of academics and practitioners from development studies, planning, architecture, and business studies.
- Explore global real-life planning and development issues in-person and supplement your classroom learning with an international fieldtrip.
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.
On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development and our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
For more information, see open days .
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £12,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): £29,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit postgraduate fees
Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.
Additional expenses
Students will take either the International Planning field course or the Development Fieldwork course unit.
All students will be automatically enrolled on the International Planning field course, and the cost of this field course is incorporated into the course fees. Those students who wish to attend the Development Fieldwork course unit will have to express their preference by 1 October and pay the difference in cost by Christmas.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer several postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students. For more information, see the University's postgraduate funding database .
Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount offers a discount on tuition fees to the graduates of The University of Manchester progressing to a postgraduate taught Master's course.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 1: No poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- School of Environment, Education and Development +44 (0) 161 275 2814
- Telephone
- + 44 (0) 161 275 2814
- Planning.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
- Planning, Property and Environmental Management
- Development Studies
- Environment
- International Development
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .
This programme accepts successful completion of the 6- and 10-week pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.
Pre-sessional 6-week course requirement:
IELTS UKVI or Academic: 6.0 Overall with 6.0 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 5.5 and no other sub-skill below 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall with 20 in Writing, 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 65 Overall with 65 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 59 and no other sub-skill below 59.
Pre-sessional 10-week course requirement:
IELTS UKVI or Academic 5.5 Overall with no sub-skill below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 72 Overall with 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 59 Overall with no sub-skill below 59
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our country-specific information page for guidance on the academic qualifications which may be accepted from your country.
Professional entry qualification
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:
- copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification may initially be placed on a waiting list;
- copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations;
- your CV.
Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.
How your application is considered
Applications for MSc Global Urban Development and Planning are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.
Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.
Please note, the course may reach capacity before the official closing date of 31st of August, so all students are advised to apply as soon as possible.Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course details
Course description
MSc Global Urban Development and Planning will improve your understanding of global urban development issues, particularly relating to cities of the global South.
Cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America struggle with growth, and urban communities in the developing world are increasingly faced with problems relating to poverty, informality and inequality, climate change, insecurity and lack of social cohesion.
The course will also suit development professionals seeking to acquire new expertise in dealing with urban issues, and social development specialists working in the voluntary, private or public sector.
Aims
You will:
- focus on sustainable and equitable urban development planning in the Global South;
- participate in cutting-edge conceptual debates in global urban development theory and practice;
- gain the skills to gather, organise and employ evidence and information from a wide variety of sources.
Special features
- Benefit from small-group teaching, close staff-student relationships, and guided one-to-one supervision.
- Develop practical skills in project studios with drawing facilities, model-making workshops, and specialist design and spatial analysis software.
- This course has normally included fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad, exploring real-life issues on one-day trips, site visits, and overseas residential visits. Past locations include Manchester, London, Dusseldorf, San Francisco, Jinja (Uganda) and Istanbul.
- Have the flexibility to mix discipline units or specialise, and choose from a range of optional course units. Where specialising in planning-focused modules, gain RTPI-accreditation for your specialist study.
- Study in Manchester, a city where planning has been taught for more than 50 years, and urban development and environmental impacts are on your doorstep.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.
The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.
The role of SEED
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Immigration, passport and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:
- a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
- a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.
The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.
Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Coursework and assessment
You will need to pass a total of eight course units totalling 120 credits, and undertake a dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words, providing a further 60 credits.
You must also complete four core compulsory course units and four optional course units.
Most courses are assessed by essays, class presentations and examinations or a combination of these (depending on the course units selected).
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation (MSc GUDP) | EVDV60890 | 60 | Mandatory |
Critical Issues in Urban Inequality | MGDI60531 | 15 | Mandatory |
Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South: an international perspective | PLAN72061 | 15 | Mandatory |
Best practice case studies in urban development planning in cities in the South | PLAN72072 | 15 | Mandatory |
Poverty and Development | MGDI60141 | 15 | Optional |
The Politics and Governance of Development | MGDI60391 | 15 | Optional |
Development Fundamentals | MGDI60411 | 15 | Optional |
Development Fieldwork | MGDI60502 | 15 | Optional |
Political Analysis of Development Policy | MGDI60522 | 15 | Optional |
Climate Change and Development | MGDI60552 | 15 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 28 course units | |||
Display all course units |
Facilities
You can develop your practical skills in our project studio, model-making workshop, and computer suites with specialist design and spatial analysis software.
For more information, see Facilities
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities
MSc Global Urban Development and Planning students develop an advanced knowledge and skill base that can be applied to professional activities relating to a variety of urban-related fields.
Past students have gone on to work as consultants for international development cooperation agencies, planners for national and local governments and private companies, and as practitioners in slum upgrading programmes, or international networks and national NGOs in cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Planning, Property and Environmental Management graduates in general are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose policies and implement strategies is vital.
After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK.
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including environmental management and consultancy, urban planning and design, real estate development, urban and regional development policy, central and local government, international development, energy and water, non-governmental organisations, and research.
Top employers include AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, and Rolls-Royce.
If you decide not to follow a vocational career, your wide knowledge base and transferable skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, creativity and communication fit what most employers are seeking.
Hear from our professional partners on a 'Meet the Professionals' event for Planning, Environmental Management, Real Estate and Urban Design.
Careers support
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Careers support for international students
The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.
- Working in the UK after study
- Working during study
- Professional and alumni networks for international students
Global networks
The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK. International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country.
It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.
You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe, here .
Accrediting organisations
This course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
After completion of relevant work experience, you may be able in due course to proceed to full RTPI membership.
Students wishing to obtain full RTPI accreditation will need to take, in addition to the core course units of the MSc, a specific combination of relevant core and optional course units.