Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 1 year
- Entry requirements
-
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
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
- 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
- Learn how to identify and define urban development opportunities and challenges and devise appropriate regeneration solutions.
- Receive a thorough grounding for a career in urban development, regeneration or planning.
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.
At open days, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development, 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): £25,500
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
This course has normally included an overseas field trip which is an optional part of the programme.
Please note there is a student contribution towards the cost of the trip depending on the location.
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, search the University's postgraduate funding database .
Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount offers a discount on tuition fees to the University of Manchester alumni who are 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.
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, in any discipline.
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 .
You are required to provide a valid English language qualification which meets our entry requirements for the Master's or a pre-sessional course at the time of application.
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
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 are placed on a waiting list and are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided;
- 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 Urban Regeneration and Development 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
It will provide you with a range of intellectual and professional skills in urban regeneration and development. The programme will equip students with skills and knowledge relevant to careers in both public and private sectors, working with local authorities and central government bodies, local regeneration partnerships, regeneration consultancies and private developers.
Aims
You will:
- identify urban opportunities and challenges and build the knowledge base to devise appropriate regeneration and development solutions;
- receive a thorough grounding to prepare students for professional practice in urban development and regeneration;
- explore international perspectives on urban regeneration and development.
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, and take advantage of model-making workshops, and specialist design and spatial analysis software.
- Have the flexibility to mix discipline units or specialise and choose from a range of optional course units.
- 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 London, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Toronto, Amsterdam, Belfast, Seattle, Dublin and Istanbul.
- Study in Manchester, a city where planning has been taught for more than 50 years, and where a range of urban development and environmental challenges and solutions are evident across the city and its surrounding region.
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
Assessment methods are largely individually based, but also involve some elements of group working.
Overall, you are continuously assessed via a range of methods, including essays and report writing, topic papers and critical reviews, project portfolios, and assessed workshop presentations.
Formative feedback is provided through the courses both orally and in written form to help you develop further key skills.
A 15,000-word dissertation on an approved topic is discussed and chosen at the beginning of the second semester and a suitable supervisor allocated.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Land and Development | PLAN60102 | 15 | Mandatory |
MSc URD Dissertation | PLAN60550 | 60 | Mandatory |
Urban and Regional Policy | PLAN60712 | 15 | Mandatory |
Digital Planning - Spatial and Policy Analysis | PLAN60761 | 15 | Mandatory |
Future Cities | PLAN62011 | 15 | Mandatory |
Climate Change and Development | MGDI60552 | 15 | Optional |
Planning Powers and Procedures | PLAN60021 | 15 | Optional |
Urban Theory, Planning Theory and Professional Ethics | PLAN60041 | 15 | Optional |
Professional Placement | PLAN60070 | 15 | Optional |
Design for Healthy Places | PLAN60111 | 15 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 23 course units | |||
Display all course units |
What our students say
Find out how our students feel about studying at The University of Manchester by visiting our student spotlights page.
Facilities
You can develop your practical skills in our computer suites with specialist design and spatial analysis software.
For more information visit our facilities page.
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
The course prepares you for employment in professional practice in urban development, regeneration or planning in the UK or overseas. The degree will provide you with the academic knowledge and professional skills for employment in the private (consultancy, development industry) and public (local authorities, development agencies) sectors.
More generally, MSc Urban Regeneration and Development graduates 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, development 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.
Employers include AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, and Rolls-Royce, among other international consultancy companies and agencies.
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.
Accrediting organisations
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
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 optional course units.