MSc Global Urban Development and Planning at University of Manchester

Study cutting-edge global urban issues and urban transformation. Gain expertise in global planning and development, and learn how to tackle pressing urban challenges. Our graduates go on to a variety of successful careers in planning, urban development, and environmental management, both in the UK and overseas. Manchester is the UK’s most targeted university by top employers (High Fliers Report, 2026).

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities  |  Department: School of Environment, Education and Development  |  Duration: 1 year (full-time)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits. 120 of these credits are made up by a mix of mandatory and optional course units, with 60 credits taken in each semester. The availability of individual course units may be subject to change. Compulsory units include Dissertation (MSc GUDP), Critical Issues in Urban Inequality, Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South: an international perspective, Best practice case studies in urban development planning in cities in the South.

Career pathways

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...

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