Course Overview
Course summary
This course is aimed at built environment professionals and others with a relevant social or physical science background who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of planning and sustainable development, whether to improve career prospects in their country or enter international practice. Through the course you'll examine the growing problems of sustainable development facing cities, regions and communities in a rapidly urbanising world, subject to growing climate change and other environmental, economic and social pressures and risks.
Based in London, you'll have access to the internationally recognised experience of spatial planning for sustainable development, and explore contemporary theories, public policy thinking and good practice in planning in both the developed and developing worlds. The University of Westminster is the UK's first Habitat Partner University. We work with UN-HABITAT and other like-minded institutions to promote the socially and environmentally sustainable development of towns, cities and regions, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda.
The course benefits from having strong links with the Max Lock Centre, an international development research unit, which is part of the wider Research Community for Sustainable Cities and Urban Environments. Associated research and consultancy focuses on the planning of cities and regions towards a sustainable and low-energy future and the exploration of the environmental and social impact of concentrating people and economic activity in cities and urban areas including the consequences for surrounding rural areas.
This course explores contemporary theories, public policy thinking and good practice in planning that spans both developed and developing world contexts, and offers you the opportunity to explore one area of specialism in a related field in some depth.
Course pathways
There are two Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited pathways through the course. The Spatial Planning Pathway has a strong urban design component and an emphasis on the development planning process. The Urban Resilience Pathway provides a sustainable development-focused route with a core emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation planning. Urban design, planning and sustainability are mainstream elements across the course with the pathways providing an additional opportunity to specialise.
Although there is an opportunity in the course to develop a range of communication skills including graphic presentation, pre-existing design experience is a strong advantage for those considering the Spatial Planning Pathway. The Urban Resilience Pathway offers an opportunity to explore this growing area of planning interest in a world facing a climate change and biodiversity emergency.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn from experts – You’ll be taught by academics and practitioners, experts in the field, who are involved in publication, research and consultancy for a variety of organisations in the UK and internationally
- Professional links – We have close links with professional practice and members of our teaching team are active in professional associations
- Accredited course – The Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience MA pathways each have full Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accreditation as a ‘Combined Planning Programme’. This provides the basis for becoming a full Chartered Member of the RTPI following two years of professional practice as a Licentiate Member
Course climate action statement
The course recognises the historic colonial roots of climate crisis and the underlying issues of climate justice between Global North and Global South and East countries. The two pathways, Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience, allow students to acquire critical knowledge of theories, concepts and tools to address broader issues of social and environmental sustainability, and to put forward context-based and just climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in different cities and regions of the world.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. Other modules with course-related learning outcomes may be taken subject to timetabling constraints and the agreement of the course and module leaders.
Core modules – both pathways
Spatial planning for sustainable development in a range of development contexts, examining dynamic tensions between economic globalisation and local and national factors (developed and developing worlds; high, middle and low-income countries). Analyses key policy concerns, dynamics of urban and regional change and spatial planning responses comparatively and internationally, across different types of city and region.
20 credits
Participatory planning, housing and land management for urban regeneration and community development in the developed and developing world contexts (using UK and European case studies as a point of reference where appropriate); policies and methods for sustainable neighbourhood planning including informal, low-income housing and settlements in developing world cities.
20 credits
An introduction to the concepts and ideas of sustainability in urban development. Key debates on planning sustainable cities and neighbourhoods. Contemporary issues surrounding the theory and practice of sustainable development. Interdisciplinary and disciplinary discussions on the practice and implementation of sustainable development in planning and design. Development of key study and professional skills (e.g. critical thinking and analysis, site analysis, sustainability appraisal, teamwork, as well as written and visual presentation skills).
20 credits
International perspective on spatial planning principles and methods, comparing different paradigms in spatial planning and sustainable urban form for new and existing towns and cities and their regions. Role of spatial planning and land development at the strategic level in mediating between market forces and social need and in the spatial co-ordination of sectoral policies and programmes.
20 credits
This module introduces students to methods and methodologies specific to urban, spatial, design and planning research, and professional practice. Planning skills and principles of conducting research are introduced and explained, and the module will allow students to begin developing their own research proposal for their dissertation/major project. The module will also allow students to critically examine the ways in which knowledge of the built environment, and of the impacts of planning practice and policy, is generated, in the wider context of sustainable development.
20 credits
This module offers the possibility to research in-depth a spatial planning or related topic through primary or desk-based research. The dissertation is 12-15,000 words in length. Students may undertake a Major Project on a similar topic producing a written report of a similar length or a report combining planning or design proposals or data presented in other formats with a written analytical report of 6-10,000 words.
20 credits
This module introduces students to research methods and methodologies specific to urban and spatial research, design and planning. It explores the theory and practice of developing a research framework with a particular emphasis on methods, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks used within the built environment professions. Skills and principles of conducting research are introduced and explained, and the module will allow students to begin developing their own research proposal for the Dissertation. The module will allow students to critically examine the ways in which knowledge of the built environment is generated, and the links between ethical and reflexive research practice.
(no credits)
Core module for Spatial Planning pathway
This module concerns the physical and spatial form of cities at the urban design scale, realised in various geographical or historic contexts, exploring the basic fabric of urban form: buildings, streets and spaces together with the with forces that shape them, how they differ globally, the regulatory contexts, how they provide physical environment to enable activities and livelihoods and how this can influence urban design and planning. Students learn key theoretical approaches to urban morphology, tissue studies, typo-morphological investigations, spatial development patterns, historic development, graphic methods, spatial analysis and various forms and manifestations of the physical built environment of cities.
20 credits
Core module for Urban Resilience pathway
Spatial planning for risk management, including reducing vulnerability and building urban resilience as it relates to the built environment, urban governance and long-term climate change and development needs. Integrates sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation concerns with disaster planning and urban risk management.
20 credits
Option modules
This module provides background on environmental policy and climate change. It sets out the theoretical framework to start with, and then the international context for sustainable development, energy efficiency and climate change. It explores implications for the built environment in a range of development contexts, includes analysis of key policy concerns and planning and design responses comparatively across different institutional and cultural contexts. It also reviews techniques for assessing the impacts of development and examines the role that effective environmental strategies and policies in planning and related fields can pursue to reach sustainable development.
20 credits
This is a project-based module that examines the form, use and experience of public space and the notions of perception, identity, diversity, place, place making and place shaping. Projects are used to critically assess the character of urban spaces and propose responsive design interventions. The understanding of the use and experience of these spaces is supported by lectures and selected readings of key thinkers in the field.
20 credits
This is a theory and case study-based module that critically examines the role of and definition of nature in urban environments. It looks at the role of nature, ecology and landscape as powerful paradigms in cities in the late 20th / early 21st century. Socioenvironmental sustainability, urban ecology, adaptive reuse and the re-emergence of natural landscape features as part of a city’s active green infrastructure are addressed and discussed through relevant literature. International case studies are explored in the context of a growing awareness of the importance of city ecologies for health and wellbeing, sustainability and the future design of cities.
20 credits
This is a design-based module enabling students to combine the learning undertaken in other modules and to evolve strategic concepts previously developed in other modules into detailed design positions. The module is an individual site-based design project, allowing students to explore issues in a specific context and to generate original approaches, deploying urban space and built elements to meet stated aims in a comprehensive manner.
20 credits
Housing and economic development; debates about housing supply; the role of public policy including planning in promoting housing development; the development of affordable housing; concentrations of social deprivation and negative neighbourhood effects; strategies for neighbourhood regeneration; governance and capacity building; tackling worklessness; policy evaluation.
20 credits
Following the growing awareness and recognisance of people's voices in shaping their places, the module addresses key issues around public engagement and themes of sustainability applied to the local scale, by looking at challenges addressed by communities and grassroots, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The participants will gain practical skills through the observation and participation to real-life projects, by being taught and working within an interdisciplinary team, composed of various speakers from different fields and professional horizons, the local authorities and the community groups. They will develop a reflective approach on ways to serve the community and enhance social capital and will additionally benefit from an international exposure through an exchange workshop with a European university. Students will gain theoretical knowledge on key ideas related to sustainability, community, participation, social capital and governance, inequalities issues and cultural diversity attached to place-making processes; and develop analytical skills on key historical and contemporary debates about community engagement, community diversity through London's key challenges for sustainability and by learning on international cases.
20 credits
An introduction to the historic urban landscapes that form an important part of most towns and cities throughout the world. Theory and conservation practice evaluated in a legislative and case law context. Students will learn the techniques of character appraisal and how they can form a platform for further creative intervention and develop an understanding of the specific legislative constraints relating to heritage assets.
20 credits
This is a project-based module where students investigate industry-standard software and datasets easily available for analysis and representation of spatial phenomena. Supported by a series of lectures the module has a focus on student led projects developing a critical understanding of how software can enhance practice rather than developing advanced software skills.
20 credits
This module focuses on destinations and will evaluate and debate destination development strategies. It will consider alternative destination management structures and assess the role of destination planning in limiting the negative impacts of tourism and ensuring competitiveness. The module will follow a case study approach with students assessing destination responses to different scenarios and challenges. Both UK and overseas destinations will be studied, ranging across resort, urban and rural settings.
20 credits
The module explores changes in land use in relation to changes in city form and function. It focuses on how the changing planning system (including specific funding systems and processes, and the broader planning framework) shapes transport systems and their sustainability. Different views on transport and land use planning are considered, including local authority and developer perspectives. The module incorporates discussion of transport modelling and forecasting, and an introduction to relevant software as it is used within planning and policy-making. The module considers social and environmental trends and constraints as they affect planning for future transport systems.
20 credits
This module focuses on traffic and streets, where traffic refers to a range of urban transport modes. It covers movement and place functions in urban contexts, including tensions within and between each. Students analyse approaches to evaluating urban street environments, particularly focused on walking and cycling. This incorporates comparisons of methodological approaches used within different streetscape contexts and within different countries.
20 credits
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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Careers
Graduates from the course may secure promotion within their existing or a new related area of work, or move onto more responsible positions. This may include management posts or the responsibility for project or policy development. It is expected that graduates will enhance their potential to be considered for development positions outside their home country.
Graduates from this course can expect to find employment as planners or urban designers, urban regeneration or environmental management specialists in private consultancy, local and national government, and non-governmental sectors in their own country or internationally, including providing urban and sustainability planning expertise to international development agencies.
Industry knowledge
We have close links with professional practice and members of our teaching team are active in professional associations.
Choose your specialism
You can choose one of the course’s two pathways to explore an area of specialism in depth.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
Our teaching staff maintain close links with the RTPI International Development Committee and have worked closely with the RTPI, RIBA, ICE, RICS and international NGOs on disaster risk management issues.
Internationally, we have close links with international organisations such as UN-HABITAT, UNHCR and the World Bank. We also have ongoing connections with a range of large consultancies operating in planning, sustainability and international development as well as local authorities in the UK.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Urban and regional planner
- Environmental planner
- International development expert
- International urban planner and designer
- Sustainable development specialist
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- AECOM
- Atkins Global
- Corporation of London
- IMC Worldwide
- IPE Triple Line
- World Bank
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Giulio Verdini
Reader
Giulio is an internationally recognized scholar with extensive research and consultancy experience in sustainable urban development and planning in the context of Global South and East.
He has advised local governments, world-leading planning firms, and several international organisations and NGOs such as UNESCO, UN-HABITAT, UNWTO, ICOMOS, The Prince’s Foundation, and Union for the Mediterranean on sustainable and resilient urbanization, urban-rural linkages, rural regeneration and sustainable tourism, urban heritage conservation and community engagement.
He has led scenario planning initiatives, co-design workshops, and participated in high-level capacity building training in Europe, China, North Africa and the Middle East.
With over 15 years of history and a global alumni network, this course provides a platform for forward-looking debate on how we can envision climate-resilient and just urban futures for our planet.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Taught by experts
You’ll be taught by academics and practitioners, experts in the field, who are involved in publication, research and consultancy for a variety of organisations in the UK and internationally.
An accredited course
The Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience MA pathways each have full Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accreditation as a ‘Combined Planning Programme’.
Field trip
You’ll go on an international planning field trip, which will introduce you to research methods and methodologies specific to urban and spatial research, design and planning.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant built environment or land planning-related discipline (such as urban or transport planning, architecture, landscape design, surveying, civil engineering, or land management). Alternatively, a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant human geography, a social or environmental science subject and relevant practical experience of working in a built environment discipline.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant built environment or land planning-related discipline (such as urban or transport planning, architecture, landscape design, surveying, civil engineering, or land management). Alternatively, a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant human geography, a social or environmental science subject and relevant practical experience of working in a built environment discipline.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
What our students say
Mohsin Ganai
International Planning and Sustainable Development MA - 2022
The university's commitment to practical learning ensures that students graduate with valuable real-world skills and a global perspective.
Maryam Khurram
International Planning and Sustainable Development MA - 2023
Throughout my studies, the academic support has been outstanding. The classroom atmosphere was consistently friendly, and the tutors were approachable and supportive.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
MORE 2023 Degree Show
MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2023.
Image: student work by Shada Elmagri
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
The fee includes the cost of a residential field trip. The fee is reviewed annually so actual charges may vary. You'll be advised of any changes ahead of the trip.
International tuition fee: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
The fee includes the cost of a residential field trip. The fee is reviewed annually so actual charges may vary. You'll be advised of any changes ahead of the trip.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Other International Planning and Sustainable Development courses
We also offer an International Planning and Sustainable Development Postgraduate Diploma. The Spatial Planning Pathway and The Urban Resilience Pathway are still open to you, depending on the modules you choose.
If you take the Postgraduate Diploma you take modules totalling 120 credits from the International Planning and Sustainable Development MA course (listed above) including three core modules worth 60 credits. The Postgraduate Diploma usually takes one year to complete full-time. Apply now for the Postgraduate Diploma full-time or the Postgraduate Diploma part-time via the Westminster online application form.
Modes of attendance and time taken to complete this course can be discussed with the course leader.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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