Course Overview
Course summary
This course will help you to develop a professional career in urban planning and design. You’ll take an active role in shaping climate-resilient, inclusive and healthy cities.
This interdisciplinary course brings together urban design, architecture, landscape and environmental planning. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of urban planning while emphasising the role of urban design as an exploratory process to create climate-resilient, healthy and inclusive cities.
The Urban Planning and Design BA explores the processes of city transformation, city climate mitigation and adaptation while enabling you to reimagine the urban realm in a creative manner. You’ll be given the skills needed to manage cities sustainably and learn to design diverse built environments, to enhance the lives of those who inhabit and work in them.
During the course, you’ll discuss and critique theory and practice. Case studies and projects reflecting real-world situations will be used to develop your strategic thinking, problem-solving and design skills in a range of international contexts. Our teaching aims to support you with the development of your project work, including the opportunity to undertake an international field trip.
This course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree and is an initial step towards qualifying as a Chartered Town Planner.
You’ll be taught in small studio groups by current practitioners and academics who reflect London’s dynamic architecture and planning scene. You’ll experience studio visits to sites, practices, community groups, and related events. There will also be opportunities to work with the profession through engagement with the RTPI and other professional bodies, as well as through mentoring and an optional year-long work placement.
Top reasons to study with us
- Practical studio-based urban planning – Our small group studio-based teaching offers a wide range of approaches to urban design, allowing you to explore your own interests and shape the direction of your work
- Outstanding facilities – We have vibrant design studios and a cutting-edge Fabrication Laboratory, allowing you to take a hands-on approach to tackling urban design issues and climate challenges facing the future of London and its regions
- Strong connections with professional practice – We attract a diverse teaching team of practitioners from London’s architectural and urban design network
- Designed to tackle climate change – A highly innovative course designed to tackle climate change, urban health, and the broad challenges of urban sustainability
- Study in London – Capitalise on the benefits that a major creative, intellectual and technology hub has to offer. Explore contemporary issues, planning policies, urban form and development in a city with a global outlook
- Westminster is ranked 2nd for 'Student Satisfaction' in 'Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design' in the Complete University Guide 2025.
Course climate action statement
Our vision is to empower future urban planners to play a leading role in shaping climate-resilient, sustainable, healthy and inclusive cities. To this end, we will equip students with the necessary technical and critical thinking skills to effectively tackle and link together urban transformation processes with climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Across our curriculum, we strive for students to actively pursue climate and spatial justice in our cities. We place particular emphasis on the role of design as an explorative process, to reimagine sustainable cities through innovative and creative approaches.
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- City Design Studio 1
- Contemporary Issues in City Planning and Design
- Introduction to Design and Skills
- CC1: A History of Architecture
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- CC2: Architectural History and Urbanism
- City Design Studio 2
- Economics of Cities
- Urban Heritage and Townscape Conservation
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you may undertake an optional year-long placement. If you take advantage of this option, you'll undertake an additional year-long Industry Placement Year module running parallel to your work placement, and your final degree award will be ‘BA Honours in Urban Planning and Design with Professional Experience’.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- City Design Studio 3
- Research Report
- Resilient and Healthy Cities
- Work Experience and Professional Practice
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The course meets the requirements of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree and is the initial step to qualify as a Chartered Town Planner.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Urban Planning and Design BA: An Introduction
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Graduates will have opportunities to work in the field of urban planning. These include but are not limited to, landscape and environmental design, urban regeneration and economic development, city climate adaptation, mitigation and community engagement. They can also become urban planners and designers or work as environmental consultants.
Graduates from this course will meet the specific needs of employers for planners who have a good understanding of design issues and are capable of working in collaborative and interdisciplinary practices.
Shape a sustainable future
Urban and climate change design is a central focus of this course, and you'll take this critical, sought-after expertise with you when you graduate.
Stand out from the crowd
Our strong practical focus gives you an edge in a competitive employment market.
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.
Graduates
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to work in a competitive business environment. You’ll learn to understand the role of different stakeholders in the urban development process and develop skills to implement suitable urban planning and design strategies. You’ll also develop suitable transferable skills to adapt yourself to a changing professional environment. As your studies progress, you’ll become more outward-looking and engaged with practice.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Urban planner
- Urban designer
- Landscape and environmental planner
- Consultant in the field of environment, climate actions, urban regeneration, local development, housing, urban and landscape conservation
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.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Luz Navarro
Lecturer
Luz Navarro is a qualified architect, planner and researcher, with over 15 years of professional and academic experience in planning and spatial disciplines. Her PhD at the WSA at Cardiff University questions the urban regeneration process of a historical neighbourhood in Valencia. Her research revolves around issues of equality, inclusion and representation in urban regeneration projects and spatial transformation initiatives.
She is a graduate of the MSc Building and Urban Design in Development from The Bartlett Development Planning Unit at UCL and holds a Masters in Sustainable Urban Planning from the ETSAB, Barcelona. She also worked as a Senior Transport Planner for Islington Council developing their Transport Strategy, and as a Research Associate at the Active Travel Academy.
The course aims to enable future urban planners to play a leading role in shaping climate-resilient, sustainable, healthy and inclusive cities.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Industry knowledge
Gain a broad understanding of cities and how to design them in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Dynamic design studios
Our lively open-plan design studios and studio-based approach to urban planning and design spark creativity and innovation.
An accredited course
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4, one additional GCSE at grade 4/C
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of the qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain 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.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (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.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
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.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (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.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
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.
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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