# Urban Design and PlanningMSc

**Source**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/urban-design-and-planning-msc
**Parent**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026

2026-27 entry

# Urban Design and Planning MSc

School of Geography and Planning,
Faculty of Social Sciences\

Gain specialist skills and understanding of urban design and planning, engage with critical challenges facing cities internationally and prepare for a dynamic career as a chartered planner specialising in urban design in the UK and beyond.

- Start date
  \
  September 2026
- Duration
  \
  1 year
- Attendance
  \
  Full-time

- [Accredited](#accreditation)
- [Course fee](#feesfunding)

[Visit us](#visit)
[Apply for this course](#apply)

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[Apply for this course](#apply)
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### Explore this course:

[Apply now for 2026 entry](#apply) or [book a place on our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.

## Course description

Study a course fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) designed to prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding career in urban design and planning in either the public or private sector.

Our MSc explores the critical role of urban design and planning in solving global challenges and includes opportunities to engage in design, planning and development issues faced internationally.

The course will equip you with specialist knowledge and understanding of the relationship between design and planning in contemporary cities. You'll learn from and engage with academic staff across the school who are at the forefront of their fields internationally, alongside leading practitioners.

The MSc helps you develop as both an urban design professional and/or a planning practitioner. You will explore multiple aspects of both specialisms.

You'll develop practical skills and knowledge of both applied urban design and planning through exposure to state-of-the-art technologies, including virtual reality and augmented reality and training in professional software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and CAD.

Urban Studies and Planning Lecturers Dr Bobby Nisha and Dr Michael Martin host a VR design session for students on the Urban Design and Planning Masters at the University of Sheffield.

The MSc will equip you with the applied and technical urban design skills and methods you need to produce and deliver critical urban analysis, creative design development and comprehensive design proposals for real sites at multiple scales – from site level to masterplans. You'll develop these skills in our [dedicated design studio](https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning/school/facilities/urban-design-studio "Urban design studio").

Our one-year masters will also help you get started in the planning profession. The course examines the factors that shape cities and rural areas, exploring policy-making and evaluation, theories and practices of planning in the UK, Europe and internationally as well as current developments in planning.

The course includes opportunities to explore development viability and the financial appraisal of design projects. Through optional modules, you will be able to tailor the MSc to suit your professional interests.

We offer an integrated approach to urban design and planning required by leading consultants and city authorities around the world. On completion you will be able to produce professional graphics, maps and visualisations of your ideas and solutions for a better built environment.

[You don’t need to have a background in design or planning](https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning/masters/profiles/having-studied-geography-undergraduate-level-i-had-covered-areas-urban-planning-and-always "Having studied geography at undergraduate level I had covered areas of urban planning and always wanted to take this further."). Our cohorts include students from geography and architecture, as well as engineers, economists and graphic designers. The MSc is an entry level programme. We take students with a broad range of skills and experience, and we welcome students from around the world.

### Accreditation

This MSc conversion programme is recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as an accredited qualification, allowing those who complete the programme to progress via the licentiate pathway towards chartered membership of the RTPI. By completing an accredited programme you will benefit from full eligibility to become a chartered planning professional – opening up a wide range of future career opportunities.

[Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)](https://www.rtpi.org.uk/)

## Modules

A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. As you progress through your course, we'll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

Autumn semester

Spring semester

Summer

Together these autumn semester modules provide core and contextual subject coverage and key skills.

### Core modules:

Planning Place and Design Studio
:   This module provides an introduction to the essential design components, principles and theories that inform contemporary urban design practice. You will explore how cities and public spaces are shaped, and develop foundational skills in analysing, representing and designing the built environment. The module covers key theoretical, analytical, applied and technical aspects of urban design to support the development of your core skills in design and spatial planning. You will get to investigate the fundamental components that make up urban spaces, such as movement networks, land use patterns, block and street structure, built form and public space and learn how to analyse them using industry-relevant methods.\
    \
    Core urban design objectives including legibility, diversity, safety, sustainability, equity and inclusivity are introduced, with opportunities to reflect on the ethics and responsibilities of professional practice. Teaching draws on practical examples and a variety of learning approaches, including lectures, studios, design workshops, reflective learning, student-led teaching activities, on-site analysis and virtual reality tools. You will work in small groups to produce a detailed analytical study of an urban area; develop design principles and concept proposals based on your analysis; present your work in studio formats and receive feedback from tutors and peers  helping you develop confidence in communicating design ideas.\
    \
    Assessment includes a combination of a collaborative site analysis portfolio and individual analysis/design development with design concepts, visualisations and reflective commentary. These assessments allow you to demonstrate both your ability to work collaboratively and your capacity to form independent design ideas grounded in analysis. The aim of the module is to support you to build a strong foundation in urban design thinking and to develop the analytical and creative skills needed for more advanced design study and professional practice.

    **30 credits**

Perspectives on Spatial Planning and Development
:   The aim of this module is to support the development of your initial knowledge and understanding of planning and urban development. You will have opportunities to critically explore the role of spatial ideas and key planning concepts in policy and practice. You will be able to develop your critical skills and understanding of different contexts and environments relevant to planning policy and practice. You will be encouraged to consider urbanisation in a range of contexts and examine how spatial planning seeks to respond to key economic, environmental and social challenges. \
    \
    The module is structured to first explore explore contemporary processes and patterns of global urbanisation, investigate the main economic, environmental and social processes that determine spatial development, and the major challenges that arise. It then leads you to examine how urban planning seeks to respond to these social, economic and environmental challenges, with critical analysis of some important contemporary urban planning ideas and instruments. You will be taught through a detailed lecture programme, supplemented by interactive sessions to support furthering of your knowledge. You will be assessed through the preparation of a briefing paper, taking on the role of a city planner. This will support the development of your skills in writing  in a professional manner and communicating critical evaluation to a range of important stakeholders in city planning and development.

    **15 credits**

Spatial Planning Systems
:   This module provides you with an introduction to state-led planning and the key principles that underpin how spatial planning systems seek to shape the built environment. You are guided to consider the administrative, legal and political contexts in which planning decisions are made and the role of different groups in shaping land-use development. The module will help you understand how spatial planning systems are constructed and the ways planning policies are made and implemented. This knowledge is core not only to the profession, but to topics explored and skills developed in the second semester. The module uses practical scenarios, which draw on real world documents and materials, to explore planning and development as contested activities with significant outcomes for people and place, with workshops providing you with space to debate, explore and analyse scenarios.

    **15 credits**

Core modules in the spring semester encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills on a strategic scale.

### Core modules:

Masterplanning Studio
:   Delivering contextually responsive masterplan solutions at large scales is a core professional skill for any urban design practitioner. This module aims to introduce you to the process of masterplanning, providing skills in analysis and design at strategic scales; design option development and testing; working to a brief; and detailing a masterplan project design in 2D and illustrative 3D. This studio module provides an opportunity for you to develop an understanding of the masterplanning process and it introduces a range of international best practice examples to complement the applied learning. The module seeks to equip you with knowledge on contemporary planning/design policy including the production of design codes and design-led planning policy. Teaching will draw on practical examples via studio workshops, context-based study, student-led site visits, external speakers/practitioners and reflective learning. Studio workshops will involve the setting and undertaking of a number of exercises to provide you with opportunities to develop skills in analysing a large scale urban area (+10ha), considering and testing potential design options, designing to a brief, and communicating the final masterplan vision. These workshops are designed to equip you with the core skills and techniques required to produce successful masterplans and understand their links to design coding and contemporary design/planning policy. External speakers/practitioners at set intervals will provide real-world professional experience and expertise on masterplanning, design codes and their relation to planning processes.\
    \
    Throughout the module, you will develop relevant employability skills in spatial analysis, technical design, professional software, visual/graphic communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving and commercial awareness. These transferable skills are highly valued across the built environment sector, including in consultancy, local government, policy and by NGOs. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to develop and deliver a comprehensive technical urban design solution for a large scale urban area that is contextually responsive - promoting places for people.

    **15 credits**

Planning and the Development Process
:   Real estate development involves multiple interconnected stages, including site identification, market and planning appraisal, design development, financial analysis and risk assessment. Developers must make informed decisions at each stage, drawing on evidence about markets, planning policy, design quality and financial feasibility. Planning plays a particularly influential role in shaping development outcomes: it establishes the framework for decision-making, can promote sustainable and inclusive places, and ensures development contributes positively to the built environment. At the same time, planning can impose constraints that affect project scope, viability and design choices. Examining the development process will enhance your ability to analyse complex problems, understand the relationships between planning, design and profitability, and develop practical decision-making skills relevant to planning and development practice. \
    \
    This module introduces the core principles of planning and the development process - the interaction between planning policy, market conditions, design decisions and financial viability - and examines how these factors shape real-world development outcomes. You will explore how developers evaluate opportunities, how feasibility is assessed, and how planning constraints and design considerations influence the deliverability of schemes. \
    \
    You will work towards producing an assessment of the development potential and feasibility of a real site, drawing on market research, planning appraisal, financial analysis (including residual valuation), sustainability considerations and risk evaluation. The module therefore includes coverage of: the structure of development markets and key stakeholder objectives; planning policy and regulatory frameworks shaping development; development appraisal techniques and spreadsheet modelling; and the influence of planning, design and risk on viability and development outcomes.

    **15 credits**

### Optional modules - students will take two modules from this group (restrictions apply, please see Programme Regulations for further details):

Issues in Housing
:   This module introduces you to a range of enduring housing challenges, the policy responses actioned in different places and at different times, and their relative effectiveness. The module builds your substantive knowledge about the causes and manifestations of housing problems and extends your understanding of the links between housing, planning and social policies and outcomes at national, regional and local levels. It develops your expertise and skills in critically evaluating policies, grounded in a knowledge of relevant theories, concepts, and empirical research. The module encourages you to consider the range of actors involved in addressing housing challenges, developing your abilities to question the rationales and assumptions underpinning interventions. By the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate a nuanced awareness of the origins of contemporary housing problems, situated within the relevant geographical and historical context, an ability to evaluate policy approaches oriented to addressing these challenges and suggest new and alternative ways forward.\
    \
    The module is taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. This includes a policy masterclass, that involves you applying knowledge developed in previous sessions to a housing topic to evaluate causes, consequences and responses from a policy and practice perspective. This activity will provide you with an opportunity to develop research and evaluation skills. The assessment involves you preparing a Green Paper on a contemporary housing issue of your choice.

    **15 credits**

Urban Informality
:   The overall aim of this module is to critically examine informality, with a particular but not exclusive focus on cities of the Global South. The module relies on a mixture of lectures, seminars and student-led group work, with the latter focusing on an in-depth case study of a selected city. It explores patterns and causes of informality and discusses the strengths and limitations of a range of theoretical approaches. It also analyses the success of different real-world urban planning responses (understood in broad terms), including government-led, donor-led and community-focused ones, in addressing key urban issues in the context of informality.

    **15 credits**

Planning Law
:   The nature of planning activity and its outcomes are underpinned by legal frameworks, procedures and case law decisions. These legal frameworks are intended to ensure clarity and fairness in the exercise of planning powers. They also change over time to reflect changing circumstances and government priorities. The aim of this module is to provide you with a thorough understanding of the procedures for controlling development through planning\
    \
    More specifically, in this module, you will develop knowledge and understanding of this complex and important area by exploring the roles and underlying values of law and policy in the English planning system within an international context. Core themes include:\
    \
    - the discretionary basis of UK planning;\
    \
    - the definition of development;\
    \
    - the legal process for undertaking planning decisions;, \
    \
    - processes of planning appeal;\
    \
    - the changing status of development plans ;\
    \
    - the role of enforcement.\
    \
    You will also be able to learn by exploring examples where contemporary policy is shaped by legal decisions and the scope for flexibility in working within established legal frameworks. You will explore case studies from practice to develop your knowledge and this will also allow you to focus on the development of your written communication skills in a variety of different formats depending on your own career interests.

    **15 credits**

Urban Regeneration
:   Urban regeneration is common practice in the governance of urban change worldwide. Proponents make positive claims about its impacts on the urban economy, society and environment, critics point to its negative outcomes. This module helps you to develop your critical understanding of the changing conceptualisation and practice of urban regeneration in its multi-scalar governance context. You will be guided in understanding how processes of urban regeneration are contextually specific, and how governance issues of scale, key actors and purpose are relevant to this specificity. Drawing on Global experiences, you will consider the role of the state and other actors in the formulation and implementation of urban regeneration policy, and the extent to which communities are engaged in and benefit from these processes. Through critical review of 'real world' cases, ranging from megaprojects to micro interventions and activities, you will be able to identify the tensions, vulnerabilities and varied impacts of such approaches, their place and context-specificity, and consider alternative governance and policy responses. The assessment will focus on the development of your written communication skills in presenting a clear, well structured and evidenced-based argument, an important skill for both future studies and careers. You will be taught through a detailed lecture programme with a focus on in-class discussion, combined with interactive sessions.

    **15 credits**

Extended Reality, Design and Placemaking
:   This module explores placemaking as a multi-faceted approach to planning and designing spaces that emphasizes community involvement and the creation of vibrant, meaningful, and inclusive environments. As technology transforms how we interact with our surroundings, new technologies such as extended reality (XR) - including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality - are becoming crucial in reimagining placemaking processes. In this module, you will be able to investigate how technologies such as XR can enhance placemaking through, for example, virtual urban prototyping, spatial storytelling, augmented community engagement, and immersive participatory design. The module also addresses challenges and ethical considerations, including accessibility, digital divides, and potential disconnection in mediated environments. \
    \
    Your learning will include hands-on workshops, practical exercises, and critical discussions, focusing on essential XR tools such as 3D modeling, spatial mapping, and immersive storytelling. You will be able to develop practical skills through client-focused scenarios, exploring how technologies such as XR can support community-centric urban design. This module aims to support you to develop employability skills to be able to creatively apply XR in designing and revitalizing public spaces, equipping you for roles in urban design, spatial planning, community engagement, and immersive media industries.

    **15 credits**

The Urban Climate Emergency
:   Climate change is one of the most significant and urgent challenges of the 21st century. Cities generate over 70% of the world's CO2 and consume 60% of global energy, they therefore play an important part in mitigating the extent of climate change and in adapting to the effects of the climate crisis and its impacts on societies and the global environment. In this module you will get to explore the drivers of climate change and their implications for urban systems. The module will help you to develop skills in critically considering how urban professionals can respond to these challenges in ways that promote just and sustainable transitions. Key ideas and concepts will be presented in lectures, with supporting seminars providing space for discussion and debate. You will be supported to develop key employability skills in report writing and presenting clear and evidenced-based arguments.

    **15 credits**

GIS for Built Environment Professionals
:   This module introduces you to key Geographical Information Systems (GIS) principles and techniques, equipping you with practical mapping and spatial analysis skills, across a variety of fields where GIS is becoming an increasingly relevant and embedded tool. The focus is on enabling you to develop an understanding of the potential of GIS and some fundamental GIS skills, and you will be supported through a series of workshops using a range of common software.\
    \
    Through a series of hands-on workshops using open-source GIS software (QGIS), you will learn how to source, manage and visualise spatial data, design clear and effective maps, and carry out basic and advanced vector and raster analyses that are increasingly in demand in planning, environmental management and wider urban contexts. You will also be able to develop important skills, such as how to digitise the geo-reference paper maps and aerial imagery, apply GIS to a real-world case study (e.g. mapping the motor city), and experiment with simple automated mapping workflows. \
    \
    Throughout the module you will develop both technical and communication skills: sourcing and managing spatial data, producing clear and impactful geovisualisations, and writing concise, well-structured reports that interpret and critically reflect on your analysis.\
    \
    These skills link directly to GIS and qualitative analysis work in other modules and provide a foundation for dissertation projects and industry applications. Assessment is through an individual written report that combines maps, analysis and reflection on the methods you have used.

    **15 credits**

Urban Heritage and Conservation
:   This module introduces you to the theories and practices of urban heritage conservation in a global context, and aims to equip you with the basic skills to appraise heritage value and propose a planning response for conservation. This is achieved by discussing the evolution of the heritage movement and the shifting of conservation focus in the urban built environment. Critical questions will be debated in class such as how heritage is defined, by who, as well as the implications of conservation practices at different scales. We will look at the contemporary challenges to heritage conservation and the role of heritage in future place-making and sustainability. Using case studies, we will examine the creative conservation practices in the UK and internationally. Drawing on the development o your knowledge and skills developed throughout this module, you will get to develop your own heritage project, critically applying your knowledge and skills to a real world case.

    **15 credits**

For the extended dissertation project you can choose a design thesis or a conventional written dissertation.

### Students will take one of these two dissertation modules:

Dissertation
:   This is a core module which allows you to develop and manage an individual research project, building on and extending knowledge gained from your wider programme. The module aims to help you to develop and apply research skills and an appreciation of the issues involved in managing a research project; to develop an understanding of the role of research in relation to theoretical and practical dimensions of the chosen discipline; and to further deepen knowledge in your chosen field of planning, real estate, urban design, development, or related interests.

    **60 credits**

Design Dissertation
:   This module is a major research project that offers you the opportunity to develop and manage an individual research informed site-based urban design project, building on and extending knowledge gained from your wider programme. The module aims to help you develop and apply research design skills, site analysis and development skills, and visual communication skills. You will gain an appreciation of the issues involved in managing a research project; an understanding of the role of research in gaining a detailed understanding of a site and developing contextually appropriate site design solutions; and you will further deepen your knowledge and experience in a chosen field of urban design or planning.

    **60 credits**

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

## Open days

Interested in postgraduate taught study?

- [Take part in our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on **Wednesday 29 April**
- [Join us on a discovery afternoon](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/masters-study-discovery-afternoon "Masters study discovery afternoon") on **Tuesday 12 May**
- [Register your interest](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/register-your-interest "Register your interest in postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield") in studying at Sheffield.

## Duration

1 year full-time

## Teaching

We'll teach you to be an independent, critical thinker who can act as a reflective practitioner and deliver positive professional contributions across the built environment.

Your learning is informed by the cutting-edge research of our academic staff to ensure your knowledge and understanding of contemporary design, planning and urbanism issues is based on the latest international thinking and evidence.

Our urban design modules are taught  in our new [dedicated urban design studio](https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning/school/facilities/urban-design-studio "Urban design studio"). Sessions comprise a mix of applied studio-based learning, small group workshops, project work, design crits, seminars, computer workshops and tutorials as well as lectures.

Our planning modules are taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

These formats enable you to examine the knowledge gained, help to develop your analysis, research, and decision-making skills, promote team working, and bolster skills in digital technology, design/planning techniques and strategy development.

All students receive a licence for Adobe Creative Cloud software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for your personal computer to work on design projects at any time throughout your degree. You'll benefit from our dedicated immersive design equipment in VR and AR to help explore, analyse and design urban environments as well as 3D printers to create massing models and print/plotting facilities to present your work professionally.

We work with professional practitioners across the programme who bring their experience of cutting-edge practice to our teaching and learning environment. Guest speakers including policy makers and professional planners. Our design courses are supported by dedicated professional practice studio tutors.

## Assessment

The MSc prioritises applied project work with a range of coursework assessment methods and types that will enable you to produce a professional portfolio on completion of the programme.

All design-focused work linked with studio modules is presented at A1 and will include studio critiques, peer-review, presentations, and 3D physical model making using our 3D printing equipment.

In planning and elective modules, modes of assessment will include essays, policy papers, reports, posters and presentations. All assessment is designed to test specific skills and levels of understanding across both urban design and planning.

Finally, you will complete a design dissertation or research dissertation which is assessed in the form of an 8,000 word design portfolio or 12,500 word research essay. Modules typically feature some elements of assessed group work as well as a larger weighted individual submission.

Throughout your time in the school, you will have a designated academic tutor to help you develop your academic skills and signpost you to other kinds of support if you need it.

## Your career

The MSc will equip you for professional practice in urban design and planning in the UK and internationally. Past graduates have been well placed for jobs globally, particularly in East Asia and India as well as more locally across the UK. Further study for a PhD in our leading centre for doctoral training and research is another common route for our graduates.

MSc Urban Design and Planning graduates are popular with employers in both the private and public sectors, particularly in consultancy as well as in government departments and agencies, and third sector organisations.

Our graduates have developed successful careers across the built environment sector including, in urban design, planning, real estate development, urban policy, central and local government, international development, non-governmental organisation, and research.

Our graduates are employed by a range of organisations including Lichfields, Savills, ARUP, Arcadis, Transport for London, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Crowley Associates, DLP Planning, and local government and city councils.

All students are supported in developing an urban design portfolio to enhance their employment prospects for design-led roles – demonstrating their competencies in urban analysis, design codes and planning policy, technical skills in software and drawing, and applied design on real-world sites. We offer dedicated portfolio sessions delivered by professional practitioners to support this.

The course will teach you a wide range of transferable skills which are attractive to a broad spectrum of employers beyond the built environment sector including analytical skills, problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, creativity, design competencies and communication.

The employability of our graduates is of paramount importance to us. The development of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that enhance your career underpins our course design.

## School

### School of Geography and Planning

Geography and Planning building

At the School of Geography and Planning, we explore how people, places and environments shape the world. We collaborate with professional bodies, alumni, policymakers, practitioners and communities, together contributing towards creating a more just and sustainable future.

We’re internationally recognised for our expertise in tackling the global challenges of climate and environmental change, urbanisation, sustainability and social justice. Our teaching and research connect the human and physical processes that are woven through natural and built environments, helping to build understanding and knowledge, and to respond to the complex relationships between society, nature and the built environment.

You will join a vibrant, supportive community of scholars and practitioners committed to making a real difference. Teaching at Sheffield is research-led and practice-informed, drawing on our world-leading work across multiple subject areas.

Our courses focus on developing your analytical, ethical, professional and wider employability skills so that you can engage critically with the most pressing issues of our time - from the management and development of our urban and natural landscapes, to environmental governance, climate resilience and global development.

We place our students at the centre of everything we do. You’ll be supported by dedicated staff, benefit from excellent fieldwork opportunities, and have your voice heard in shaping your experience. Our inclusive culture ensures that everyone can thrive academically and personally.

Graduates from our programmes go on to careers that make a positive social and environmental impact, working in government, international organisations, consultancy, NGOs and research. If your interests are in the management and development of our natural and built environments, by studying with us you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to shape more sustainable, equitable and resilient futures.

Join us at Sheffield - where geography and planning come together to understand the world and change it for the better.

## Student profiles

[Choosing the University of Sheffield was not a hard choice.

 Swati Ladha

Alumni,
\
 Urban Design and Planning](https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning/masters/profiles/choosing-university-sheffield-was-not-hard-choice)

## Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.

We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

[Entry requirements for international students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught "Postgraduate taught")

### **English language requirements**

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

[Other English language qualifications we accept](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/english-language "English language requirements for postgraduates")

### Other requirements

We will **not** ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.

We **do not** require a supporting statement for this programme.

### Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a [pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes/pre-masters/business-social-sciences-and-humanities ) at the [University of Sheffield International College](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/). This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please [contact the school](#contactus).

## Fees and funding

### Additional costs

Costs for field classes are not included in the tuition fee.

### Funding

[Funding for postgraduate taught courses](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/funding "Funding for postgraduate taught courses")

## Save on your course fees

### £3,000 scholarships for international students

Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will [automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate/international-postgraduate-scholarship "International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026") (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.

### Save up to £2,500 on your course fees

Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could [save up to £2,500](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount "Alumni Discount") on your postgraduate taught course fees, [subject to eligibility](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount#terms-and-conditions "Alumni Discount").

## Apply

You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

[Apply now](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply/applying "How to apply")

## More information

[School of Geography and Planning](https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning/home)

## Contact

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

[Contacts for prospective students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/study "Contact us: course, application and study enquiries ")

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

[Our student protection plan](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/student-protection-plan "Student protection plan")

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read [information from the UK government](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications) and the [EU Regulated Professions Database](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/regulated-professions/index_en.htm).

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