Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

International Planning and Development (MSc)

Course Aims

The course aims to provide a broad education in international planning and development, enabling students to acquire the knowledge and critical understanding to make a significant contribution to the management of human settlements and urban systems.

Special Features

• This MSc is a combined planning course, fully recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Successful completion of the MSc, followed by a period in practice as indicated in the RTPI’s Assessment of Professional Competence, allows direct membership entry.
• The course capitalises on the research and teaching links the School has with countries throughout Europe and the world. Staff have experience and long-standing academic and professional links in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
• Students are encouraged to bring to Cardiff material related to planning/development issues and problems in their own countries and to use this in coursework.

Course Description

The MSc International Planning and Development tackles the challenges of urbanisation in the 21st century. Since 2008, more than half the world's population has lived in cities. Cities are crucibles of culture, knowledge and innovation, but also harbour poverty and exclusion; globalisation, environmental pollution, and climate change all threaten the well-being of urban residents.

This course spans the disciplines of spatial planning and development studies, enabling students to acquire the knowledge and critical understanding to make a significant contribution to the design and management of cities.

Course Structure

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 includes the taught programme of core and option modules, allowing students to develop specialist skills and knowledge to support a range of career paths. Cutting-edge techniques in planning and international development are taught were relevant.
• Part 2 is the individual dissertation/dissertation project which allows students to develop advanced post-graduate research skills.

Core teaching focuses on issues of development and underdevelopment, city futures in a globalising world, and creation of space and place within different political, cultural, economic and environmental contexts. Options enable students to follow specialisms in urban design, real estate and housing – or a general route with options in options in planning, environment, transport, real estate, site planning, regeneration and housing. The dissertation is an opportunity for students to develop their specialist interests.

Available Modules

The following list relates to the modules for the academic year 2012/13. Please note that these may be subject to change.

Core Modules

• Development and Urbanisation Processes
• Planning City Futures
• Researching Spatial Planning and International Development
• Space and Place: International Planning Practice

Option Modules

• Designing Cities
• Environmental Policy and Climate Change
• Housing in a Globalising World
• International Comparative Planning
• Planning and Real Estate
• Regeneration, Housing and Sustainable Communities
• Site Planning, Design and Development
• Sustainable Transport

For further details and up-to-date information on the course and modules, please see the course listing on the School's website.

Careers Prospects

The course offers the knowledge and expertise for a career in academia, government and the private sector, in a wide variety of organisations including international agencies, central or local government, consultancy and NGOs.

Our Alumni collectively represent the variety of potential careers and jobs that our current (and future) students may embark on.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a first or second class Honours degree in an appropriate subject. This MSc is suitable for graduates in planning, geography, sociology, architecture, engineering, property management, law or other relevant disciplines, or mid-career professionals working in planning, development or similar fields. The course is appropriate for both international students, and UK students interested in international planning.

A minimum standard in English language of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent will be required for students whose first language is not English. The UK Border Agency requires minimum sub-scores of IELTS 5.5 across the four competencies of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The University’s English language centre offers 10 and 8-week Pre-sessional Courses and a longer Bridge Programme and provides on-going support for international students.

Study Visits:

There is a compulsory UK Field Study Visit (FSV) for all students. The School normally supports 33% of the cost of the UK FSV and students must pay the remaining 67% prior to departure; the cost to each student is approximately £120. Students taking the Urban Design - International specialism will have an additional international FSV, and must pay the full cost of this (approximately £800).

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Funding

Cardiff School of Planning and Geography is able to offer a reduction in tuition fees of £500 to all Cardiff University alumni.

For other funding opportunities available through the School, please visit their Tuition Fees and Funding webpage.

The fees below are those before bursaries have been deducted.

Next intake: September each year

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