Course summary

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. 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 MA 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 MA 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. 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 MA 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. 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 MA 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. Our MA cohorts include students from geography and architecture, as well as engineers, economists and graphic designers. The MA 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 MA is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (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. The accreditation enables graduates to apply to become a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), which will give you the professional title of Chartered Town Planner. Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information.