World #1
for Architecture and the Built Environment. The Bartlett has also ranked #1 in the UK for the tenth year in a row.
QS World University Rankings (2025)Discover The Bartlett Development Planning Unit
The Development Planning Unit conducts world-leading research and postgraduate teaching that helps to build the capacity of national governments, local authorities, NGOs, aid agencies and businesses working towards socially just and sustainable development in the global south.
Study with us
Our master’s and PhD degrees train future leaders in international development and urban planning with the skills to work towards socially just and sustainable development in the global south.
People
The Development Planning Unit has over 50 staff, including over 20 full-time professors, associate professors and lecturers.
Research
The Development Planning Unit's research has a far-reaching impact on development policy, practice and thinking.
Advisory Services
The DPU is proud to have a long history of working with organizations whose purpose and concerns resonate with our own vision and mission.
About us
The central purpose of the Development Planning Unit is to strengthen the capacity of governments and NGOs to work towards socially just and sustainable development in the global south.
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70 years of the DPU
Reflecting on 70 years of the DPU
Join us as we mark the DPU’s 70th anniversary with a series of events bringing together our community, partners, and peers. Explore key debates and shared experiences from our global work.
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News
Marrakech's Modernism Revisited – Film output from DPU co-led research project launched
The film is an output from the Bartlett Policy Grant research ‘Modernist Architecture in Marrakech: Transforming Modernist Heritage Public Policy'.
14 Apr 2025
The Bartlett retains global #1 ranking in 2025
The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment, has retained its global #1 ranking for the third year in a row in the QS Architecture and Built Environment World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
12 Mar 2025
Stitch for Change: Embroidery, Storytelling, and Collective Power
From February to May 2025, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea will host Stitch for Change, a project that stands as a beacon of hope in times of global uncertainty and despair which is led by DPU partner, Refugee Buddy Project.
28 Feb 2025
How to apply and funding options
Learn about DPU careers and the funding opportunities available.
DPU careers
Our alumni go on to have an exciting and broad range of careers, using the skills learnt from their degrees at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit.
Funding your studies
Discover scholarships and funding opportunities to fund your studies at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit.
Explore more at the Development Planning Unit
Listen to the podcast series
The DPU's podcasts present key issues around Urban Development Planning.
DPU Blogs
The DPU produces engaging blogs written by staff, students, alumni and partners on a range of relevant and topical subjects
View our latest images on Flickr
Explore pictures taken by staff and students of the Development Planning Unit (DPU) at the University College London (UCL).