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Health in Urban Development MSc

London, Bloomsbury

UCL’s Health in Urban Development MSc develops the capacity of urban health professionals and development practitioners to respond to the challenges of urban inequalities, informality and environmental risks in the 21st century. Our course examines the relationships between health, social justice, urban governance and development planning in the urban context of the Global South and Global North, as well as the effects of urbanisation, social interactions and policies on the physical and mental health of communities.  

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£35,400
£17,700
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
5 academic years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject (e.g. Planning, Architecture, Social Sciences, Geography, Health Studies, Civil Engineering) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Health in Urban Development MSc equips you with the analytical, methodological and practical skills needed to address complex urban health challenges in a rapidly urbanising world. You gain a strong foundation in critical thinking and research, with a focus on how health, inequality and planning intersect in both the Global South and Global North. 

During the degree, you explore the impact of urban systems—including housing, infrastructure, food, water, sanitation and mobility—on physical and mental health. Through classroom learning and real-world engagements, you build your ability to evaluate policy and community-level responses, work with diverse stakeholders, and design health-centred strategies for inclusive urban development. 

We emphasise learning through practice. You take part in fieldwork during an overseas practice engagement and in collaborative workshops, giving you the space to test ideas, reflect on your own role as a practitioner, and engage directly with the lived realities of urban communities. 

You shape your learning journey by choosing from a wide range of optional modules across The Bartlett Development Planning Unit and UCL. Our specialist optional modules span key areas of urban development, including post-disaster recovery, housing, urban design, environmental planning, infrastructure, climate adaptation, food systems, and city economies in the Global South. 

By the end of the programme, you will: 

  • Acquire the skills to assess how urbanisation and inequality affect health in a variety of contexts 
  • Understand and apply key frameworks for urban health and development practice. 
  • Gain real-world experience working with communities, practitioners and global partners. 
  • Grow as a reflective and ethical urban health professional, with transferable skills in analysis, communication, teamwork and project delivery. 

Who this course is for

The Health in Urban Development MSc is designed for both recent graduates and experienced professionals who want to engage with urban health justice. What unites our students is a shared interest in addressing the health impacts of inequality, marginalisation and rapid urban change. We encourage applications from those who are strongly motivated to develop human-centred responses to today’s urban health challenges.  

Applicants from a range of academic backgrounds may apply, including but not limited to health, development studies, social sciences (including geography and anthropology), urban planning or architecture. We also welcome applications from professionals already working in the growing field of urban health, including those with a focus on the Global South. Our diverse international cohort fosters a collaborative learning environment, where you learn not only from academics and practitioners but also from one another. 

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Build expertise through practice and partnership 
The overseas practice engagement allows you to apply classroom learning to real-world urban health challenges, working directly with communities and partner organisations. Past engagements have taken place in Marrakech, Belfast and Nicosia, focusing on themes such as urban green spaces, maternal healthcare, student wellbeing, water scarcity, food security, homelessness and health in contested cities. These experiences develop your ability to evaluate development interventions, reflect critically on your role, and contribute meaningfully to collaborative research and urban health.  

Grow your career with insight from researchers and practitioners 
You learn from staff who are actively engaged in global research and practice in urban health and development. Through their ongoing work with international organisations, civil society groups and policy networks, you gain exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities in the field. These connections help you build your professional network and prepare for careers in public health, urban planning, international development or further academic research. Explore our Health in Urban Development MSc staff profiles.  

Join a global community committed to just and sustainable urban development 
The Bartlett Development Planning Unit delivers world-leading teaching and research focused on socially just and sustainable development. Since 1954, we have worked with practitioners, and institutions, to design and implement innovative, sustainable, and inclusive development strategies. By joining us, you become part of global network of practitioners committed to equitable urban transformation. We are part of The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment, ranked #1 in the world for Architecture and Built Environment Studies (QS World University Subject Rankings 2025). 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

93.6% of graduates from The Bartlett Development Planning Unit were in work or further study 15 months after graduation and are working in 56 countries around the world (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-23). 

Graduates go on to roles in international organisations, NGOs, government departments and research institutions, working on urban health, policy and development planning. Some continue into doctoral research. 

Explore our alumni career stories

The course provided me with a new set of research skills that allowed me to explore topics I was interested in within the social determinants of health framework. This solidified not only my ability to understand this link more fully through my own research, but equipped me to look more critically at the way organisations make decisions and how to encourage a shift toward treating human health as a priority in development and not an afterthought.

Photo of Shayne standing in front of a bridge in graduation cap and gown

Shayn Stephens

Health in Urban Development MSc graduate

Learn more about Shayn's experience

Employability

To work in NGOs, international organisations or government departments on urban health and environment-related projects, you need strong critical thinking and action-research skills. The Health in Urban Development MSc builds these through core modules that develop your research and communication abilities, and applied assignments that strengthen your capacity to work with diverse stakeholders. 

Development Workshops simulate real-world planning challenges, fostering collaboration, negotiation and strategic thinking. Overseas practice engagements give you hands-on experience working with communities and organisations on urban health issues in international settings. 

We also offer a Dissertation Fellowship Scheme that gives students, selected through a competitive process, the opportunity to work on real-world topics proposed by partner organisations. These fellowships align your dissertation with current development and planning practice, offering opportunities for professional development and, in some cases, leading to research collaborations, internships or employment. 

Networking

We host skills development and careers networking sessions with UCL Careers and connect you with partner organisations, alumni, development practitioners and academics. In addition, The Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) offers a range of extracurricular activities to enrich the student experience. These include: 

  • DPU Dialogues in Development, public events where a diverse range of speakers working in the field of development and planning are invited to share and discuss their work
  • DPU Breakfasts, a series of informal conversations, over breakfast, which provide the opportunity to get insights into the research work undertaken by DPU academic staff
  • DPU Career Events, a series of events and workshops involving staff, students, alumni and practitioner and industry partners to provide support and inspiration for post study career development 

Teaching and learning

The Health in Urban Development MSc combines classroom and real-world learning to explore participatory and community-based approaches to urban health justice. On campus, you learn through lectures, seminars, workshops and project work led by academics and professionals in health and development. Learning extends beyond the classroom through site visits, guest speakers, and the overseas practice engagement. 

Health in Urban Development MSc is assessed through coursework, written academic essays and the 10,000-word dissertation report. 

In Terms 1 and 2, as a full-time student you can typically expect between 9-12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, as a full-time student you typically study approximately 25-30 hours, to undertake self-directed study and complete assignments.

In Term 3, you will complete the overseas practice engagement. The duration of this engagement will depend upon travel arrangements with partner organisations but is typically around two weeks overseas. During Term 3 and the summer period, you will complete your own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with your dissertation supervisor.

Modules

The Health in Urban Development MSc is delivered over four terms in one academic year. In Terms 1 and 2, you take compulsory modules that make up 75% of the taught component (90 credits), providing the theoretical and methodological foundations to become an urban health and development practitioner or researcher. The remaining 25% (30 credits) is made up of optional modules, allowing you to explore topics that match your interests during the same terms. The practice module, which includes the overseas practice engagement, runs across Terms 2 and 3. 

During the summer, you focus on your dissertation—an independent research project supported by a dedicated dissertation tutor. This gives you the opportunity to explore an area of the course that interests you most, using secondary data or primary data that does not require fieldwork (such as online or archival sources). This process builds your skills in research design, literature review, evidence analysis and academic writing. The final 10,000-word dissertation is submitted at the end of the summer. 

 The Health in Urban Development MSc is delivered over two years when taken part-time. 

In Year 1, you study core modules in Term 1 and Term 2: 

  • Health, Social Justice and the City 1 
  • Urban Health and Development Planning Strategies 1 
  • Urban Health and Development Planning Strategies 2 
  • Health, Social Justice and the City 2

In Year 2, the taught component continues across Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3, during which you complete: 

  • Urban Health: Practice and Reflections 
  • Dissertation Report

You also choose your optional modules in Year 2. You can take either: 

  • 1 x 30-credit optional module, or 
  • 2 x 15-credit optional modules

During the summer of Year 2, you focus on your dissertation—an independent research project supported by a dedicated tutor. This gives you the opportunity to explore a topic of your choice using secondary data and/or primary data that does not require fieldwork (for example, internet or archival sources). Conducting this research builds your skills in project planning, literature review, evidence analysis and academic writing. The final 10,000-word dissertation is submitted at the end of the summer. 

The Health in Urban Development MSc can be taken on a flexible basis over a period of two to five years. 

You may structure your core and optional modules in a way that suits your schedule and interests, but the practice module and dissertation must be completed in the final years of your study. 

The dissertation is an independent research project supported by a dedicated dissertation tutor. It gives you the opportunity to explore an area of the course that interests you most, using secondary data and/or primary data that does not require fieldwork (for example, internet or archival sources). This research process develops your skills in project planning, literature review, evidence analysis and academic writing. The final 10,000-word dissertation is submitted at the end of the summer. 

Compulsory modules








Optional modules
























Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Health in Urban Development.

Fieldwork

In Term 3 of the Health in Urban Development MSc, you take part in an overseas practice engagement as part of the Practice Module. This immersive experience allows you to explore urban health challenges in context, or how development interventions can be planned to improve health outcomes in urban contexts. This work is designed to deepen your skills as a practitioner and researcher. Fieldwork typically involves interviews, surveys, mapping and urban health risk analysis. 

Each year, students work on issues identified by partner organisations and initiatives in specific local settings. You present your findings and recommendations in a written report, shared with local partners. These outputs contribute to ongoing projects while also strengthening your professional portfolio.
 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Students gathered having a discussion in a colourful graffitied site during their fieldwork.

At The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, you will join an international community of practitioners working towards socially just and sustainable development through collaborative learning, research, partnerships and practice. You will be supported to challenge assumptions, test ideas, and explore inclusive, participatory approaches to development.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £35,400 £17,700

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Core costs related to mandatory overseas practice engagement are covered by tuition fees. This includes partner and facilitation expenses, travel-related costs where travel is possible (eg transportation, visas, travel insurance) and accommodation costs where required. Students should anticipate to budget approximately £200-300 to cover their personal expenses whilst on the overseas practice engagement, for example food, mobile data and additional leisure activities, however costs will depend on the location and exchange rate at the time. 

Students will need to fund their travel to the Development Workshop, which is a mandatory part of the course. The workshop takes place in London. You should expect to budget up to £15-25 for travel and subsistence. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Any additional funding available will be advertised on The Bartlett Development Planning Unit and The Bartlett faculty scholarships and funding webpages.

The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in The Bartlett to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship webpages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs. 

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Deadline: 9 December 2025
Value: Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

GREAT Scholarship

Deadline: 7th May 2026
Value: £10,000 towards tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn: 

  • Your understanding of what urban health constitutes. 
  • Any experience you have of working in development and/or health-related sectors. 
  • Why you want to study health in urban development at graduate level. 
  • Why you want to study Health in Urban Development MSc at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit and at UCL. 
  • What you think you will bring to the course. 
  • How your academic and professional background prepares you for this challenging course. 
  • Where you would you like to go professionally with your degree. 

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver. 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Development Planning Unit
Development Planning Unit

bartlett.pg-dpu@ucl.ac.uk

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