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Sustainable Urbanism MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Sustainable Urbanism MSc brings together urban sustainability theory, policy and design to tackle the impact of rapid urbanisation on the environment and society. This urban planning Master’s degree is designed to teach you the multidisciplinary skills and knowledge ready for a career in the built environment focussing on urban sustainability or sustainable development.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
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

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. There is no particular subject requirement as the MSc provides an 'initial' planning education for graduates with cognate or non-cognate degrees. Where candidates fail to meet the standard requirement (i.e. they hold a degree of a lower classification), the department will take into account professional experience in planning or a related field when deciding whether to admit a candidate. Applicants who do not hold a first degree may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to the programme if they are able to demonstrate considerable senior-level professional experience in planning or a related field. In such situations, a special qualifying essay will be set.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

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

Sustainable Urbanism MSc equips you with the knowledge and practical tools to shape sustainable futures for urban environments and communities around the world. This degree explores the complex challenges of urbanism today, bringing together sustainable urban development theory and practice to advance the sustainability of our towns and cities.

You learn about sustainable urbanism research themes, critically analysing the latest thinking and debates in sustainable development. You explore urban case studies from around the world, examining the tensions and synergies between the institutional, environmental, social and economic goals of sustainability. This course is multidisciplinary. We draw on perspectives from urban planning, geography, ecology, urban design and sociology to offer a holistic understanding of sustainability in urban environments. Through hands-on project work you will gain a practical understanding of the delivery of sustainable urbanism, engaging with plans and designs.

During your degree you:

  • Think critically about possible sustainable futures. Gain hands-on experience through the project-based module, learning to apply sustainability models and concepts to an existing large-scale site, guiding the development of a sustainable and long-term spatial strategy.
  • Put theory into practice, engaging with real urban sustainability issues during a residential field trip and site visits.
  • Pursue your own interests, choosing elective modules from across UCL, or specialist urban planning modules.
  • Undertake your own original research, writing a dissertation or research by design on a specialist topic of your choice.
  • Gain a degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). This degree is also currently undergoing its regular reaccreditation process with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Who this course is for

This course is designed for those who want to specialise in sustainability in urban environments and who have a clear interest in understanding sustainability processes and practices. It is suitable for urban professionals or recent graduates from a range of sectors – including planning, property, design, landscape, geography, anthropology and environmental sciences. We also offer part-time and flexible study options, making it easier to balance your learning with work or other commitments.

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

What this course will give you

A world-class, research-led education 
The Bartlett School of Planning has been at the forefront of planning research and teaching for more than 100 years. We are home to urban experts, including Course Director Dr Tse-Hui Teh, whose research is shaping sustainable urbanism in academia, policy and industry. We are ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our faculty is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Immerse yourself in London 
London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026). With our campus located in the heart of this ever-evolving city, you are surrounded by unique opportunities to study the complexities of sustainability in the built environment. 

Build your career in planning 
Through hands-on teaching and learning, field trips and site visits you gain the skills and knowledge required to excel in your future job. From enrolment, through to three years after graduating you can also access UCL’s Careers Service to support you in finding the right path for your career ambitions.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Photo of groups of people sitting in a sunny urban park

London’s pocket parks

UCL is helping Islington Council create green spaces to improve urban health and climate resilience

The foundation of your career

There is a growing demand for Master’s graduates with specialist knowledge in sustainability from a wide range of both public and private employers around the world. 95% of postgraduate students from The Bartlett School of Planning are in employment or further study within 15 months of further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023).

They are now working in 46 countries around the world in careers across:

  • Local government and central government
  • Planning, Engineering and Architecture firms
  • Planning and urban design consultancies
  • Urban regeneration and environmental agencies
  • Housing and transport sectors
  • Public and private utility companies
  • Academia

Employers of Sustainable Urbanism MSc graduates include Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL), Arup, Aecom, Department for Transport, Future of London, Oxford City Council Urban City Planning Research Centre, Beijing Institute for Architecture and Design and more.

Sustainable Urbanism MSc fundamentally impacted how I see the world and my work in the world. The theoretical understanding of sustainability, energy and resource systems, the climate crisis, and alternative development pathways that I received at UCL have been foundational to my current career.

Photo of Lauren standing in a field

Lauren Uba

Sustainable Urbanism MSc graduate

Learn more about Lauren's experience

Employability

You will gain many transferable skills required to build your career tackling sustainability challenges in urban environments. These include:

  • Systems thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Urban design skills
  • Graphic skills
  • Professional report writing
  • Presentation skills
  • Numerical skills related to sustainable urbanism

Support is available from UCL Careers and our careers specialist in The Bartlett School of Planning to explore your options, build valuable skills, showcase your practical experience, and navigate the job application process. This includes various events and training tailored to the industry, such as alumni and industry insight panels, career taster sessions, masterclasses, careers fairs and more.

Learn more about careers support for planning students at UCL ►

Networking

Throughout your degree you will have opportunities for networking with academics, practitioners, and others who share an interest in sustainable urbanism. Beyond networking through the course, The Bartlett School of planning regularly host public events and co-design workshops throughout the academic year.

Accreditation

 If you hold a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited undergraduate degree then successfully completing the Sustainable Urbanism MSc will make you eligible for 'licentiate' membership of the RTPI. This degree is also currently undergoing its regular reaccreditation process with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Learn more about urban planning degree accreditation ►

Teaching and learning

At UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning we teach through engaged and interactive learning. Alongside lectures, seminars and tutorials we include field trips, group project work, presentations and individual assessments. We also have significant input from industry experts and external contributors. These diverse approaches to teaching and learning are developed to enhance your experience on the Sustainable Urbanism MSc.

Throughout the academic year you will undertake assessments including individual and group work, essays, examination, skills-based practical work, and the personal project.

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops, tutorials and site visits. Outside of lectures, they use their remaining time (approximately 22-29 hours) for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

You will undertake modules consisting of five compulsory modules, two elective modules and a dissertation or major research project. Elective modules can be selected from across UCL – see the UCL module catalogue for more details of modules available. You can explore options from The Bartlett School of Planning on our ‘Specialising in your urban planning Master's degree page.

The structure of the year is:

Term 1 (October–December)

Term 2 (January–March)

Term 3 (April–May) and Summer (June–September)

or

As a part-time student you will typically take your seven taught modules over a period of two years (four teaching terms) and will complete your dissertation/major research project in Term 3 at the end of your second year.

Elective modules can be selected from across UCL – see the UCL module catalogue for more details of modules available. You can explore options from The Bartlett School of Planning on our ‘Specialising in your urban planning Master's degree page.

The structure of the two years is:

  • Year 1 and 2, Term 1 (October-December)
  • Two compulsory modules (30-credits)

or  

  • One compulsory module and elective module A (30-credits)

Year 1 and 2, Term 2 (January-March)

  • One compulsory module and one elective module B (30-credits)

or

  • One compulsory module (30-credits)

Year 2, Term 3 (April–May) and Summer (June–September)

or

Modular/flexible students can take their seven modules during term time and after completing these will move to their dissertation/research by design project. The modular/flexible approach can be completed in two to five years.

You will undertake modules consisting of five compulsory modules, two elective modules and a dissertation/major research project.

Elective modules can be selected from across UCL – see the UCL module catalogue for more details of modules available. You can explore options from The Bartlett School of Planning on our ‘Specialising in your urban planning Master's degree page.

Compulsory 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 Sustainable Urbanism.

Fieldwork

A field trip to explore sustainable urban development projects is taken in Term 2 Reading Week. This includes visiting places and hearing practitioners talk about their projects. The cost of the field trip is included in the tuition fee.

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

Two students looking at an exhibition of student work

The Bartlett School of Planning is one of the leading research-led planning schools within Europe. We offer a hands-on learning environment, guided by urban planning experts and practitioners. Our degrees empower students to unleash their creativity and shape the future of future of cities.

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.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

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.

This course includes one field trip. Travel and accommodation (including breakfast) for the trip will be covered by UCL, however students will need to cover the costs for visas, other daily meals and any other personal expenses. The exact costs will depend on the location and prevailing exchange rates; however, it is estimated that students would need to budget between £200 and £300. 
During the course we will also attend site visits across London. Students will need to pay for their own transport to sites. Based on visits last year you should expect to budget up to £60 across the year to access sites by public transport. Sites are always within the TFL travel zones, and full-time students should be able to benefit from a student Oyster card for slightly discounted travel rates.

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

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

We have given an overview of other funding options you may be eligible for on The Bartlett School of Planning and The Bartlett websites.

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

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:

  • Why you want to study Sustainable Urbanism at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Sustainable Urbanism at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this course
  • Where you would 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.

To support you in the application process we have written a guide on writing a personal statement for an urban planning degree.

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

Bartlett School of Planning
Bartlett School of Planning

bartlett.pg-bsp@ucl.ac.uk

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