Global Urban Development and Planning MSc
Year of entry: 2026
Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time
This MSc offers a critical and practice-oriented approach to understanding the complex challenges facing cities - particularly in the Global South. You’ll explore key issues such as urban inequality, planning for sustainable development, and the social, political, and economic forces shaping urban life worldwide. Ideal for development professionals and social development specialists working across the public, private or voluntary sectors, the course provides a valuable opportunity to gain new expertise in urban planning, policy, and governance within a global context. The programme is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Students wishing to achieve full RTPI accreditation can do so by selecting a tailored combination of core and optional course units. Whether you're looking to deepen your impact in your current role or transition into a new area of urban development practice, this course provides the knowledge, skills and professional recognition to help you get there.
Top 10
Join a UK top 10 Planning department (Complete University Guide 2025)
Proud heritage
Study in Manchester, a city where the environmental consequences of development are on our doorstep and have been researched and taught for more than 50 years.
International fieldtrip
This course has normally included fieldwork opportunities, exploring real-life issues on day trips and overseas residential visits. Past locations include London, Dusseldorf, San Francisco, and Jinja (Uganda).
Keisha Maloney, Canada
MSc Global Urban Development and Planning alumni
“I chose this course in particular because of the interdepartmental and interdisciplinary aspect. Being able to learn the basics of urban planning for the first time, while in the constructs of international development allowed me to challenge my perception of planning beyond 'the West'. Since graduating, I have been awarded the RTPI North West Moss Madden Prize which recognized the research put forward in my dissertation. I have been awarded grants to continue this research through a PhD program at the University of British Colombia. This would not have been possible without the encouragement of the faculty at the University."
