Urban and Regional Development (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
This MSc provides the opportunity to understand socio-economic change in different towns, cities, regions and city-regions globally.
Professionally recognised
Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
A global context
Gain an understanding of socio-economic change in different towns, cities, regions and city-regions globally.
Expert-led
Learn from and engage with research-active staff who are working at the forefront of the discipline.
Make a difference
Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to help tackle the grand challenges facing cities and their populations.
Our MSc Urban and Regional Development programme (accredited by RICS and partially accredited by the RTPI) is designed for those who want to understand more about urban and regional economic development theory and practice.
The economic development of cities and regions is becoming increasingly important in a global economy characterised by rapid technological change, transforming economies and globalisation. This programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking to meet the challenge of developing competitive, smart, sustainable and inclusive economies.
Our focus is on enabling you to develop your knowledge and understanding about the nature and source of this economic change and recognise its uneven impact on different social groups, communities and countries. Drawing on topical theoretical debates about uneven spatial development and the challenges this presents at particular spatial scales, this programme will provide you with the key skills – data analysis, research and problem-solving – required to shape local and regional development through policy and practice innovation.
We also focus on network and consensus building by looking at structures and frameworks for engaging and working across different industries, sectors and organisations – including public, private, third sector and social enterprises.
You’ll gain the critical skills and robust policy understanding to address the practical challenge of designing strategies which will help cities and regions to become more innovative and resilient places in which to live and work.
Accreditations
Where you'll study
School of Geography and Planning
Join us as we explore and tackle the social, political, economic, development and environmental challenges which affect where and how we live.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as architecture, art and design planning, engineering, environmental design/science geography, urban design or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. A reference must be provided by your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a full-time MSc programme, taught over one year and comprised of modules totalling 180 credits.
It is divided into two parts:
- Part one: a teaching programme of core and optional modules over two semesters.
- Part two: an individual dissertation on a topic of your choice, selected in consultation with members of staff. Whilst there are few constraints on the choice of topic, it must address at least one of the core course themes of the Urban and Regional Development programme.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
You will be required to take taught modules to a value of 120 credits altogether, 60 credits in year one and 60 credits in year two, as well as the dissertation which is worth 60 credits.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Development in Practice | CPT892 | 20 credits |
| Research Methods | CPT926 | 20 credits |
| Urban and Regional Economies | CPT929 | 20 credits |
| Governing Urban and Regional Dynamics | CPT930 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | CPT508 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Real Estate | CPT857 | 20 credits |
| Planning City Futures | CPT866 | 20 credits |
| Planning for Sustainability | CPT878 | 20 credits |
| Renewable Energy Development and Planning | CPT909 | 20 credits |
| Digital Planning and Development | CPT931 | 20 credits |
You will be required to take taught modules to a value of 120 credits altogether, 60 credits in year one and 60 credits in year two, as well as the dissertation which is worth 60 credits.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
An array of teaching and learning styles are used throughout this programme.
You will attend lectures, participate in seminars and discussions, and attend field study visits. Most of the taught modules in the programme are compulsory, though there is some scope for choice in the second semester at Cardiff University.
You should attend all timetabled sessions of the programme – lectures, seminars and presentations – but are also expected to engage in independent study of at least 20 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of summative assessment methods are used. These include formal written examinations, written texts, written assignments of a variety of lengths, projects requiring empirical data, case studies, student-led presentations, reviews of current research, library-based research, negotiated topics and formats.
With the exception of two modules (which use exams), all assessment is now done by coursework. This approach allows you to pursue and develop specific interests and themes across a range of different modules. It also provides further opportunities for you to work independently and demonstrate high-level practical, professional and transferable skills.
Coursework will generally consist of one piece of work of 4000–5000 words unless otherwise specified. Some coursework assessment will take the form of project-based work where this is appropriate to the skill set and learning outcomes.
The major piece of project work will be the dissertation. This will involve an independent piece of analysis and empirical research. The dissertation will be an integrated part of the scheme with a preparatory module (Research Study Methods) which aims to provide you with the skills and the knowledge necessary to complete the exercise successfully.
You will be expected to complete the dissertation by the end of September of your final year.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of the course. You will retain this tutor throughout the two years.
All modules make extensive use of Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will find your course materials.
You will be given the chance to reflect on your abilities and performance through the Personal Development Planning module, available on Learning Central, through the Professional Development module that forms an integral part of the third semester experience, and through personal tutor meetings.
Resources and facilities
- Access to a dedicated PC laboratory with high quality peripherals including: network account laser printing, large format colour printing, A4 colour printing
- GIS facilities/workstation/access to Edina digimap digital mapping facility
- Two dedicated computer technicians
- A 30-PC open-access laboratory in the Glamorgan Building
- An excellent library containing more than 12000 specialised books, 280 journal titles and stock expenditure of over £100,000 per year
- Access to dyslexia resource facilities
- Support for students working/assessed through the medium of Welsh
- Professional skills delivery during the induction week to provide students with training on computer use; presentation skills etc.
Feedback
You will receive written feedback on all assessments. Formative guidance is provided on unassessed exercises, including an oral presentation based on the draft dissertation.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills – discipline-specific as well as more generic employability skills.
As a student on this programme you will:
- Develop a critical theoretical understanding about processes of socio-economic change in comparative perspective – in towns, cities, regions and city-regions across the world
- Develop sound data analysis and research skills, in particular in the analysis of uneven development at the regional and more localised community scales
- Gain practical skills in devising urban and regional development strategies
- Be able to critically reflect on and engage with the practical and policy challenges of addressing uneven development between places
- Develop an understanding of the social, economic, political and spatial frameworks which shape urban and regional development policy and practice
- Develop competence in policy analysis in different institutional settings and spatial scales
- Hone personal and communication skills in self-management, team-building, analysis, decision-making, report writing and presentation
- Develop specialist skills and knowledge to an advanced level in particular areas
- Appreciate and evaluate the interactions between theory, policy and practice and critical self-awareness of your own professional practice.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £10,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £24,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
The course offers the knowledge and expertise to enable you to work within a large number of urban and regional development-related careers. These can range from research, policy development and implementation, planning roles within the public and private sectors to agencies and businesses involved in new and re-development projects.
The course is suitable for both UK and international students.
Next steps
Open Day visits
Register for information about our upcoming dates.Make an enquiry
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
