Great Degrees for Urban Design and Planning: How to Get Started

Urban design and planning are fantastic career choices for creative professionals who want to impact community development. With a degree in urban design and planning, professionals can work in diverse environments and have flexible job options.

At LIS, we help students gain interdisciplinary skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on training, to set them up for success in urban planning and design. Our program also provides internship opportunities so you can gain real-world experience and forge industry connections.

This guide unpacks excellent degrees for urban design and planning. We cover what to expect as a professional in this field, the essential skills employers seek, and the job outlook. 

Table of Contents:

• What Do Urban Planners and Designers Do?
• Is a Degree in Urban Design and Planning Important?
• Great Urban Design Degree Programs to Kickstart Your Career
• Can You Gain a Certification in Urban Design and Planning?
• Detailing Your Urban Design and Planning Career
• How to Choose the Right Degree Program for Urban Designers?

Urban planning is the design of environments. These professionals determine how cities, towns, streets, and spaces should be developed for current and future sustainability. 

Students who complete an urban design degree program often progress to become architects, town planners, urban project officers, and many other related careers.

Typical work duties for urban designers and planners include:

• Develop plans for land use, transportation networks, public facilities, etc.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders, investors, and policy boards.
• Review site plans from developers.
• Research to inform development plans.
• Staying updated with zoning regulations and environmental laws. 

However, the exact job duties graduates can expect depend on which career they progress into. Those who use their degrees to secure positions as town planners will have different responsibilities than those who pursue architecture. 

A degree in urban design and planning is imperative for aspiring professionals. While some fields are open to professionals with experience and no formal qualifications, urban design and planning require academic education. 

These degree pathways prepare students with core knowledge in various areas, including:

• Landscape Architecture
• Regional Planning
• Sustainable Development
• Community Development
• Urban Development 
• Critical Thinking 

Achieving a degree in urban design and planning is the best way to secure career opportunities. 

A degree gives you practical learning and exposes you to networking and real-world experience. These advantages make it easier to find more lucrative positions after graduation. 

To start your urban planning and design academic plan, you must select the right degree. We’ve compiled a list of excellent urban planning and design degree programs, including the available financial support, curriculum and tuition fees. 

Arts and Sciences: Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods (BASc) – The London Interdisciplinary School 

The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) offers the (BASc) degree to help aspiring students gain fundamental skills. Unlike most degree programmes, this pathway doesn't take a specialised approach to help students gain urban planning and design skills. 

Instead, learners will gain interdisciplinary skills from a diverse group of academics, including philosophers, journalists and artists. LIS promotes practical skills through two capstone projects, requiring students to apply the skills they've learned over three years.

In addition, LIS brokers internships for qualifying students every summer. This exposes them to working with real organisations. They can develop professional networks, and leverage career support to excel after graduation.

Key Curriculum: 

• Problems 1b inequality & 1c project: Focus on environmental change, stakeholder mapping, and project management skills, relevant for urban planning and design.
• Problems 2b (Urban Futures): This directly addresses urban design through hands-on interventions, exploring city futures and prototyping.
• Quantitative Methods: Data science and modelling techniques (e.g., Networks and Games) are vital for understanding urban systems.
• Design Thinking: Offers essential skills in prototyping and human-centred design for urban spaces.‍
• Capstone Project: Opportunity to tackle urban challenges independently.

Fees:

• £9,000 / per year for home students
• £15,000 / per year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Income from internships: Eligible students participating in an internship can apply for financial support. However, they must earn at least the London Living Wage.
• Hardship grants: Qualifying students who have experienced sudden financial hardship can apply for support. 
• Financial support bursary: This financial aid is awarded to eligible students based on household income or similar circumstances. These bursaries are worth  £1,000 to £7,000 every year. 

Key Takeaways:

• Students can gain a wide range of interdisciplinary skills to transfer to different career pathways.
• The tuition costs are affordable compared to many other degree programmes.
• LIS prioritises real-world skills through capstone projects and internships. Students have access to the resources and skills they need for successful careers. 
• Students can engage in social events and career and wellbeing programs.

Here is what one of our graduates has to say about studying with LIS: 

"My time at LIS has been nothing short of transformative! The degree has shaped the way I approach complex problems. I've grown to appreciate and understand the multiplicity and complexity of real-world issues and have had a chance to work on meaningful projects with some of the smartest people I know. Given the suite of transferable skills I've acquired during my time here, I'm confident in my ability to adapt and thrive just about anywhere I decide to go. The LIS community truly is exceptional and will forever hold a special place in my heart."

BSc (Hons) Urban Design & Planning – University for the Creative Arts

Urban planning students can study for the Urban Design & Planning bachelor's degree at the University of Creative Arts (UCA). Students have the choice of studying for three or four years, and they will gain practical experience through hands-on projects. 

UCA provides an integrated foundation year for students who want to develop the necessary skills to be eligible for this degree. They also offer a study abroad opportunity, where learners can complete part of their program in a different country.

Curriculum

• Planning for Equity
• Critical Analysis
• Briefs and Positions
• ATOM Activities
• PLE Digital Outcomes

Fees:

• £9,250 / per year for home students
• £17,500 / per year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Bashir Makhoul International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship covers the total tuition fees for qualifying international students annually. Students must have a record of academic excellence or show financial need. 
• Partner Scholarship: Eligible students from a partner school or college can apply for a bursary of £500. 
• UK Excellence Scholarships: Eligible learners can apply for a £1,500 fee reduction for their first year of study. 

Key Takeaways:

• There is a foundation year option to help students become eligible for this degree program.
• Qualifying students can opt to complete some of their degree programs abroad.
• Students can complete various projects to gain practical expertise. 

Urban Planning and Design BA Honours  – University of Westminster

The University of Westminster offers the BA Honours in Urban Planning and Design, covering all the fundamentals of this field. Students can choose to study for three or four years. If they opt for four years, they can participate in a placement year to work with organisations and solve real-world problems in urban design and planning.

What's fantastic about this degree program is that students are taught in small groups in a studio setting. This university also encourages students to approach different problems in their own way, explore their interests and develop problem-solving capabilities.

Curriculum

• Contemporary Issues in City Planning and Design
• Introduction to Design and Skills
• Economics of Cities
• Urban Heritage and Townscape Conservation
• Research Report
• Resilient and Healthy Cities

Fees:

• £9,250 / per year for home students
• £17,000 / per year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Landsec Undergraduate Scholarship: This scholarship awards £10,000 in each eligible year of study for qualifying learners from underrepresented communities. 
• Westminster Bursary: Students with a £0 household income (as confirmed by the Student Loans Company) will receive £700 per year. 

Key Takeaways:

• This urban planning program hosts students in small groups for individual focus,
• The available placement year offers learners career support through networking and practical skills. 
• The curriculum is robust and covers a wide range of valuable expertise for a career in urban design and planning. 

Urban Planning, Design and Management BSc – University College London

Students can study the Urban Planning, Design and Management BSc degree programme at the University College London (UCL). Over three years, this degree equips learners with comprehensive expertise for a successful career. They will learn core fundamentals and how to address various challenges, such as public health and climate change.

The degree program also fosters hands-on skills. Through fieldwork, project work, and site visits, students will gain a first-hand understanding of critical concepts. 

Curriculum

• Planning Systems
• Contemporary Cities
• Management for Built Environment Professionals
• Cities and Social Change
• Planning and Property Law

Fees:

• £9,250 / per year for home students
• £36,500 / per year for international students

Financial Aid:

• The Bartlett Promise Undergraduate Scholarship: Up to ten undergraduate students can apply for this scholarship every year to cover their entire tuition. This scholarship also grants an allowance for accommodation and study expenses. Students must show educational, financial, or personal factors to qualify for this financial aid.
• UCL Undergraduate Bursary: Eligible students with household incomes lower than £42,875 can apply for between £1,000 and £3,000 for every year of study. 
• Estranged Student Bursary: UCL offers a £1,000-per-year bursary for UK students who can prove estrangement from their families. 

Key Takeaways:

• There are various scholarships and financial aid options available.
• The tuition costs for international students are much more expensive than those of other degree programs.
• There are many opportunities for students to gain practical experience. 

Urban Design, Planning and Development BA (Hons) –  Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University offers the Urban Design, Planning and Development BA Hons for eligible students. Students can study full-time or part-time for three or six years. However, international students don't have the option to study part-time. 

This degree pathway helps students gain the skills they need in a real-world context. Students start by learning the core principles of this field and progress to completing hands-on and real-world projects. In the second year, there is also an opportunity to study abroad. 

Curriculum

• Urban Diversity: People, Society and Space
• Sustainability and Development
• Plans and Policy Making
• Environmental Decision Making: Theory and Practice
• Research Methods

Fees:

• £9,250 / per year for home students full-time, or £1,155 per single module part-time.
• £15,950 / per year for international students. 

Financial Aid:

• The Oxford Brookes Bursaries Scheme: Qualifying students can apply for between £500 and £3000 toward their tuition. The exact amount they will receive depends on their financial circumstances. 

Key Takeaways:

• There are limited financial aid solutions available besides loans.
• Students can study part-time, which may be ideal for those who work.
• There is an opportunity to study abroad. 

Yes, there are certifications in urban design and planning available. However, you don't need a certification to study for a degree programme and vice versa. 

Having both qualifications will give your job applications a competitive edge and prove your commitment to improving your skill set and experience. 

At LIS, we help students gain certificates in core knowledge areas.

Here is a breakdown of our courses:

• Cross-Functional Leadership. Learn how to solve real-world problems through interdisciplinary methods and lead teams with different expertise.
  
  
• Systems Thinking for Sustainability. Understand why systems thinking is crucial for addressing complex, interconnected environmental and social challenges.
  
  
• Risk and Reputation. Gain interdisciplinary knowledge and skills necessary to understand and leverage the power of online communities. 

Aligned with LIS's interdisciplinary approach to learning, these courses help students gain valuable leadership, management and critical thinking abilities to transform how they approach their careers. 

With these certifications on your resume, excelling in urban design and planning or making a career shift can be easier.

So, you know what great degree pathways are out there. But what about your career post-education? In this section, we'll explore all the information you need to plan your urban design and planning career. 

Let's look at what skills employers value, the average annual salary, and the career outlook.

What Skills Do Employers Look For?

Knowing what skills employers look for is crucial to excelling in urban design and planning. This will help you remain competitive in the job market. It can also make it easier to secure a position after graduation:

Here are the top soft and technical skills urban design and planning employers require:

• Communication: Urban planners must know how to communicate their plans and progress to stakeholders, clients, public officials and colleagues. 
• Research: Research is a fundamental aspect of urban development. Professionals must have an in-depth understanding of communities and various laws and regulations. They also need to know how to extract the information they need from research and showcase it to stakeholders.  
• Spatial Analysis: This skill is the ability to imagine constructs and spaces in three dimensions. Professionals rely heavily on this skill to determine how to create new features, such as fountains or parks. They also need to envision implementing new developments, such as buildings. 
• Project Management: Urban planners and designers must know how to create and manage project plans. Professionals should also be able to communicate and track the details of these plans and ensure teams are aligned. 
• Creativity: Whether professionals work in government, private, or nonprofit sectors, creativity is imperative. For example, they must know how to develop an urban environment that will support sustainability in the future. Often, they'll have to think beyond the norm. 

How Much Do Urban Designers and Planners Earn?

The median annual salary for urban planners and designers is £38,500. Entry-level positions start at £30,000, while experienced professionals can secure jobs paying £47,575 annually. 

These positions pay higher than the average salary in the UK, highlighting the importance of aspiring professionals gaining the necessary qualifications. 

Will Urban Planning and Design Jobs Grow?

Related urban planning and design jobs are forecasted to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033, which is as fast as the average. As populations expand, the need for living and working spaces will accelerate the demand for professionals in this field. 

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Selecting the right degree program for your urban design and planning career requires careful consideration. Evaluate these factors before making a choice:

• Curriculum: Aspiring professionals must choose a degree program that covers topics aligned with their interests. If students want flexibility, they should opt for interdisciplinary learning like LIS. Ultimately, choosing a curriculum that covers topics that support your professional goals is imperative. 
• Practical Skills: Hands-on skills will better prepare you for your career. These skills also help you build a portfolio before you graduate to show employers how you can benefit their organisations. 
• Tuition Costs: Whether you are an international or local student, choose a degree program that fits your budget. 
• Financial Aid: It's essential to consider degree pathways that offer various financial aid solutions. Although some students may not need scholarships and bursaries, it's best to have the option available should your financial circumstances change. 
• Major Requirements: Consider the eligibility requirements for your degree program. If you don't meet all the requirements, consider options that offer a foundational year to prepare you. 
• Student Support: An ideal degree pathway offers sufficient career and wellbeing support. Students should have all the resources they need to thrive. 

Choose LIS and Become an Urban Designer and Planner Today 

Aspiring professionals who want to become urban designers and planners must gain a bachelor's degree to secure high-paying jobs. 

This qualification gives graduates opportunities to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability in communities, work in diverse settings and make a positive impact. 

At LIS, we provide an interdisciplinary program, equipping students with core knowledge in critical areas. Whether professionals stick to the urban design and planning field or want to switch careers, our degree ensures they are ready. Gain real-world experience through paid internships and make long-lasting industry connections with LIS.

Ready to jumpstart your urban design and planning career? Contact us today. 

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