MSc Urban Planning

Overview

The MSc Urban Planning programme, offered by the Department of Urban Planning and Design at XJTLU, provides you with an international grounding in urban planning that is centred on the theme of urban regeneration.

China is experiencing unprecedented urbanisation in terms of the speed and nature of growth. One of the key issues for future practitioners will be how to deal with the challenge of reusing, transforming, and regenerating the existing urban fabrics of China’s megacities in order to achieve a more sustainable model of urbanisation.

The programme suits students from a range of different backgrounds and it is not limited to those who have undertaken an urban planning undergraduate degree. One of the aims of the programme is to offer a multidisciplinary perspective on the issue of urban regeneration. Staff teaching on the programme offer varying expertise from a range of disciplines including urban planning and design, project management, policy design, and geography. In addition, staff offer a variety of international perspectives including those anchored in Western European, East Asian, and North American theoretical debates.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Unique selling points

The regeneration of existing urban areas will lead China's urbanisation process in the years to come. The MSc Urban Planning programme is particularly designed to help future planners comprehensively tackle urban regeneration problems in diverse contexts. The city of Suzhou, which blends history and modernity, is an ideal place to explore Chinese contemporary cities and planning practices.

Knowledge and skills

Throughout this programme, you will be introduced to theories and techniques that will allow you to approach urban planning in a critical, communicative and people-oriented way. Students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary urban problems and possible planning responses, as well as a mastery of the techniques and procedural skills necessary for effective work in the planning profession.

Modules

Core modules:

• Theory and practice of urban regeneration

• Governance and finance of urban regeneration

• Politics, society and participation

• Place-making and urban design

• Spatial analysis and evaluation

• Sustainable urban planning strategies

• Heritage, historic districts, and conservation

• Project management.

Additional learning activity modules

Careers

The MSc Urban Planning programme provides a solid basis for a range of careers across the world. These include but are not limited to urban planning, policy development, urban design, property development, working with community groups as an advocate to give them a voice in built environment decision-making processes, working with local and central government, and working with non-governmental organisations.

Fees

RMB 90,000 for the entire 18 month full-time programme.

University tuition fees cover the cost of your study with us.

Entry requirements:

academic background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as urban planning and design, architecture, geography, economics, management, environmental science, social or public policy.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)

• TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)