Global Urban Development and Planning The University of Manchester

Overview

From rising inequality and informal settlements, to the impacts of climate change, insecurity, and social fragmentation, urban areas in the global South are at the frontline of global development issues.

The Global Urban Development and Planning programme offered by The University of Manchester will deepen your understanding of how cities grow, govern, and evolve under pressure, while equipping you with the critical tools and practical approaches needed to shape more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban futures. 

You’ll explore the relationships between urban planning, development, and social justice, and learn how to design interventions that make a real impact on the lives of urban communities.

Career opportunities

MSc Global Urban Development and Planning students develop an advanced knowledge and skill base that can be applied to professional activities relating to a variety of urban-related fields.

Past students have gone on to work as consultants for international development cooperation agencies, planners for national and local governments and private companies, and as practitioners in slum upgrading programmes, or international networks and national NGOs in cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Planning, Property and Environmental Management graduates in general are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose policies and implement strategies is vital.

After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK.

The graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including environmental management and consultancy, urban planning and design, real estate development, urban and regional development policy, central and local government, international development, energy and water, non-governmental organisations, and research.

Top employers include AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, and Rolls-Royce.