Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Home

    Study urban planning abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying urban planning as an international student.

    Find urban planning programs

    Explore urban planning programs abroad

    See other programs in urban planning

    Urban planning degrees abroad

    Urban planning is a process that involves designing, developing, and managing towns and cities. It’s a far-reaching discipline that encompasses elements of architecture, geography, engineering and real estate.

    Programs in urban planning prepare students with the theoretical and practical skills they’ll need to make built environments safe, sustainable and fit for purpose. You’ll develop your design skills, get to grips with the sector’s laws and ethics, and consider the challenges faced by today’s towns and cities.

    Although textbooks are a useful learning tool, they’re no substitute for experiencing the world’s cities in person. Studying abroad will allow you to get out of your comfort zone, experience new places, and connect with global professionals. You’ll see how the design and use of urban environments varies on an international scale, giving you a deeper understanding of the field.

    Urban planning program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in urban planning are normally offered as a BSc and require three or four years of full-time study. The length of your program will depend on where you choose to study and whether you complete an optional 12-month industry placement.

    If you opt to study as an undergraduate in the US, you’ll spend the first two years of your degree taking liberal arts classes before majoring in urban planning for the second half of the program.

    If you want to extend your knowledge and specialize in a particular branch of urban planning, you may wish to enroll in a postgraduate program. Master’s degrees usually last one or two years, with PhDs taking a further four or five years on top.

    You’ll be taught mainly through lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical sessions. Some universities will also arrange urban field trips and guest presentations from professionals. Your progress will be assessed through essays, reports, design work, and projects.

    The content of urban planning courses differs between universities and countries. That said, most will introduce students to these core modules:

    • Urban planning and development throughout history
    • Theory of urban planning
    • Urban design
    • Professional development and practice
    • Healthy and sustainable communities
    • Planning law
    • City regeneration
    • Transport and mobility

    Best countries to study urban planning

    Best universities to study urban planning

    See all universities offering urban planning programs

    How to study urban planning abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Urban planning study abroad programs

    Urban planning undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in urban planning

    • false

      Regional and Urban Planning - BA/BA (Hons) University of Saskatchewan, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,335 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,487 CAD

      Start date
      January, May, July, September
      Show program overview about Regional and Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning - BUrbPlan (Hons) University of Auckland, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,719 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 37,895 NZD

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning - BSc (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,090 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD

      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning and Environment - by coursework - BSc (Hons) RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,424 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,680 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Urban Planning and Environment - by coursework
    See all bachelor's degrees in urban planning

    Urban planning graduate programs

    Master's in urban planning

    • false

      Urban Planning - MUrbPlan University of Auckland, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      26,719 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 37,895 NZD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Urban Planning
    • false

      Housing Studies (with internship) - MSc University of Stirling, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,898 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Housing Studies (with internship)
    • false

      Regional & Urban Planning - MRUP University College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,721 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,200 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Regional & Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning - MSc University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,090 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Urban Planning
    • false

      Urban Planning and Policy - MUPP American University of Beirut, Lebanon

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,710 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,710 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Urban Planning and Policy
    See all master's degrees in urban planning

    Diploma in urban planning

    • false

      GIS and Urban Planning - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      14 months
      Annual tuition fee
      14,653 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,378 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about GIS and Urban Planning
    See all postgraduate diplomas in urban planning

    Future urban planning careers

    As the global population grows and more people migrate into towns and cities, urban planning graduates are in high demand across public and private sectors.

    Your skills in planning, design, and development will help you map out a successful career in areas like housing, transport, urban regeneration, and environmental protection. Here are some of the roles you’d be ideally prepared for:

    • Urban planner
    • Urban designer
    • Housing manager
    • Transport planner
    • Planning and development surveyor
    • Conservation officer
    • Sustainability consultant
    • Landscape architect

    Keeping on top of sector developments and participating in relevant work experience can give you a huge headstart in your career. Your university’s career service can direct you towards internship opportunities and help you to apply for them.