This programme addresses the growing demand for qualified professionals who can harness the opportunities presented by rapid urban development, whilst safeguarding heritage assets and preserving the individual identities of expanding cities.
The fastest growing cities are in the Global South. Both tangible and intangible heritage assets are at risk in cities globally, as they’re often the first casualties of urban transformation projects, particularly in coastal cities where land values are high. Consequently, there’s an urgent need for academic and technical expertise to address the issues associated with urban development and heritage management in a more integrated manner, benefitting both society and planet.
This multi-disciplinary programme integrates architecture, urban planning, urban policy and practice, history, sustainability and social sciences, and considers the impact of globalisation and the climate crisis. You’ll explore the fundamentals of global urbanisation and heritage, and examine patterns of heritage development, conservation, policy and practice. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you’ll come to understand the role, influence and impact of historic and contemporary heritage (and heritage at risk) on urban trajectories.
Heritage is a core research pillar of the University of Liverpool, and the Liverpool School of Architecture is at the forefront of research in architecture, planning and heritage. The International Urbanism and Coastal Heritage Lab (UCH Lab), Architecture Heritage and Urbanism of West Africa Research Centre, The Heritage Institute and other research centres affiliated to the School contribute to this research field in UK, European contexts and further afield. Collectively, their contributions have produced documents and designs, technological and policy initiatives.
Please note: this course is subject to approval for entry 2026/27 and may be subject to change.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll take two compulsory modules and choose optional modules amounting to 30 credits.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO URBANISM AND DEVELOPMENT (ARCH763) | 15 |
| HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY (ARCH762) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll take two compulsory modules and choose optional modules amounting to 30 credits.
Students wishing to take HIST530 must have completed the pre-requisite module HLAC520 in semester one.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (ARCH707) | 15 |
| LOCAL HERITAGE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT (ARCH764) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION, DIGITISATION AND PRESENTATION (ARCH739) | 15 |
| TRANSATLANTIC SLAVERY: HISTORIES AND AFTERLIVES (HIST530) | 30 |
| INTERNATIONAL RECORD KEEPING (HIST561) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Over the summer period, you’ll complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THESIS: DISSERTATION (ARCH721) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching takes place primarily on campus and occasionally online, via Teams or other software platforms. The online teaching will be primarily undertaken as part of our collaboration with the University of Lagos, which will entail staff involvement from the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos contributing as guest lecturers. It’ll be further enriched through the contributions of other invited guest lecturers and stakeholders from industry, institutions and relevant organisations.
Lectures will be supplemented by tutorials and seminars (taking place on a weekly basis), workshops and studio work. Students are required to continuously engage in group work, and there will be opportunities for fieldwork.
The assessment strategy is focused on authentic assessment, designed to help you develop creative problem-solving skills, teamwork skills and advanced research skills.
This programme addresses the global need for interdisciplinary expertise in urban planning, cultural heritage management, and sustainable development. Graduates will be equipped with the skillset necessary for contributing to policy and practice initiatives related to urban transformation, cultural heritage preservation and sustainability.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This programme addresses the global need for interdisciplinary expertise in urban planning, cultural heritage management, and sustainable development. Graduates will be equipped with the skillset necessary for contributing to policy and practice initiatives related to urban transformation, cultural heritage preservation and sustainability.
Graduates may find employment in local and national governments, NGOs, cultural institutions, and urban development firms. The programme also provides a solid foundation for individuals wishing to pursue further research in urban regeneration, heritage conservation, sustainable development or global urban policy.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £26,600
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year. Tuition fees for the academic year 2026-27 will be announced soon.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Optional field trips within the UK: up to £300
Drawing and model-making materials: up to £300.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Please note that this scholarship is only available for master's courses starting in January 2026.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We require a 2:2 (or equivalent from an overseas institution) in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Urban Studies, Area Studies, Demography and Population studies, Development Studies, Sociology, History, Geography, Archaeology or another closely related discipline. A minimum of one year’s work experience in a relevant field is desirable, but not essential. All candidates are required to submit a CV and a personal statement highlighting experience and motivation in applying for the programme. Applicants with non-traditional qualifications, but requisite experience, may be invited to interview. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 1 October 2025 / Programme terms and conditions