The MCD Urban Design and Planning is one of our postgraduate programmes accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and it supports students in developing the knowledge and skills needed to become professionals operating in the fields of urban design and planning.
The programme aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of urban design and planning, providing them with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of planning and designing urban spaces. Students will explore the social, economic, and environmental challenges that cities face today and learn how to address these challenges through the development of sustainable and innovative design and planning strategies at various spatial scales.
The programme is offered in both full time and part time, and all modules are mandatory.
In this course, you’ll gain insights into the social, economic, and environmental challenges that urban planners and designers face in designing cities that are functional, liveable, and sustainable. You’ll also become familiar with various planning and urban design tools and methods that are used to address these challenges, and learn how they can be applied to specific contexts.
By the end of the course, you will be able to analyse urban contexts, develop urban design proposals, and evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of projects at different scales. Whether you aspire to become an urban designer, planner, or researcher, this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in your future endeavours.
This MCD is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, including urban planning, architecture and related disciplines.
This MCD taught programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The Royal Town Planning Institute works in partnership with universities to develop and accredit professional planning qualifications to put graduates on track to become a Chartered Town Planner.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In your first semester, you will be introduced to the challenges and forces that shape the built environment and the role played by design professionals.
You will develop an understanding of the conflicts facing planners and urban designers in trying to deliver sustainable development, learn methods and techniques for analysing spatial planning and design issues, and the perspectives and theories that are relevant to the understanding of the role and purposes of planning and urban design.
You will attend lectures, seminars and take part in tutorials and field work to help you to build an understanding of planning and urban design principles and the field.
Please see below for semester one modules. Click on the next tab for semester two modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| SPATIAL PLANNING CHALLENGES (ENVS411) | 15 |
| THEORY, POWER AND ETHICS (ENVS432) | 15 |
| TRENDS, OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS (ENVS469) | 15 |
| URBAN DESIGN: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE (ENVS420) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In your second semester, you will further develop the skills required to excel in the field of urban design and planning.
You will understand more about the challenges that are faced by planners and urban designers when working towards meaningful change and get hands-on with project work that will allow you to apply concepts you have learned in a practical context – working with your peers and clients within the local community.
You will also explore important planning and urban design issues in other places as the programme includes a residential field class. Recently, the field class has visited Glasgow, Lille, Copenhagen and Malmö. The cost of travel and accommodation is covered by the University, but students will need to pay for visas and meals as well as any other personal expenses.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING CHANGE (ENVS459) | 15 |
| SPATIAL PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECT (ENVS467) | 30 |
| URBAN DESIGN STUDIO (ENVS463) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
For your final research project, you will undertake a research focused on urban design. Using all of the skills, knowledge and understanding you have gained throughout the programme, you will identify a research topic, manage your research process and draw policy and design conclusions from your findings.
Lectures and seminars will support your academic writing and primary research skills – and you will have support from your tutor on developing your research outline into a full-scale research project.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION MCD/MA/MSC PLANNING (ENVS491) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll learn through a combination of teaching, learning and assessment methods in line with the varied nature of the programme.
You’ll attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in practical sessions, such as project work and field visits. You are encouraged to take a proactive approach to your learning.
You will plan and organise your studies both on an individual basis and working in groups, take an active role in seminars, class discussions, library and IT studies and make practice contacts and site visits associated with coursework submissions.
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, such as essays, reports, seminar presentations, examinations and project work. Essays, reports, seminars and discussion papers enable you to explore particular components of the course in-depth and present coherent arguments using a range of writing styles, suitable for different audiences.
Seminar presentations provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate your ability in presenting and defending your arguments. Group projects enable you to demonstrate, through verbal presentations, written reports and and design work, your ability to work as part of a team to resolve large and complex problems. Examinations test knowledge, understanding and critical reflection on a range of materials covered in a module.
You will also take part in a final research project focused on urban design. You will work independently to develop and demonstrate research skills and apply knowledge to a specific research problem. You will be specifically assessed on your initial presentation, your research outline, and your dissertation.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Department of Geography and Planning is home to the world’s first planning school. We are a centre of excellence for innovative and influential research and scholarship and are a leading provider of high-quality professional education. We have excellent academic staff who are actively engaged with research and professional practice. This is reflected in the fact we edit two international journals: Town Planning Review and Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management.
Stephanie Fischer discusses what it’s like to study Urban Design and Planning MCD at the University of Liverpool.
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Graduates of this MCD programme have excellent job prospects in the field of urban design and planning and beyond.
There are significant career opportunities in the fields of urban design and planning. Students completing the programme will be able to take up jobs in a wide range of fields; they could work in local authorities, the private and voluntary sectors, as well as architectural offices working on place-making and master planning. Students can also go on to take higher degrees or work as research assistants in academic institutions.
The programme is professionally accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). As such, students develop core skills that will help them gain Chartered Planner status through an engagement with modules that have been developed to meet professional Learning Outcomes established by the RTPI.
Employability is embedded throughout the programme. Through working on real-life projects, collaborating in group work, presenting to professionals, and engaging with a variety of coursework, students will develop a set of skills that will be attractive to employers in the urban design and planning sectors, and will also transfer to other sectors. These include teamwork, the capacity to collect, analyse and synthesise information, presentation skills and digital fluency, as well as critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Students are supported by an academic advisor, offering tailored careers (as well as academic) guidance and by the University’s Careers and Employability team. The Planning Team also works in partnership with the RTPI to deliver an annual careers event and maintains strong connections with employers across the public and private sectors. This ensures students have access to current labour market insight and opportunities.
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 - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
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 £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
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.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
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.
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.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any relevant subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. Relevant work experience is not an entry requirement, but prospective students are encouraged to gain some familiarity with the work of planning professionals prior to joining the programme. International qualifications English language qualifications If you meet the academic requirements of the course but do not have the required level of English Language, it is possible for you to come and study at the University on one of our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes programmes. Please see the English Language Centre website for further information about these programmes. If you require additional English Language training during your study, the University is able to provide tuition and arrange IELTS tests through its English Language Centre, details of which are available at via the website. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this course, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
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 | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 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 writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 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.
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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.
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Last updated 13 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions