Urban Planning and Design

This course will help you to develop a professional career in urban planning and design. You’ll take an active role in shaping climate-resilient, inclusive and healthy cities.

This interdisciplinary course brings together urban design, architecture, landscape and environmental planning. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of urban planning while emphasising the role of urban design as an exploratory process to create climate-resilient, healthy and inclusive cities.

The Urban Planning and Design BA explores the processes of city transformation, city climate mitigation and adaptation while enabling you to reimagine the urban realm in a creative manner. You’ll be given the skills needed to manage cities sustainably and learn to design diverse built environments, to enhance the lives of those who inhabit and work in them.

During the course, you’ll discuss and critique theory and practice. Case studies and projects reflecting real-world situations will be used to develop your strategic thinking, problem-solving and design skills in a range of international contexts. Our teaching aims to support you with the development of your project work, including the opportunity to undertake an international field trip.

This course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree and is an initial step towards qualifying as a Chartered Town Planner.

You’ll be taught in small studio groups by current practitioners and academics who reflect London’s dynamic architecture and planning scene. You’ll experience studio visits to sites, practices, community groups, and related events. There will also be opportunities to work with the profession through engagement with the RTPI and other professional bodies, as well as through mentoring and an optional year-long work placement.

Westminster is a global university in London with a supportive and welcoming community of over 19,000 students from over 160 countries. With over 190 career‑focused courses taught using industry‑standard facilities, Westminster helps you feel ready for the world of work. Build your confidence and develop skills in specialist workshops, labs, galleries, studios and other collaborative spaces, including Zone29, a new building dedicated to career and enterprise success.

Zone29 is your gateway to practical support, designed for networking, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you want to ace your job hunt, gain new experiences, or turn your idea into a thriving business, Zone29 will help you step into your future with confidence. This is where you can explore work opportunities, find out more about studying, volunteering or working abroad, and so much more. You can attend advice sessions, build your digital capabilities or tackle live projects with industry partners. Whatever your ambitions, Westminster helps you build the skills you need to get ahead.