Overview of the Urban Planning MPlan (Hons) Degree

The Urban Planning MPlan (Hons) degree at Loughborough University offers a unique opportunity to help shape the world around us. Our cities and built environments face huge future challenges, including climate change, rising sea levels, population growth, and economic change. This course draws on diverse expertise, providing students with the skills required to help shape our future and solve the big issues our society faces.

Course Details

• Duration: 5 years full-time with placement year or 4 years full-time
• Typical offer: AAB Entry requirements
• Fees for 2026 entry:
  • UK: £9,535 per academic year
  • International: £27,300 per academic year
• UCAS codes:
  • 5 years full-time with placement year: K421
  • 4 years full-time: K420
• Start date: October 2026
• Institute code: L79
• Subject area: Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
• Placement year available: Optional language programme

What You'll Study

This course is developed to give students a broad understanding of the key concepts in spatial planning: the making of place and the mediation of space. A key theme that is developed throughout the years of study is the transition to smart cities. Students will gain a unique insight and understanding of how technology will fundamentally change our built environments and thus the role and opportunities of planning to shape this transition.

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Professional Skills
  • Principles of Law and Economics for the Built Environment
  • Professional Practice in Urban Planning
  • Design Skills and Urban Data Analytics
  • Contemporary Planning
  • Principles of Urban Planning

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Construction Finance and Risk
  • Urban Economics and Development Appraisal
  • Research Methods and Digital Skills
  • Urban Planning and the Environment
  • Design and Place Making
  • Remote Sensing & GIS

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • Planning Theories in Context
  • Future Cities
  • Planning Policy and People
  • Urban Mobility
  • Research Dissertation
  • Teamwork and Leadership

Final Year

• Compulsory modules:
  • Applied Urban Planning Project
  • Modelling and Analysis for Urban Planning
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Mapping and Modelling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (15 credits)
  • Smart Cities
  • Transport Planning
  • Geographic Information Systems and Data Management

How You'll Study

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Field trips
• Independent study
• Group work
• Supervision
• Workshops
• Practical sessions

How You'll Be Assessed

Students are assessed through a combination of individual and group work, such as reports, presentations, examination, and design-based project work. Approximately 75% of assessment will be by coursework with 25% by examination.

Placement Year

• This course comes with the option to undertake an industrial placement for a year, at the end of which you will gain a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS).
• Most placements are fully salaried, with typical salaries from £17,000 to £22,000.

Study Abroad

• If you are interested in travelling whilst you study, there are options to study overseas with our partner universities.
• By choosing this course you'll have the option to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, giving you the chance to not only experience new cultures and visit exciting destinations, but also to expand your learning experience.

Entry Requirements

To learn more about the qualifications we typically accept, please select your country from the drop-down menu below.

General Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for each course should be read alongside the University’s general entry requirements which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative UK and international qualifications and minimum English language requirements.

Contextual Admissions

The University’s admissions process uses contextual information to provide insights into the context in which your academic qualifications have been achieved. This may influence the typical offers listed below.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

UK Fees

• Full-time course per annum: £9,535
• Placement year: Approx. 20% of the full-time fee

International Fees

• Full-time course per annum: £27,300
• Placement year: Approx. 20% of the full-time fee

Your Future Career

Highly skilled Urban Planning graduates are in high demand with various areas of employment available, including environmental consultancy, local development planning, urban regeneration, urban design and transport planning.

Companies Students Have Worked for After Graduating

Our recent graduates in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering have gone on to take up various graduate and professional level roles at companies including:

• Abacus
• ABP
• AECOM
• AMEY
• Arcadis
• Arup
• Atkins
• Balfour Beatty
• Bouygues
• Buro Happold
• CH2M
• Connect Roads
• Costain
• Eurovia
• Fluor
• Foster + Partners
• Interserve
• Jacobs
• Kier
• Laing O'Rourke
• Lendlease
• Lidl
• MACE
• Morgan Sindall
• Mott MacDonald
• Network Rail
• Pick Everard
• Schofields
• Severn Trent
• SISK
• Skanska
• Tesco
• The British Army
• Walter Lilly
• WSP

Related Courses

• Urban Planning BSc
• Architectural Engineering BEng
• Architectural Engineering MEng
• Civil Engineering BEng
• Civil Engineering MEng
• Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying BSc
• Construction Engineering Management BSc

Explore

Our Campus

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Student Support

Get the support you need to achieve your ambitions. We offer lots of services and opportunities, all designed with you in mind. Loughborough really is for life.

Why Study Here

Haven’t you heard? We have a pretty amazing reputation as one of the top ten universities in the UK, but that’s not the only reason. See what else we have to offer.

Accommodation

If you make Loughborough University your firm choice and register for accommodation before the end of July, we will guarantee you a room in University hall accommodation.

Loughborough University

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Overview:

Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.

Strong academic reputation:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.

Vibrant campus life:

Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Focus on research and innovation:

Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.

Excellent career prospects:

Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.

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Academic Programs:

Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.

Sport Science:

Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.

Science and Technology:

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

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Other:

Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.