Urban Studies

Study the past, present and future of urban and built environments using cutting-edge theories and practices in politics, economics, design, sociology, environmental studies and geography.

Study urban and built environments using cutting-edge theories and practices to anticipate and shape the future of the built environment.

Explore cutting edge interdisciplinary theory and practice, and think creatively about how cities and urban spaces work on our BA Urban Studies course.

From core knowledge and skills, to key issues such as climate change and urban inequalities, this three year course gives you a practical grounding and a broad intellectual understanding of concepts and practices in urbanism, spatial change and planning.

With a blend of academic and live project work, field trips and site visits, this course encourages you to develop specialist interests through optional modules whilst giving you key analytical skills to prepare for your future career. You’ll have the flexibility to transfer to the MPlan Urban Studies and Planning (subject to criteria), plus the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad in Europe, or spend a year further afield at one of our partner institutions.

Why study this course?

1st for construction, surveying and planning: According to the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Dedicated employability team: Based in the school, they support you to get placements, bring in alumni to give guest lectures, work with industry to ensure our students develop the most in-demand skills, and support students with career planning and CV workshops.

Professional skills modules: Running through all three years of the course, these modules prepare you for professional employment or higher-level study and cover skills like project management, teamwork and negotiation. They will encourage you to reflect on the skills you’ve developed during your degree and will enable you to articulate and professionally present your skills and strengths (eg in a job interview).

Research and impact: We're the UK’s top accredited planning school for research and impact, with more than 95% of our research considered world leading or internationally excellent, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.