Program Overview
The International Development (Urban Development) MScGDip at University of Birmingham is a MSc programme in Architecture & Urban Planning over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of architecture & urban planning. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the International Development (Urban Development) MScGDip programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- Tuition: GBP 15,660 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,190 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the International Development (Urban Development) MScGDip programme are prepared for diverse careers in architecture & urban planning:
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Landscape Designer
- Sustainability Consultant
- Real Estate Developer
- Heritage Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- 20 credits - Critical Approaches to Development
- 20 credits - Urban Poverty and Development
- 20 credits - Urban Regeneration and Renewal
- 60 credits - Dissertation - you focus in depth on a topic of particular interest, with support from a dissertation supervisor (MSc only)
- 20 credits - Aid Politics and Policy
- 20 credits - Conflict in Developing Countries
- 20 credits - Conflict Humanitarian Aid and Social Reconstruction
- 20 credits - Development Management
- 20 credits - Development Politics
- 20 credits - Disability and Development
- 20 credits - Gender and Development
- 20 credits - Governance and State Building in Developing Countries
- 20 credits - Human Resources / Managing People in Times of Global Changes
- 20 credits - Introduction to Development Projects
- 20 credits - Introduction to Disaster Management
- 20 credits - Making Policy
- 20 credits - Managing Public Money
- 20 credits - Non-Governmental Organisations in a Changing International Context
- 20 credits - Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development
- 20 credits - Poverty Inequality Interventions and Approaches
- 20 credits - Public Economic Management
- 20 credits - Public Management and Leadership
- 20 credits - Public Sector Reform and Development
- 20 credits - Religion and Development
- 20 credits - Rural Poverty and Development
- 20 credits - Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development
- 20 credits - State and City in Europe and Asia
- 20 credits - Transforming Development for Sustainability
- Department of Political Science and International Studies
- Institute of Local government Studies
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
MSc:
- An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.0) or
- A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
- Adequate capacity in written and spoken English (More information).
- Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate\'s work experience can also be taken into consideration.
Graduate Diploma:
- A lower second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field is normally required. However, work experience can also be taken into consideration.
- Adequate capacity in written and spoken English (More information).
Learn more about entry requirements.
International students:Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
- by holding an English language qualification to the right level
- by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,660 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,190 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 15,660 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,190 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Birmingham directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
University of Birmingham is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months