MSc Global Urban Development and Planning: The University of Manchester

Course description

Starting in September 2009, this new Masters programme offered by the Global Urban Research Centre (GURC) brings together a team which draws on expertise from the Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM), Planning and other disciplines of the School of Environment and Development (SED).

Course Modules

Subject to final approval, the MSc in Global Urban Development and Planning comprises four core courses, four optional courses, and a dissertation.

Core Courses (all students do four core courses)

• Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South: an International Perspective
• Critical Issues in Urban Inequality
• Best Practice Case Studies in Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South
• Development Research

Optional Courses (all students choose four options)

• Social Development Analysis and Policy
• Reconstruction and Development
• Civil Society and Public Action- Planning and Managing Development
• Poverty, Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction in Context
• Poverty and Development, Concepts, Analysis and the International Policy Agenda
• Climate Change, Disasters and Urban Poverty
• Water and Sanitation Planning and Policy in Developing Countries
• Planning for Environmental Change
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• European Planning Perspectives
• Planning Theory & Ethics
• Community Planning

Dissertation (MSc only)

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants should have a good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline from an approved university, and would ideally have some work or placement experience.

Admission of candidates who do not meet this criterion may be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or professional experience can be provided.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:

• an IELTS Test score of 7.0 or more overall
• or a TOEFL Test (Paper-based) score of 600 or more with a minimum score in Test of Written English of 5
• or a TOEFL Test (Computer-based) score of 250 or more with a minimum essay rating of 5
• or a TOEFL Test (Internet based) score of 100 or more with a minimum writing score of 25.
• an NCUK PMP EAP Grade A

Applicants whose language of academic instruction for at least 1 year has been English may be exempted from this requirement, at the discretion of the School.