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2 Years Part Time Masters Program
University of Westminster
The MA International Planning and Sustainable Development (Part-Time) at the University of Westminster gives you the same internationally recognised training in sustainable urban planning and policy as the full-time route, but structured over two years so you can balance study with professional or personal commitments. It’s ideal for built environment professionals, planners and graduates from social or environmental sciences who want to deepen their understanding of planning theory and sustainable development in a global context while continuing their career.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Core Foundations)
In the first year of your part-time study, the focus is on building a solid foundation in global planning and sustainable development. You’ll engage with key modules such as Planning in a Globalising World, where you’ll analyse policy and planning responses across different international contexts, and Sustainable Neighbourhood Development and Management, which explores participatory planning practices for urban regeneration and community planning. Alongside these, Sustainable Cities and Neighbourhoods introduces you to interdisciplinary debates on sustainability and urban development, preparing you to understand complex real-world planning challenges.
Year 2 (Advanced Application & Project)
In your second year, the curriculum deepens into professional practice and independent research. You’ll study International Spatial Planning Practice to compare spatial planning systems and methods across countries, and Planning Skills and Research Methods to develop professional-level research and analytical tools. A Dissertation or Major Project allows you to apply your learning to a topic of your choice — producing a substantial piece of research or a practical planning proposal that showcases your expertise and readiness for professional or academic roles.
Focus Areas (in a string)
Global planning theory, sustainable urban development, neighbourhood regeneration, spatial planning practice, research methods, climate resilience planning.
Learning Outcomes (in a string)
Apply planning theory to international contexts, evaluate sustainability frameworks, design research-led urban planning solutions, conduct independent research, communicate professional-level planning analyses.
On the MA International Planning and Sustainable Development (Part-Time) at Westminster, your studies are built around applying real planning theory to real places, so you leave with practical skills as well as academic insight. From day one you’ll be working with planning methods, spatial analysis and research tools that professionals use in policy and development practice, supported by Westminster’s research strengths and its links with the Max Lock Centre — a research unit focused on sustainable cities and regions. Being based in London, you’ll also benefit from access to real-world case studies, rich library resources and opportunities to see planning practice unfold in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.
Here’s how that practical engagement comes alive in your part-time programme:
International Planning Field Trip: You have the option to participate in a field trip that gives you first-hand experience of how sustainable planning works in a particular international or UK context (often included as an elective and linked to the dissertation).
Planning Skills and Research Methods: Core modules such as Planning Skills and Research Methods and International Spatial Planning Practice give you hands-on experience with spatial data management, stakeholder analysis, and professional planning tools that mirror industry practice.
Max Lock Centre Research Links: The course is connected to the Max Lock Centre (MLC) — a specialist research institute for sustainable cities and regions — where you can engage with ongoing research, seminars and network with practitioners and academics working on real sustainability challenges.
Group-Based Learning & Projects: Many modules emphasise collaborative learning, where you’ll work with peers from diverse backgrounds to analyse planning issues and present professional-style reports and graphics.
Library & Digital Resources: You’ll have full access to Westminster’s comprehensive library facilities and digital planning databases, vital for conducting robust research for assignments and your dissertation project.
Placement & Internship Support: While internships aren’t mandatory for this programme, Westminster’s placements and internships service connects you with a wide range of organisations — from local authorities and SMEs to charities — so you can gain professional experience and apply your planning skills in the workplace.
Graduates from the MA International Planning and Sustainable Development (Part-Time) often go on to rewarding roles where they shape the future of cities, regions and sustainability programmes — including Spatial Planner, Sustainable Development Consultant, Urban Policy Advisor and Climate Resilience Specialist. Because this degree blends theory with practical planning skills and professional recognition (including RTPI-accredited pathways), you’ll be well placed to step into strategic planning roles in local authorities, consultancies, NGOs or international organisations:
Careers & Employability Services: Westminster’s Zone29 Careers & Enterprise Service offers personalised careers guidance, employer networking events, CV and interview coaching, and access to job and internship listings tailored to planning, sustainability and built environment sectors. Graduates can continue to access career support for up to three years after graduation.
Positive Graduate Outcomes: According to recent University surveys, 88 % of Westminster graduates are employed, in further study, serving in the military, or participating in meaningful activity within 15 months of finishing their degree — and 98 % report that Westminster helped them achieve their professional goals, showing strong outcomes for students’ careers overall.
University–Industry Exposure: Through the course’s London setting and links with planning research networks (such as the Max Lock Centre) and accreditation with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), you gain insights and opportunities that reflect current professional standards and open doors to planning and sustainability communities.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The degree’s RTPI-accredited pathways (Spatial Planning and Urban Resilience) not only deepen your skills but also provide a strong platform toward professional recognition and future chartership, enhancing your credibility with employers.
Graduation Outcomes: With a degree that combines practical planning tools, research methods and sustainability frameworks, Westminster alumni often enter planning practice, consultancy, public policy or design roles both in the UK and internationally — reflecting the applied nature of the programme and its alignment with global urban and development challenges.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your part-time MA, you could continue your academic journey with research-oriented degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in Planning, Urban Studies or Sustainable Development, equipping you for specialist research, policy leadership or academic careers. This pathway builds on the strong analytical, methodological and contextual knowledge you acquire on the MA and positions you for advanced research contributions or senior professional roles where specialised expertise is essential.
UK Req: A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant built environment or land planning-related discipline (such as urban or transport planning, architecture, landscape design, surveying, civil engineering, or land management). Alternatively, a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant human geography, a social or environmental science subject and relevant practical experience of working in a built environment discipline.IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0. & TOEFL: 88 or 4,5 overall with a minimum of 17 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking or 4 in the new scoring system. USA: Students applying for postgraduate courses requiring a UK Second Class Upper degree will need a GPA of 3.0 .China: For entry to a Master's degree that requires a UK 2:2 degree, you will typically need to have one of the following: Bachelor degree from 211, 985 or top national universities with an overall average grade of 65%. OR Bachelor degree from non-211/985 universities with an overall average grade of 70%. OR Master degrees with an overall average grade of 60% - 65% or above.India: You will typically need to have one of the following: 3-year Bachelor's degree (Honours) from an accredited university with a minimum overall average of 55% or CGPA 6.0 out of 10.0 depending on the university OR 3-year Bachelor's degree (Science) from an accredited university with a minimum overall from 58% or CGPA 6.5 out of 10.0 depending on the university OR 4-year Bachelor's degree (Eng/Tech) from an accredited university with a minimum overall average of 55% or CGPA 6.0 out of 10.0 depending on the universityGovernment treasury officerIntelligence specialistAssistant city managerMedia electronics analystLegal investigator
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