International Planning and Urban Design (MSc)

Cardiff University was ranked as one of the world’s top 166 Universities, reaching #22 in the world for Communication & Media Studies, #46 for Architecture/Built Environment, #55 for Pharmacy & Pharmacology, and #58 for Psychology, in addition to English Language & Literature, Dentistry, Nursing, and Social Policy & Administration all ranking in the top 100 according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff is also one of Britain's top 24 leading teaching universities.

Cardiff University’s undergraduate teaching has been recognised as excellent in the UK, with Media and Film Studies as #2, Architecture recognised as #5, Psychology as #10, Dentistry as #12, and Pharmacy & Pharmacology as #8, in The Guardian University Guide 2023, and Cardiff’s Optometry, Ophthalmology & Orthoptics ranked #4, and Pharmacology & Pharmacy ranked #5 in The Complete University Guide 2023, with Celtic Studies as #2 and Physiotherapy as #3, Nursing as #5, Architecture as #6, Communication & Media Studies as #9, and Dentistry as #10. Many of the University’s degree schemes are accredited by professional bodies and provide partial or complete exemption from relevant professional examinations.

Cardiff offers unique opportunities for its students during their undergraduate studies. Students can undertake international study, volunteering and work placements through the Global Opportunities Team. Students can also learn a language for free as part of the Languages for All initiative – Welsh lessons are also offered to help students get a flavour for the unique cultural environment Cardiff provides. These extra services, as well as a dedicated Students’ Union (recently voted 2nd best in the UK), ensure that students at Cardiff University thoroughly enjoy their experience. In the National Student Survey 2022, 76% of final-year undergraduate students reported that they were satisfied with their course.

Undergraduate students at Cardiff University are supported throughout their courses, right from day one up until graduation. In addition to having access to facilities supporting student wellbeing, such as the dedicated International Student Support team, Cardiff University students also have access to excellent careers and employability services. 96% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, 15 months after the end of their course.

A place in one of the University’s 5,543 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year undergraduates entering the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self-catered flats. Students enjoy some of the lowest rents in the UK as Cardiff is the most affordable university city in the UK.

Study with us at Cardiff University and you’ll join a thriving community postgraduate students. We have more than 300 postgraduate study options for you to choose from, including full-time, part-time, blended learning and distance learning courses.? Here are our top 10 reasons to choose Cardiff for your postgrad course:

1. World-leading research

90% of research at Cardiff University is officially world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest independent assessment of research quality across UK higher education institutions (REF 2021). We’re also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading universities.

2. Teaching excellence

We have a long history of providing outstanding research-led teaching. We’re ranked among the top 40 universities in Europe for teaching excellence (Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings, 2022). Our staff are experts in their fields, working at the forefront of their academic discipline – which means that you will too.

3. A capital city with a difference

Bursting with culture, cuisine, architecture, entertainment and history, Cardiff was ranked the third-best capital city in Europe in 2015 alongside Copenhagen and Stockholm. The city is also budget-friendly: Cardiff was recently ranked as the UK’s most affordable university city (Natwest Student Living Index 2019).

4. On the doorstep to wild Wales

Beyond the buzz of the city, you’ll find incredible beaches, countryside and mountains. The nearby Brecon Beacons National Park offers outstanding scenery and wildlife alongside ample opportunity for adventure sports and outdoor pursuits. The beautiful Welsh coastline is also only a short 30 minutes away.

5. A wide range of postgraduate programmes

We offer more than 300 postgraduate study opportunities. Many of our programmes can be studied part-time, which is ideal if you need to balance study with professional, financial or family commitments. We also offer a number of conversion courses.

6. Expert career guidance

Cardiff was ranked 13th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2022. Wherever you are in your career journey, our team of professional careers advisers can help you develop your career plans after graduation.

7. Funding opportunities

We have a number of funding opportunities available, including our Master’s Excellence Scholarship scheme. Many courses are also eligible for government postgraduate loans for master’s programmes for UK and EU students.

8. Outstanding student support

We want to help you make the most of your postgraduate experience, by ensuring you can access any additional help you may need. From money advice and confidential counselling to disability services and award-winning childcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

9. Languages for All

Our Languages for All programme gives you the chance to improve your language skills alongside your studies – for free. Our flexible choice of study options allows you to learn in a way that suits you, through weekly classes, intensive sessions or independent learning.

10. One of the best Students’ Unions in the UK

Our Students' Union is the 2nd best in the UK (Whatuni Choice Awards 2022). Home to over 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs, a free employment service and a number of social spaces, the Students' Union caters to every student's needs.