Urban planning is an academic and professional field focused on the planning, design, and regulation of land and space, as well as the social and environmental effects of activities within built environments. The field draws on multiple disciplines to understand how places have developed and how they can be improved in the future.
Universities around the world offer urban planning and related urbanism programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This article highlights schools and programs that future urban planners may consider. Let’s take a look at the best urban planning schools in the world.
Top Urban Planning Schools in the World
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its Department of Urban Studies and Planning offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in planning and related fields.
At the undergraduate level, MIT offers a Bachelor of Science in Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science. These programs help students build knowledge of cities, policy, analysis, and design.
MIT also offers several graduate-level programs, including the following:
- Master in City Planning – This professional degree prepares students to work on planning issues in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
- Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning – This nonprofessional degree is available under special circumstances to candidates with distinguished professional experience and a clearly defined research plan.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies and Planning – This advanced research degree is intended for students pursuing research and teaching careers.
2. University College London
University College London is a public research university in London. Its Bartlett School of Planning offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities related to urban planning.
The Bartlett School of Planning describes itself as one of Europe’s leading research-led planning schools. Its undergraduate programs address urban change, planning, design, and real estate. Its postgraduate options allow students to study planning and related built-environment topics in greater depth.
Professional accreditation varies by program. Many Bartlett planning degrees carry accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, or both. Applicants should check the page for their chosen degree to confirm its accreditation.
3. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley offers urban-planning education through its Department of City and Regional Planning.
The department offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. The interdisciplinary program examines cities and urban life from multiple perspectives.
UC Berkeley also offers a two-year Master of City Planning and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning. The master’s degree develops analytical, research, and professional skills, while the doctoral degree prepares students for advanced research and teaching.
4. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich offers a planning-related Master of Science ETH in Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems.
The full-time program consists of 120 ECTS credits and normally takes two years to complete. Students can study specializations such as Spatial and Landscape Development, Transport Systems and Behaviour, and Network Infrastructure. The degree concludes with a master’s thesis.
5. Harvard University
Harvard University is an Ivy League school. Its Graduate School of Design offers programs related to urban planning and urban design.
Relevant graduate programs include the following:
- Master in Urban Planning – This accredited two-year professional program examines the social, economic, cultural, legal, political, ecological, and aesthetic forces that shape the built environment.
- Master of Architecture in Urban Design and Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design – These programs are intended for students who have completed a professional degree in architecture or landscape architecture and want to engage with the theory and practice of contemporary urbanism.
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Through its Department of City and Regional Planning, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers undergraduate and graduate opportunities in planning.
Undergraduate students can pursue a minor in urban studies. The minor introduces students to cities and planning and can provide a foundation for graduate study in planning or a related field.
The Master of City and Regional Planning is typically completed in two years and requires at least 51 graduate credit hours. Its curriculum includes five core courses, four specialization courses, electives, a law course, a capstone workshop, and a master’s project. The department also offers a Ph.D. program focused on research and scholarship in city and regional planning.
7. Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano offers urban-planning programs through its School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering.
Its undergraduate program, Urban Planning: Cities, Environment & Landscapes, prepares students to analyze and contribute to the planning and management of cities, territories, and environmental systems. The university also offers a Laurea Magistrale, equivalent to a Master of Science, in Urban Planning and Policy Design.
The master’s program provides advanced training in spatial planning and urban-policy design. Graduates may continue their education through further study, including a Ph.D. program.
8. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) offers urban-planning programs through the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.
The Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning introduces students to urban sustainability, stakeholder engagement, analytical methods, and practical planning skills. The Master of Urban Planning prepares students to address challenges affecting cities and communities.
USC also offers a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development for students pursuing advanced research. Across these programs, students study the data, policies, technologies, and social issues that shape cities.
9. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan offers planning-related programs through the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology combines cities, technology, and design. The college also offers a professional Master of Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning.
The master’s program prepares students for planning work in government, private organizations, and nonprofit organizations. The doctoral program is designed for students interested in research, higher education, and high-level policy roles.
10. Manchester School of Architecture
Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester.
MSA offers an MA in Architecture and Urbanism. This is a related urbanism program rather than a professional urban-planning degree. It explores the influence of global cultural, economic, and environmental forces on contemporary cities through research and studio-based design work.
Urban planning is a relevant field of study for students who want to help create sustainable and livable communities. After reviewing these schools and programs, check out our list of Fully Funded Scholarships to learn more about funding opportunities for international students.
We hope this article on urban-planning schools and programs was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
