MSc International Planning and Development (Conversion)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MSc in International Planning and Development (Conversion) from Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in planning, development, and related fields at both local and international levels. The program’s multidisciplinary approach, combining theory with practical application, ensures that students are ready to take on roles that address global urbanization and development challenges.

Urban and Regional Planner: Graduates can work as urban and regional planners, focusing on land-use planning, sustainable urban development, and infrastructure projects. This role involves developing strategies for the growth and regeneration of urban areas while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity.

Development Consultant: With expertise in planning and development, graduates can work as consultants for international development organizations, government agencies, or private firms. They provide advice on planning strategies, project implementation, and policy recommendations for urban and rural development projects across different countries and regions.

Sustainable Development Manager: Graduates can pursue careers in sustainable development, working with organizations or governments to implement policies and projects that promote environmental sustainability, reduce poverty, and address social inequality. This could involve working on renewable energy projects, waste management, or green urban development.

Policy Advisor in Urban and Regional Development: Graduates with strong analytical and policy skills can become policy advisors, advising local governments, international bodies, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on urban planning and development policies. They help shape policies to tackle challenges like affordable housing, social inclusion, and climate change adaptation.

International Development Officer: As international development officers, graduates can work for international NGOs, governmental organizations, or multilateral agencies like the United Nations. They focus on creating and managing development projects that address issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in developing regions.

Environmental Planner: Graduates with a focus on environmental planning can work in roles that combine planning and environmental science, helping to design sustainable and environmentally friendly development projects. They can work for government agencies, consulting firms, or environmental organizations to mitigate the environmental impact of development activities.

Housing Development Officer: Graduates can work in housing development, focusing on urban regeneration, affordable housing, and social housing projects. This role involves collaborating with local authorities and private developers to meet the housing needs of different populations.

Researcher in Urban and Regional Planning: For those interested in academia or policy analysis, graduates can pursue research roles in urban planning and development. This may involve working in universities, think tanks, or research organizations, conducting studies on topics like urban resilience, planning policies, and socio-economic development.

Project Manager in International Development: Graduates can take on project management roles in international development projects, where they manage the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and living standards in developing countries.

Community Development Officer: In this role, graduates work with local communities to assess needs, develop strategies for improvement, and implement projects that enhance the social and economic well-being of residents. This could involve working with marginalized communities in urban or rural settings.

Disaster Management and Resilience Planner: With a focus on disaster risk reduction and resilience planning, graduates can work with governments, NGOs, or international agencies to design and implement strategies that mitigate the impact of natural disasters and promote long-term recovery and resilience.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker: Graduates can work in various roles within NGOs, focusing on international development, human rights, or environmental sustainability. They may work in project management, fundraising, advocacy, or monitoring and evaluation, addressing key global challenges.