MSc Spatial 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 Spatial Planning and Development (Conversion) program at Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in the planning and development sectors. The program's focus on sustainable urbanism, policy analysis, and planning law, combined with practical experience through industry engagement, ensures that graduates are highly competitive in the job market.

Urban Planner: Many graduates go on to become urban planners, where they design and develop urban spaces, considering factors such as land use, infrastructure, sustainability, and social equity. Urban planners work in both public and private sectors, including local government, private consultancy firms, and non-governmental organizations.

Development Consultant: Development consultants advise businesses, government agencies, and developers on land use, planning regulations, and development strategies. They help guide projects from initial concept to completion, ensuring that they align with planning policies and sustainability goals.

Housing and Regeneration Officer: Graduates with an interest in housing and regeneration can work on projects aimed at revitalizing urban areas, improving housing provision, and addressing social issues. These professionals collaborate with local authorities and developers to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

Transport Planner: Transport planners focus on designing and optimizing transportation systems within cities. They work on projects related to traffic flow, public transport, infrastructure development, and sustainability, ensuring that transport systems meet the needs of growing urban populations.

Environmental Planner: Environmental planners specialize in integrating environmental considerations into spatial planning processes. They assess the environmental impact of development projects, propose mitigation strategies, and help ensure that development projects comply with environmental regulations.

Planning Policy Officer: Policy officers work with government agencies, local authorities, or NGOs to shape spatial planning policies and regulations. They research, draft, and review planning policies related to urban development, sustainability, and housing.

Planning Consultant: As consultants, graduates provide expert advice to clients on planning applications, development proposals, and zoning regulations. They work with developers, local authorities, and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the planning process.

Sustainability Consultant: Sustainability consultants focus on integrating sustainable practices into urban planning projects. They assess the environmental and social impacts of development plans and recommend strategies to reduce carbon footprints, conserve resources, and promote social equity.

Regeneration Project Manager: Graduates may work as project managers in urban regeneration projects, leading teams to revitalize economically disadvantaged areas. These professionals manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement to bring about positive change in urban communities.

Local Government Planner: Working within local government, graduates may become part of the planning department, contributing to the development and implementation of local planning policies, development applications, and community engagement strategies.

Real Estate Development Manager: Graduates interested in the commercial side of planning can pursue careers in real estate development. These professionals oversee the planning and development of residential, commercial, and mixed-use real estate projects, managing everything from land acquisition to project completion.

Academic/Researcher: Graduates with a passion for research may choose to pursue doctoral studies or work in academic research, contributing to the development of new planning methodologies, urban sustainability strategies, and policy frameworks.