Course summary
Ready for a career in urban planning? Our industry accredited MSc Infrastructure Planning and Sustainable Development will challenge your thinking and boost your expertise in tackling some of the most pressing issues facing cities in the Global South. Understanding the latest thinking in infrastructure planning is key to your success. That’s why we’ve developed this course in collaboration with practitioners working in the industry. You’ll learn what it takes to bring together various stakeholders to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes in an urban context. We’ll arm you with the knowledge and problem-solving approaches you need to be a confident decision-maker. Transport, power and water are all important hard infrastructure to consider. You’ll also look at social infrastructure such as housing, schools and hospitals that are vital for the wellbeing of communities. This course is the perfect if you want to develop your career working in:
- government
- planning consultancies
- development NGOs
- international development agencies
- major development companies
Modules
Compulsory modules Sustainable Development (30 credits) This module introduces you to the nature of infrastructure planning challenges in the Global South and provides a grounding in the objectives of spatial planning practice. It situates infrastructure planning in the context of current global trends including urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing urban social inequalities. This will provide you with the building blocks for assessing alternative approaches to infrastructure planning and delivery that allow for more inclusive and sustainable development. You will consider the benefits of integrated urban planning, decentralised approaches, circular models and forms of co-production that acknowledge the diverse ways in which urban dwellers already access basic services in contexts of scarcity. Infrastructure Finance (30 credits) Learn about the theory and practice of financing the development, renewal, repair and maintenance of infrastructure. You’ll look at how infrastructure is financed as well as alternative funding models, cost recovery options, and sources of finance. The module also examines the roles of key actors and reviews the approaches and tools used for decision making in a variety of different contexts and under conditions of uncertainty. A key element of your learning will be understanding how to critically appraise infrastructure development proposals and to evaluate the financial and economic implications of different development options and strategies. The module is introductory in nature and no prior economics or financial training is needed. Governance and Political Economy (30 credits) Develop a firm understanding of governance and decision-making processes involved in the planning and delivery of different types of infrastructure. Your learning will be informed by political economy and institutional frameworks and explore different methods for addressing the broader societal impacts that arise from infrastructure delivery. Teaching involves the critical evaluation of real case studies from around the globe which are delivered by our practitioners. You also have the option to participate in an international field trip to widen your understanding. Development in Practice (30 credits) This module will equip you with a working knowledge of the key frameworks and approaches used to design and implement small scale development projects and programmes. You will learn on the job, experimenting and bringing together your broad knowledge base and skills to design an actual project. Students begin by learning how to research and critically assess a development context using participatory and other approaches. You then use your critical analysis to design an infrastructure project considering development goals and addressing the challenges of infrastructure delivery on the project site. Research Methods in Design (10 credits) A critical overview of research methods and skills relevant to investigative research in the field of planning. Dissertation (50 credits) An individual research project conducted under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff, on a topic related to sustainable infrastructure delivery to be agreed between you and your supervisor.
Assessment method
You will be assessed solely by coursework. There are no examinations on the programme due to the problem-solving nature of our teaching methods. You will develop and practise different skills based on the range of assessment methods which include: report writing verbal presentations essays journal entries problem solving exercises critical evaluations collaborative group assignments.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Town Planning Institute, Royal
- Chartered Surveyors, Royal Institution of
How to apply
International applicants
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components. OR An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Entry requirements
The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent). We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can effectively portray suitable credentials, and usually have an appropriate professional background.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
If English is not your first language then, please see here for our requirements and accepted alternative English language qualifications
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £10300 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £10300 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £10300 | Year 1 |
Wales | £10300 | Year 1 |
EU | £17150 | Year 1 |
International | £17150 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Oxford Brookes University
Gipsy Lane
Headington
Oxford
OX3 0BP