Study with us

Our master’s and PhD degrees train future leaders in international development and urban planning with the skills to work towards socially just and sustainable development in the global south.

Our degrees train students to design and implement innovative, sustainable and inclusive strategies in which all participants in society are equally able to choose, plan and manage their own lives and communities, and to influence local, national and global development in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

We are part of The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of The Built Environment, ranked #1 in the world in Architecture and the Built Environment for the second year in a row, and remaining #1 in the UK for the tenth year in a row (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Explore: Master's degrees | MPhil/PhD | Scholarships and funding | Student life

Master's degrees

Student participating in fieldwork in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Building and Urban Design in Development MSc

This degree combines cultural, social, economic, political and spatial analysis to give a holistic response to growing complexities in the design and production of urban form.

Students in Sao Paolo on a Overseas Practice Engagement

Development Administration and Planning MSc

Examine how policy, programme and community-level interventions can be employed to promote social justice and address key development challenges.

Photo of some housing alongside a river bank in Cebu, Philippines

Environment and Sustainable Development MSc

Gain the theoretical and practical skills to promote environmental justice in the context of the Global South.

Photo of a busy street in Kampala, Uganda

Health in Urban Development MSc

Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on the interrelationships between formal and informal urban contexts, health disparities, social justice and development planning in the Global South.

Student undertaking fieldwork in Salvador, Brazil

Social Development Practice MSc

This degree takes a critical approach to ‘people-centred’ development, addressing the challenges for promoting well-being and equitable citizenship in the context of social diversity and globalisation.

Image on hands pointing to various places on a map of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Urban Development Planning MSc

Learn the analytical and practical tools for socially and spatially just urban development planning and confront the contemporary challenges in cities and urban areas in the Global South.

Photo of a residential area in Salvador, Brazil

Urban Economic Development MSc

Develop knowledge and critical thinking about the challenges of achieving equitable, prosperous and sustainable cities, and putting knowledge into practice by engaging in field work in London and a city of the Global South.

Stay in touch

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future career? Register your interest to receive updates from our faculty along with invitations to open days, taster sessions and more.

MPhil/PhD

MPhil/PhD Candidates

Find out more about our current and past MPhil/PhD cohorts and their projects.

Funding and scholarships

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Whether you are looking to undertake a Master's or PhD with us, there are many funding and scholarship opportunities available to support you with your studies from both our university and external organisations.