Geography and planning

Why study with us

Drawing on interdisciplinary social science and situated at the intersection of geography and planning, our research is dynamic and diverse. The aim is to better understand society, space and place for the development, management and sustainability of cities, regions and rural areas. Join us and help address the grand challenges faced by communities today.

Your future in focus

95% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course (HESA data).

Research with impact

85% of our socially, economically and culturally relevant research (which is transforming policy debates and influencing international agendas) is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014).

Highly-ranked

Top 100 globally for geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021) and 8th in the UK for town and country planning and landscape (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).

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Who are we and what do we do

At the School of Geography and Planning, we’re applying critical thinking and practical knowledge to help solve the economic, environmental and social problems faced by human societies and places today.

The School’s staff includes highly intellectual professors who come from different parts of the world, enhancing the diversity of the community. My favourite memory of my time at the university is making new friends who come from different backgrounds than mine. This actually helped broaden my horizons and learn a lot about myself.

Nada Anwar MSc Urban and Regional Development

Learn more about us

Globally aware

We live in an increasingly interconnected and global world. Understanding and appreciating different perspectives, cultures and customs is important and enhances our work and our lives. When you join us in Cardiff, you’ll become part of a truly global community, with staff and students from almost 30 countries including Australia, China, Iran, Pakistan and the USA.

Get ahead with accreditation

Our master's degree programmes are internationally respected with several recognised for their quality and specialist nature by major UK professional bodies including the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

Transformative research

We have a diverse portfolio of research covering economic, social, political and cultural change and the built and natural environments. Organised around four research groups, our aim is to recruit committed PhD students for the pursuit of innovative, cutting-edge and impactful research. Join us and play a leading role in future academic and policy debates at national and international levels.

Transforming places through critical thinking and public engagement

We’re based in the iconic, Grade 1-listed Glamorgan Building, located in Cardiff’s civic centre and just a short walk from the heart of the city. While our home is historic, our facilities are fit for the 21st century with a wide range of modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, design studios, and computer labs.

The computer teaching facilities are fully supported by technical staff and are equipped with all packages relevant to your studies, including database management, computer-aided design, GIS and statistical and graphical software.

The Transport and Planning programme offers a wide and varied selection of modules. They range from analytical and technical modules which look at travel behaviour, transport models, data acquisition and analysis to modules which consider wider transport policies and strategies. It’s a mix that helps prepare you for a future in transport planning or transport modelling.

Duncan Lawrence MSc Transport and Planning

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Your campus experience for 2021/22

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we've worked hard to ensure students have a safe and enjoyable time with us. Find out what we've been doing and what you might expect when you join us.

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Funding your studies

Learn more about the scholarships, UK government support packages and student loans available to you.

Browse our accommodation

We have a variety of halls and houses to suit your preferences, interests and budgets.

Student support

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Next steps

View our geography and planning postgraduate taught courses

Explore our courses for 2021 entry.

View our geography and planning postgraduate research courses

Explore our courses for 2021 entry.

Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

HESA data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2020. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18, published by HESA in June 2020.