Geography and planning

We are a leading international centre for teaching and research in spatial planning, urban design and human geography.

Live session

An overview of master's programmes (webinar)
Event ended
11 November, 13:00 - 14:00

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

97% of our master’s graduates were in employment and/or further study six months after graduating (HESA 2016/17) in roles across the private, public and third sectors in the UK and internationally.

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 2020) and 8th in the UK for town and country planning and landscape (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).

Our videos

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.

I have found the School very friendly and welcoming, which was great as I was new to Cardiff. I’ve also found Cardiff to be a fantastic city in which to live and study. It is also a nice size – it’s possible to walk or cycle everywhere, and although there’s lots going on it is not so big that you feel overwhelmed. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming meaning it has been very easy to settle in quickly.

Duncan Lawrence MSc Transport and Planning