Geography and planning
We are a leading international centre for teaching and research in spatial planning, urban design and human geography.
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 postgraduate taught 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. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).
Research with impact
Placed 9th in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
Highly-ranked
Top 100 globally for geography, and architecture / built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and 9th in the UK for town and country planning and landscape (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
Courses
Our videos
International Planning and Development (MSc)
Urban planning is fascinating and tackles the challenges of change and development in an urbanising world, and this course is designed to help you shape your future career in professional practice. Professor Alison Brown gives an overview of our programme.
Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy (MSc)
This MSc enables students to develop critical learning and applied skills in the field of contemporary sustainability. Dr Andrea Collins gives an overview of the programme.
Urban Design (MA)
Run in conjunction with the Welsh School of Architecture, this course enables students to learn by deploying design, theory, and development and design control practices, which inform urban design processes. Dr Hesam Kamalipour gives an overview of the programme.
Environment and Development (MSc)
This MSc in Environment and Development aims to investigate, question and explore alternatives to the prevailing tensions and interdependencies between development and socio-ecological systems. Dr Antonio Ioris gives an overview of the programme.
Transport and Planning (MSc)
Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to create the transport systems of the future. Dr Dimitris Potoglou gives an overview of the programme.
Spatial Planning and Development (MSc)
The MSc Spatial Planning and Development aims to put you on the road to being a good planner. Dr Sina Shahab gives an overview of the programme.
In my view the greatest asset of the School of Geography and Planning are the staff themselves, who not only deliver exceptional lectures and seminars, but have always been happy and available to meet when I am struggling with a particular piece of work, or need guidance dissertation topics and future study.
Learn more about us
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.
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
View our geography and planning postgraduate taught courses
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View our geography and planning postgraduate research courses
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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.
Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
