
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
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 14th in the UK for town and country planning and landscape (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).
Courses
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.
Note: Since filming, we’ve welcomed a new Head of School (Professor Gill Bristow) and staff have changed roles, but this film will still give you an insight into who we are and what we do.
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.
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
Explore our courses for 2022 entry.
View our geography and planning postgraduate research courses
Explore our courses for 2022 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.
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Graduate Outcomes Survey (2017/18 and 2018/19 combined).
Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.