Urban Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

The study of Urban Planning encompasses the process of designing and shaping cities and towns. It covers everything from the layout of streets and public spaces, to the regulation of land use and the preservation of heritage sites.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Urban Planning?

If you're looking for a versatile and interesting doctoral degree, a PhD in Urban Planning may be a great option for you. This degree can prepare you for a career in a wide range of fields, from academia to local and national government.

Urban Planning is a field that involves the study of how cities and towns are developed. As an Urban Planning PhD student, you'll learn about the different aspects of city life that need to be considered when creating an urban scheme or design, such as land use, transportation and economic development.

Potential research topics for a PhD in Urban Planning include:

• Active travel policy and infrastructure
• Air quality measures
• Climate change mitigation in cities
• History of urban planning
• Social housing policy
• Traffic calming measures
• Urban ecology and horticulture
• Urban landscape architecture

By the end of your PhD in Urban Planning, you’ll have completed a lengthy dissertation and received training in a range of research methods.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Urban Planning usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Urban Planning funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Landscape Architecture are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), depending on the focus of your research. This funding will provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. You may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Urban Planning (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Urban Planning, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Urban Planning careers

There are many careers you can pursue with a PhD in Urban Planning. You could work for a city council, designing and implementing city-wide plans. You could work for a construction company, helping to build new neighbourhoods and towns. Alternatively, you could be employed by a non-profit organisation, campaigning for better planning policies. Or you could enter academia and become a full-time researcher or lecturer.