Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme balances creative urban design studios with planning, environmental and technical subjects. You will learn to analyse urban form, travel patterns and ecosystems, and to produce place-based design responses that integrate social, economic and ecological objectives.

• Design Studio — iterative, project-based studio modules where you develop concept-to-delivery urban design proposals, drawing on sketching, computer-aided drawing and model-making.
• Urban and Regional Planning — principles of planning systems, development management, land use policy and community engagement.
• Sustainable Cities and Climate Resilience — approaches to mitigation and adaptation, green infrastructure, and low-carbon urban strategies.
• Transport and Movement — the relationship between land use and transport, sustainable mobility, and place-responsive transport design.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis — data handling, mapping and spatial analysis techniques for evidence-led planning and design.
• Landscape, Ecology and Urban Health — integrating ecological networks, blue–green infrastructure and health considerations into urban projects.
• Professional Practice and Law — project management, planning law, ethics and the regulatory context for development.
• Research Project or Dissertation — a substantial independent project that tests design proposals, policy analysis or applied research methods in a real-world context.

The programme often includes practical learning through site visits, live projects with local authorities or developers, and workshops using industry-standard software. Some routes offer an optional placement year to gain professional experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed a recognised secondary or post‑secondary qualification equivalent to UK A-levels or an appropriate level 3 qualification, with evidence of achievement in relevant subjects such as design, geography, environmental science or mathematics where possible. Admissions typically consider the overall profile of qualifications, a personal statement demonstrating interest in urban design and planning, and references.

Applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio showing creative work, analytical work or design-related projects, particularly if applying from creative or built-environment backgrounds. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through a recognised test or equivalent qualification; specific scores and acceptable tests are published by the university.

The university also considers mature applicants and those with relevant work experience; alternative entry routes may be available.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme are prepared for a wide range of careers in the built environment and public sector. Typical roles include:

• Urban designer and design officer in local authorities or consultancies
• Town or transport planner
• Regeneration and development officer
• Environmental and sustainability consultant
• Housing policy and community development practitioner
• GIS and spatial analyst

Many graduates progress to professional practice in planning and urban design, work for local government, consultancy firms, housing associations, transport authorities, NGOs and private developers. The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in specialised areas such as urban planning, transport, environmental design or climate resilience.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has a long-established reputation for practice-led teaching in the built environment and strong links with industry and public sector partners. The programme emphasises applied learning through design studios, live client briefs and fieldwork, giving students opportunities to work on real projects and build a professional portfolio.

Students benefit from specialist facilities including design studios, GIS and computing labs, and workshop spaces, alongside a faculty with both academic and professional planning or design experience. The university’s location close to Oxford and good connections to London and regional planning authorities support networking, site visits and placement opportunities.

Overall, the programme is tailored for students seeking a hands-on, interdisciplinary education that equips them to design sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban places and to pursue professional careers in planning and urban design.