Urban and Environmental Planning (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Wide ranging research interests: global political economy, international human rights, sexualities and society, global sport, human trafficking, sustainability and climate change.

Interactive seminars and workshops that encourage free and open debate - for you to share ideas and learn from each other.

92% of students on the course rate the learning opportunities on the course (National Student Survey 2025).

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

The foundation of your future

There’s more than one way into a planning career. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree course, but have the experience, maturity and determination to work in the sector, then this course is for you.

This foundation year isn’t a freestanding degree - but it’s the perfect preparation for one. Think of it as the first year in a four-year period of studying that will lead to a Urban and Environmental Planning undergraduate degree programme at LSBU (upon successful completion of the foundation year).

Course Content

This module introduces students to sustainability and environmental impact through a multidisciplinary lens, spanning computing, electronics, and the built environment. Working in teams, students investigate a real-world societal challenge, apply core scientific and technical principles, and produce a group video or presentation and an individual one-page visual summary of their proposed solution. The module encourages collaboration, practical measurement, and sustainable thinking across disciplines. Assessment method: 100% coursework

This module introduces design thinking. Students work through studio and workshop-based learning to explore spatial, cultural, and environmental ideas. Core skills include drawing, model making, and digital tools for visual communication. The module fosters conceptual creativity, critical analysis, and awareness of context, building a foundation for design-led study. Assessment method: 100% coursework

This module develops academic writing, research, and safe workshop practice alongside numeracy and communication. Students work independently and in teams, apply the scientific method, and use digital tools to complete practical and written tasks. The module also supports personal development planning and successful transition into higher education. Assessment method: 100% coursework

Students develop hands-on skills in working with data drawn from real-world sources such as engineering sensors, web platforms, and building systems. Through spreadsheets, basic coding, and visualisation tools, students learn to analyse data, build simple models, and present evidence-based findings. The module fosters critical thinking and responsible use of data. Assessment method: 100% coursework

Students explore the principles of project management and how to organise, plan, and lead projects in construction, engineering, and technology. They learn to apply tools such as Gantt charts and risk registers and work collaboratively on project-based tasks. The module supports development of professional behaviours and decision-making skills. Assessment method: 100% coursework

This module uses fast-paced “sprints” to immerses students in authentic engineering design problem-solving through intensive practical projects. Students will tackle real-world scenarios, fostering practical skills and theoretical understanding. Indicative content woven into these projects includes chemistry fundamentals, materials science (manufacturing, characterisation, corrosion/erosion), electric and magnetic circuits, basic mechatronics (combination of mechanical and electrical systems), computer interfaces and data acquisition/processing. Students will gain hands-on prototyping experience in workshops (woodwork/metalwork) and with additive manufacturing, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in an engaging, project-based learning environment. Assessment method: 100% coursework

This module focusses on the legal, policy and political framework of Development Management, the nature of development and the process the planner manages including pre application, validation, applications, public consultation, decision making, planning obligations, appeals and public enquiries, judicial review and enforcement. It considers the nature of these processes and the role and skills of the planner and the various stakeholders involved them.

A module which examines the challenges faced when trying to make places more sustainable and encourage appropriate forms of future development.

This module is concerned about people, places and the creative aspects of ‘spatial planning’ that underpin the current belief that ‘good planning’ and ‘good design are inseparable’. After a critical historical overview of the forces that shaped the built environment over time, the module will focus on the principles of urban design as a process of place making. Students will be introduced to the assessment of the character and qualities of places and to various ideas on how the experience and understanding of places and their elements can be visually communicated through plans and other media.

The module provides an introduction to the way the planning system and planning practices have evolved in the UK. The module combines an historical approach with a critical consideration of the key attributes of the planning system as it emerged and developed after the Town and Country Planning Act 1947. Alongside this engagement with the development of the statutory planning system is an introductory examination of how the principles guiding planning practices have evolved.

This module introduces students to the structures, networks and relationships that underpin contemporary society, and how these are reflected and mediated geographically. It aims to explore key ideas that help us understand how places are structured and created. It will examine processes of economic, social and cultural change and academic attempts to conceptualize these shifts.

A module which examines a range of ways in which geographical information is produced and communicated, with an emphasis on developing students’ skills. It includes a focus on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and how planners and other relevant agencies, stakeholders and interest groups, compile, represent and use geographical data.

This module focusses on environmental issues and examines potential responses aimed at securing more sustainable patterns of development and resource efficiency and adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

On this module you'll focus on the importance of modes of transport for patterns of land-use and the construction of a sustainable future. You'll also examine how issues of power and equality underpin mobility: who can move, how and in what ways.

This module explores economic development at a local level in terms of both theory and practice, considering the internal and external factors influencing local economies. Students will consider both research and policy responses to local economic change, particularly with regard to the role of planning in local economic development. The module will explore the complex economic factors shaping local areas and provide students with the tools to interrogate them and form recommendations for how a local authority can intervene.

The module focuses on the role of the planning system in delivering housing. In doing so, the module considers the interrelationships between national, regional and local housing strategies and the delivery and implementation of residential development.

This module focuses on the importance of place and the challenges involved in regenerating urban and (to a lesser extent) rural environments facing issues of decline and restructuring. The role of local scale interventions and strategies through planning and regeneration agencies is a key focus. The module is based around regeneration issues in the UK and beyond.

A module that enable students to reflect critically upon a period of work experience so as to enhance their future employability. In addition to staff advice and contact the student will gain the support of the University’s Employability Service.

This module investigates the role, nature, benefits and disadvantages of evidence-based planning and policy making. It equips students with the ability to choose and employ appropriate planning related research techniques and methodologies and to able to write a research proposal.

The module will develop understandings of real estate knowledge, by focusing on the development process, markets, and valuation. By developing an understanding of methods and applications of development viability appraisals, the module will pay attention to the economics of land and property markets and of the development process.

The module compares and contrasts key challenges facing spatial planners across a range of international settings and the extent to which both the challenges and the policy responses are mobile across international borders. A range of planning cultures and planning practices will be examined in order to facilitate a comparative analysis of diverse approaches to planning in different contexts. The module primarily explores spatial planning at the strategic level. In practice this can refer to planning activities at the regional, national and international levels.

This module explores the ways in which the changing geographies of cities have been conceptualised and represented across a range of written and visual media through history. The implications of such representations for policy and practice, particularly for spatial planning, are a central theme of the module.

This is a double weighted module that runs over two semesters. In it, students will carry out an independent academic research project supported by supervisions and seminars. This is an opportunity for students to develop their own specialist interests and exhibit their individual expertise, knowledge, and research skills. Students will be encouraged to gather and analyse primary data.

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

All members of the academic team are research active, participating in local, national and international projects and publishing academic books and peer reviewed journal articles. This ensures that staff remain at the cutting edge of their specific areas of expertise, providing students with the benefit of access to new insights and debates.

The course is delivered in a variety of ways. Most modules have traditional formal lectures alongside seminars, tutorials, group discussions, individual and group presentations and role play exercises (such as a mock planning enquiry). Many modules also include guest speakers and visits to live projects in and around London.

The course is assessed entirely by coursework, there are no exams. The assessments include traditional essays and professional reports, site analysis, development proposals, viability assessments, portfolios, research proposals, visual poster displays and group / individual presentations.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate Law and Social Science student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first semester at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal academic tutor at least three times a year for up to 30 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

There is currently a national shortage of professional planners and a demand from both the public and private sector after over a decade of public sector austerity. There is also demand for planners on the international scene. As the world struggles with climate change, urbanisation, population growth and changing work and living patterns, it will be crucial to our futures to plan for these eventualities if we are to avoid major environment and social disturbances.

Employment prospects are excellent especially in London and the South East of England. Successful planning students may find jobs in central government, local government, non-governmental organisations, housing associations and quangos. Given our extensive links with public, private and voluntary sector employers we find that employers often approach us first seeking suitably qualified and motivated applicants

A high proportion of our graduates find employment in the field within six months of graduation in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Some students take up jobs towards the end of the course. Local authorities and private consultancies are major employers as are companies and other organisations with large land and property assets and our alumni can be found in senior positions particularly in London and the South East of England. That said a significant proportion of alumni now practice (teach and research) across the UK and overseas.

Our alumni include three Past Presidents of the RTPI, and many senior planners in local authorities, government agencies and private sector consultancies, developers and housing providers. These regularly return to provide talks to our current students and have donated prizes for students on graduation. Many alumni now occupy influential professional positions in the UK and internationally.

We have been successfully running professionally accredited planning courses for over 50 years, the second oldest planning school to be doing so in the UK.

This degree is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

: The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the leading membership organisation and Chartered Institute responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses nationally and internationally.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

64 UCAS points. Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.

If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.

Choose your country

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Botswana
Brazil
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Estonia
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkiye
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-time	4 years (or 5 years with placement)	September	K45F	Direct to LSBU

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,520 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

United Kingdom

£9790

Tuition fees for home students

International

£17400

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 630 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

Are you an international student looking to kickstart your global career at LSBU? If so, our new LSBU Future Global Graduate Awards could help you benefit from the high-quality, career focused education that LSBU offers. Find out more about our Global Graduate Awards.

UK Course Enquiries

0207 815 7500

ukinfo@lsbu.ac.uk

International team enquiry

+44 (0) 20 7815 6189

Search our site...

Urban and Environmental Planning (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)