Drawing upon the University's world leading expertise in Planning, Environmental Science, Public Health and Critical Urban Studies, the programme will provide the necessary understanding, skills and knowledge that planners in government, private enterprises, NGOs and communities will need to provide innovative solutions to complex issues that impact upon a diverse range of stakeholders.

The key areas of understanding and skills that students will develop during the programme include:

• Challenges urban areas face in the delivery of sustainable, inclusive and healthy places and what measures can be put in place to mitigate these
  
• Opportunities and threats posed to urban areas by globalising trends, new technologies and the rapid rate of societal change
• Impact of urban growth on the natural environment such as atmospheric pollution, water quality, plastic pollution etc., and the various approaches that are under development to mitigate related pressures. Within this area as well an understanding of the approaches that urban areas are taking to ensure post-carbon futures
• Changing living patterns in urban areas, the role and nature of migration, social polarisation, social disadvantage and spatial fragmentation, and how the needs of diverse communities can be met