Seeking to know the top best urban planning schools in Europe, before enrolling is the best and major step to take because it will offer you an insight into all the information you need to know, and as well more about the school before applying.
Before taking a proper step into applying for any institution, you should make proper research on the best institutions in your state or country of study, also try to know if that school offers your course and the availability or possibility of gaining admission into that institution, as well as their tuition fees, so you get yourself well prepared before enrolling.
However, if you are searching for the best and most outstanding urban planning schools in Europe, then you have got your answer, as we have made provision the best among the best urban planning schools in Europe. Therefore, all you need to do is sit tight as we journey through this article, and you will discover more about those schools and why they are the best schools in Europe to offer Urban Planning courses.
What is Urban Planning?
Urban planning can be defined as the practice of designing cities and towns, including their infrastructure, land use, and housing, which includes the design of roads, buildings, parks, and other public spaces.
Furthermore, Urban planning is often considered to be a subset of city planning, although some people consider them to be separate fields. In many cases, urban planners are employed by local governments or private companies.
How To Start a Career in Urban Planning?
First, you have to earn a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, or a similar field. Then you have to take courses on subjects such as GIS, sustainability, and geography, and complete a master’s degree program in urban planning to improve your employment prospects.

What is the Difference Between Urban Planning and Urban Design?
Urban planning is the “planning of city strategies, structures, and policies.” It focuses more on the strategy, structure, and policy levels. On the other hand (in contrast), urban design is the creation and implementation of city features based on a plan.
Urban Planning involves applying established procedures to solve a problem within an accepted framework, While Urban Design involves investigating the nature of a problem so that we can conceive a framework for solving it. Furthermore, Planning is problem-solving, while designing is problem-setting.
Why Study Urban Planning in Europe?
Europe is a continent, also recognized as a part of Eurasia, with top countries that value education and have numerous well-built educational structures and equipped facilities, which makes them rank as the top best schools in the world.
Therefore studying Urban planning in any country in Europe, you stand a chance of achieving the best education, coupled with a degree that can fetch you work in any big company anywhere around the world.

10 Best Urban Planning Schools in Europe
What are some of the best urban planning schools in Europe? The answer depends on who you ask. Some say Africa has the best, while others claim North America or South America is the best place to study urban planning.
Urban planners are responsible for designing cities and towns, and they as well plan where new buildings should go, how streets should look, and what kind of infrastructure should be built, and to become a successful urban planner, you’ll need to master several skills.
However, below is our compiled list of the top 10 best urban planning schools in Europe, and they are ranked based on their research performance in Urban and Regional planning.
1. University College London
Ranking first as the world’s best school for urban planning, and also first in Europe, the University College London, UCL is among the top best universities in the world, established in 1826, making it older than Harvard University and Oxford University.
Furthermore, UCL has been ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and the world’s best 100 universities by various publications including the Times Higher Education Supplement World Reputation Rankings.
The institution offers numerous courses including urban planning and has a good learning environment with professional teachings that will offer you the best. You can visit the school portal to get more information before applying.
2. Delft University of Technology
Next on our list of best urban planning schools in Europe, is the popular Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), known to rank number 2nd among the best and most outstanding urban planning schools in Europe and in the world, also among the top universities worldwide.
With its foundation dating back to 1575, TU Delft has been providing knowledge since then. Nowadays, TU Delft is considered one of the leading research institutions in the world, conducting basic and applied research on various subjects, and great offers course in Urban planning with great professional and well-equipped learning environments.
3. Cardiff University
Ranking number 3 in the chart of best urban planning colleges in the world, the Cardiff University also \ranks number 3 as the best urban planning school in Europe, with qualified teachers and well-structured learning environments and equipment.
Cardiff University is also recognized as a world-class research university based in Wales, with over 40,000 students from 150 countries, the institution is also among the largest universities in Europe and has been consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Cardiff University provides high-quality education that transforms lives through research, enterprise, and social impact, with a good acceptance rate and tuition fee too.
4. University of Manchester
Next, on our list of best urban planning schools is the University of Manchester located in Manchester, England. The great institution also provides high-quality education that transforms lives through research, enterprise, and community engagement.
Furthermore, the University of Manchester has been ranked among the world’s top 100 universities by three major ranking systems including the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings (2018), QS World University Rankings (2019), and U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking (2020).
The institution has made a good name for itself, and ranks number 4 as the best and most outstanding institution for urban planning in Europe, with a good number of graduated students and a good acceptance rate.
5. University of Amsterdam
Established in 1632, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has made name for itself among the best universities in the world, and also ranks high among the best urban planning schools in Europe, with good learning structures and admission rates once you meet their requirements.
Moreover, the University of Amsterdam currently has over 30,000 students from 150 countries studying degrees ranging from Architecture to Economics. UvA is a public research university and has been ranked among the top universities worldwide since its inception, and offers courses in Urban planning as well.
6. University of Sheffield
With over 25,000 students from 150 countries studying courses ranging across the arts, sciences, law, medicine, business, education, engineering, agriculture, architecture, and many other subjects, the popular University of Sheffield also made our list of best and outstanding urban planning schools in Europe, with good acceptance rate.
Furthermore, the University of Sheffield is one of the largest universities in the UK, and its research partners include major corporations, charities, government agencies, and clinical practice. You can still visit the school website to gain more facts about the institution if you want to enroll.
7. Utrecht University
Established in 1636, Utrecht University is one of the largest universities in the Netherlands, and also ranks high among the best urban planning schools in Europe and the world.
Furthermore, Utrecht University has become known for its modern-day education system, including its highly regarded medical school, which also has a big and well-structured learning environment. Also, feel free to visit the school’s official portal for more valuable information.
8. London School of Economics and Political Science
Established in 1895, the London School of Economics and Politics (LSE) is credited as the first institution of higher education in the United Kingdom dedicated exclusively to political science, and great offers courses in Urban planning and urban design as well, with a good number of graduated students who are doing great.
Furthermore, LSE has been ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide since the early 1990s. In addition to its world-renowned reputation in politics and economics, LSE offers a wide range of subjects including social sciences, law, history, languages, international relations, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and more with professional teachers to guide you.
9. Newcastle University
Another big institution that ranks high among the best urban planning schools in Europe and also in the world, is Newcastle University, and the institution is also a leading international university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
The great institution is ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS World Rankings 2019) and has also been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education 2016-2021. Newcastle University is aimed at delivering world-class teaching and learning experiences that inspire its students to achieve their full potential.
10. Lund University
Lastly, one big and unique institution that ranks greatly among the most outstanding and well-doing urban planning schools in Europe, is Lund University, also credited as a leading university located in Sweden that has been ranked among the world’s best universities since 2009.
The institution’s research focuses on science, medicine, engineering, business, economics, law, education, and social sciences, and they offer bachelor’s programs in fields such as biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, psychology, civil engineering, architecture, dentistry, management, nursing, pharmacy, political science, and sociology.

Frequently Asked Questions on Best Urban Planning Schools in Europe
What Major is Best for Urban Planning?
Most urban planners complete an undergraduate degree in economics, geography, environmental studies, or political science before pursuing graduate study.
Is Urban Planning a Good Career?
Urban planning is a promising profession and one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Experts predict that the demand for urban planners will increase by over 30 per cent between now and 2026 and that there will be a shortage of qualified professionals.
Lastly, it’s one of those jobs that doesn’t require a four-year college degree; all you really need is experience!
Is a Degree in Urban Planning Worth it?
If you’re looking for a career that blends analytical and organizational skills while working with communities, urban planning might be worth considering. If you want to know whether this career is right for you, visiting local master’s programs and observing urban planners in your community is a good way to find out.
Can Urban Planners Work Internationally?
As an international urban planner, you work abroad and specialize in multiple aspects of city planning, including public transportation systems, environmental and natural resources management, economic development, land utilization, and building codes. You need to coordinate your plans with the local municipality
Is Urban Planning in High Demand?
Urban and regional planning jobs are expected to grow at an average rate during the next decade. There are approximately 3,700 openings for the city and regional planners each year, on average.
Conclusion:
The above listed are the most acknowledged and accredited institutions in Europe where you can study Urban planning, and graduate with a certificate that can offer you a job in any part of the world. You can visit the school portal, to make more inquiries about the institutions, tuition fees, and others.
If you have more questions related to our article on the best urban planning schools in Europe, then feel free to ask using the comment section below, and our response team will surely give you feedback.
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Best Urban Planning Schools in Europe