Geography and Planning

Combining human geography with planning, this course allows you to tackle issues of environmental and social justice within the context of urban development.

This course focuses on how you can respond to urban and environmental change. It combines the social, cultural and political elements of human geography with the applied, practical edge of a planning education.

Human geography enables you to understand how people engage with their environment, while planning is about managing change to make better, more just and sustainable places. Studying a blend of these subjects will offer you a unique insight into how to apply the theoretical understanding of geography to the urban environment - exploring how people and places interact.

A key feature of this course is our emphasis on making a positive difference in the world. We take an interdisciplinary, critical and global perspective, and explore how to create more fair, just and sustainable places.

Having undergone significant regeneration following the decline of its steel industry, Sheffield is an ideal location to study geography and planning. The city has transformed into a hub for new sectors like advanced manufacturing, tech and green energy.

In addition to engaging with urban and environmental changes in this city, you’ll also have the chance to get out of the classroom and into the field, linking theory to practice, for example with a residential school-funded field trip focusing on human geography.

You’ll also benefit from our close connections with policy makers and practitioners. We’ll invite urban planning expert guest speakers and alumni to share their own experiences and insights on topics that you will be learning about as part of your modules.

You may also have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as part of an industry placement year, for example in public authorities and private consultancies.

Why study this course?

• 3rd for construction, surveying and planning - Guardian University Guide 2026

• 3rd for town and country planning and landscape design - Complete University Guide 2026

• Research and impact - The School of Geography and Planning has an international research reputation spanning both disciplines. 100% of our research conducted within the geography/environmental studies subject and 95% within urban studies and planning was rated as world leading or internationally excellent, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

• We cover field trip costs - Fieldwork should be open to everyone; that's why we’ll cover the cost of travel, accommodation and food for all field classes. You’ll be free to focus on exploring new environments and developing new skills, without worrying about extra expenses.