Direct answer
Cardiff University’s programme for 2026/27 is titled International Planning and Urban Design (MSc). For Chinese applicants, the official requirement is a relevant four‑year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills. Applications for 2026/27 are open and normally close at the end of August, but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Programme name and degree classification
The official programme page names the course International Planning and Urban Design (MSc). The standard UK entry requirement is a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as architecture, planning, or geography.
China‑specific academic requirement
For postgraduate taught courses, Cardiff University states that Chinese applicants need a relevant four‑year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above.
English language requirement
The required English language score is an IELTS overall 6.5, with no subskill below 5.5.
Application documents
The official page lists three required documents:
- A copy of your degree certificate
- Transcripts
- An IELTS certificate or accepted equivalent
Professional experience route
If you do not hold a relevant degree, the university states that applications may be considered based on professional experience. In that case, you must provide an employer reference.
Application timeline and financial information
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are open. The normal closing date is the end of August, but the university warns that applications may close sooner if all places are filled. The official page also notes that information on postgraduate loans and alumni discounts is available for this period.
What requires live rechecking
Because places can fill before the end‑of‑August deadline, current availability must be checked directly on the university’s website.
FAQ
What is the exact name of the programme?
The official title is International Planning and Urban Design (MSc).
What UK degree classification is required?
A 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as architecture, planning, or geography.
What is the academic requirement for Chinese applicants?
A relevant four‑year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with grades of approximately 80% or above.
What IELTS score is needed?
An overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
Can I apply without a relevant degree?
Yes. The university states that applications may be considered based on professional experience, supported by an employer reference.
When do applications close?
Applications normally close at the end of August, but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Official sources
The entry requirements in this article are drawn from the Cardiff University International Planning and Urban Design MSc programme page and the university’s country‑specific information for China, both accessed as current first‑party official pages. For related guidance on UK study routes, see the Northumbria University Newcastle pathway options for 2026 and the University of East London 2026 guide. If you are comparing education agents, the article on whether there are fee‑free Australia and UK study agents may be useful, and for a wider view of institution comparisons you can read about Oshcnage education consultancy rankings and guidance.