Urban Designer
Urban designers plan how cities and towns should look and work. They design streets, parks, buildings and public spaces to make neighbourhoods friendly, safe and pleasant to live in.
AI USED FOR35%moving to77%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for a modest share of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Urban DesignerAs a Junior Urban Designer, you will assist in the preparation of design proposals and engage in site analyses, gaining valuable experience in the field.£22,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Urban DesignerIn a mid-level role, you will lead design projects, manage stakeholder consultations, and contribute to strategic planning initiatives.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Urban Designer/Head of Urban DesignAt the peak of your career, you will oversee large-scale urban design projects, mentor junior staff, and influence policy at a strategic level.£50,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
All Architecture and Planning courses as cards →
There is more than one way inYou do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.