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About the course
Equip yourself for the planning profession by examining the factors that shape cities and rural areas and exploring how research is used in policy-making and evaluation.
Course description
Our one-year masters will help you get started in the planning profession. The course examines the factors that shape cities and rural areas. We’ll show you how research is used in policy-making and evaluation. You’ll develop research and design skills, and specialise in an aspect of planning.
Study in Europe
You have the option to spend the spring semester at one of our European partner universities in either Aalborg, Amsterdam, Lyon or Milan.
Entry Requirements
For UK students, the usual entry requirement is a 2:1 degree or evidence of equivalent achievement (for example, a professional qualification combined with work experience).
We will consider your application if you have a 2.2 degree but we would expect you to have evidence of work experience or other relevant activity.
Entry requirements for international students
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Other English language qualifications we accept
Fees
Home (2022 annual fee) : £10,300
Overseas (2022 annual fee) : £20,950
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Student Profile(s)
Alice May
For me, the best aspect of the course has been gaining an understanding of the theoretical background behind the day to day practice of planning. I had a good grasp of the day to day processes by which planning works as a result of my previous work experience, but it was really beneficial to understand the historical evolution of the planning system and get to grips with why we do the things we do to control the development of our built environment.
Each of the modules was challenging in different ways, and used a number of different learning techniques in the delivery of that particular aspect of the course which kept it interesting and fun. A personal favourite was the ‘simulation exercise’ which we undertook in the autumn term, which consisted of a mock-up planning inquiry, with different members of the course forming the planners, developers and the community group. As the ‘planners’ we had to put together a strong case as to why the decision should be upheld. The fact that the appeal was dismissed and the planners won I’m sure had nothing to do with how much we enjoyed it! I also particularly enjoying researching and carrying out my dissertation during the summer term; it was extremely demanding at times but the satisfaction at the end of it was huge!
Helen Blenkharn
The MA was a valuable experience that provided me with the knowledge and skills to work in planning and the opportunity to apply for jobs across a wide range of sectors.