MSc Planning

at University of Plymouth

Year 1

Develop a comprehensive knowledge of planning, enabling critical evaluation of evidence from a range of perspectives related to the natural and built environment. As an RTPI fully accredited postgraduate pathway, core modules cover the general foundation of spatial planning (including urban design), and specialisms reflect planning issues relevant to south-west England and existing strengths within the University. Our programme will enable you to develop a professional career in planning in the public, private or voluntary sector. We offer a supportive learning environment with small-group teaching and extensive interaction with our staff, emphasising the critical skills necessary for professional effectiveness in planning-related careers.
 

Students must complete all core modules plus one specialism module from either PLG508 Coastal Urban Regeneration or PLG513 Rural Planning. Your dissertation will also need to be in the subject area of this specialism module.
 

Core modules

Issues and Values in Planning Practice (PLG501)
This module provides an understanding of the history and development of planning with a focus on the underlying theories and associated skills.
 

Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development (PLG502)
The purpose of this module is to provide a strategic understanding of the role of planning in delivering sustainable development and mitigating and adapting to the challenge of climate change.
 

Environmental knowledge: from field to stakeholder (PLG503)
This module reviews research methods relevant to professional and academic investigations in the field of policy-making, planning, management and consultancy in the built and natural environments. It encompasses the complete lifecycle of research (design, planning, data collection, knowledge dissemination and application), including stakeholder engagement across these stages.
 

Development Management and Delivery (PLG504)
This module evaluates the delivery of development through the planning system, with a focus on the development management system, planning law, urban design and development economics.
 

Urban Design: theories, methodologies and practice (PLG505)
The aim of this module is to understand the way in which different qualities of the urban space affect how it is experienced and inhabited and how this understanding can be utilised in the formulation of urban design initiatives, place-making and planning policy at the wider urban scale.

UK/EU

You require the minimum of a second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (planning, geography, architecture, engineering, sociology or environmental science). Other subject areas considered.
 

If you have no formal qualifications but do have relevant work experience, you may still be considered and are encouraged to enquire about your suitability.
 

INTERNATIONAL

If you are an overseas applicant, you can check the comparability of your qualifications with the UK equivalent through Ecctis, who provide an advisory service.

The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).

International - £16,700