School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

MSc Planning

Duration

Full time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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Do you want to pursue a career in shaping the built environment to promote sustainable development and climate change adaptation? Through policy formulation and the management of development in local areas, spatial planners play a key role in the delivery of sustainable development and climate change action in the built and natural environments. Our fully accredited postgraduate pathway will prepare you to develop or enhance your career as a chartered town planner in a rapidly changing world.

Careers with this subject
Careers in spatial planning
MSc Planning is a springboard to a diverse range of careers in the planning sector, including the public sector (such as local authorities, national parks, the Environment Agency and Natural England); the private sector (such as planning consultancies) and the third sector (such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the National Trust). Our graduates have secured professional positions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Planning Inspectorate, Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, Arup, Lichfields, Savills and WSP amongst others.

Key features
  • Develop broad-based, multidisciplinary and cross-professional approaches to place making and the planning and management of the built and physical environment for sustainable development.
  • Deepen your understanding through specialist options.
  • Explore planning issues of particular relevance to south-west England, set within the context of national and international experience.
  • Expand your skills through applied and experiential learning, including fieldwork, practicals, case studies, role play, debates and engagement with professional practitioners.
  • Benefit from a supportive learning environment with an emphasis on small-group teaching and high levels of staff-student interaction.
  • Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
  • Develop the key skills and professionalism to prepare you for an effective contribution to the workplace, including lifelong learning and preparation for the RTPI’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • 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 the following selection (revised offer from the academic year, 2025-26)*:
    • either PLG514 Planning for the Energy Transition
    • or PLG515 Planning for Coastal and Rural Futures
    • or PLG516 Planning for Sustainable Transport.
    Your dissertation will also need to be in the subject area of this specialism module.
    *The number of specialism options to be offered each year will depend on viability determined by recruitment and student choice.

    Core modules

    PLG501
    Issues and Values in Planning Practice

    This module provides an understanding of the history and development of planning with a focus on the underlying theories and associated skills.

    PLG502
    Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development

    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.

    PLG503
    Environmental knowledge: from field to stakeholder

    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.

    PLG504
    Development Management and Delivery

    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.

    PLG505
    Urban Design: theories, methodologies and practice

    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.

    PLG510
    Dissertation (full-time route)

    The dissertation project is an opportunity for candidates to undertake an original research investigation within the field of spatial planning. The topic must relate to their chosen specialist options. Students will be advised by an academic member of staff and are asked to submit a Master's thesis of up to 15,000 words.

    Optional modules

    PLG514
    Planning for the Energy Transition

    This module examines the planning processes related to the delivery of a sustainable energy transition through the development of low carbon energy technology and infrastructure.

    PLG515
    Planning for Coastal and Rural Futures

    This module examines the challenges of planning in peripheral areas, such as on the coast and countryside. It considers the communalities and differences in the economic, social and environment problems faced in coastal and rural communities and the planning approaches to address these issues.

    PLG516
    Planning for Sustainable Transport

    In this module, a broad framework of understanding of how sustainable transport policy is translated into practice is introduced, and specific examples of sustainable transport policy and practice are analysed.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Planning programme specification September 2025_4023

Entry requirements
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 UK ENIC, who provide an advisory service.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
If your first language is not English, then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,400 £10,700
International £17,600 £18,950
Part time (Home) £580 £590
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Part-time students

The programme is also offered as a part-time route over 2.5 years (although students in receipt of a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company will be required to complete within two years).

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
 
 

MSc Planning Student Scholarship supported by the Royal Town Planning Institute, funded by the British Chamber of Commerce Skills Fund

This scholarship will provide one UK Home student intending to study MSc Planning at the University of Plymouth in September 2025 with fee free study.
All applications must be received by 26 September 2025. Contact Dr Stephen Essex for more information.
Apply now
RTPI logo resized for 24 course page text and image
 
 

A Level 7 Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship (MSc Town Planning) is also available for practitioners employed by an organisation paying an Apprenticeship Levy. Visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/town-planning for more information.

RTPI logo
Accredited programme
Daniel Young
News highlights
Jennifer Joule, MSc Planning graduate
Graduate success: Jennifer Joule
Lustleigh
Research
Baobab tree in Madagascar
Sustainable Earth Institute

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*

The University of Plymouth has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

We are extremely proud of our outstanding results in the latest Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024. In the latest PTES, our MSc Planning programme received 100% overall satisfaction; 96% for assessment and feedback; and 94% for teaching and learning.

Dr Stephen Essex

Dr Stephen Essex’s research has included the formulation and effectiveness of planning policy, the planning and implementation of mega events such as the Olympic Games, and the role of local authorities in sustainable tourism. Dr Essex is Associate Professor (Reader) in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and a researcher in urban and rural planning.
Dr Stephen Essex

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