Urban Planning BSc
Study of how to design and manage towns, cities, and communities to make them sustainable, inclusive, and liveable.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Big-picture thinker
Community-focused
Analytical mind
Diplomatically skilled
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Urban Planning & Development
Government & Public Sector
Architecture & Built Environment
Environmental Consultancy
Is this for you?
Urban Planning BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to design and manage towns, cities, and communities to make them sustainable, inclusive, and liveable.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is an Urban Planning Degree?
Urban Planning focuses on how places are designed, developed, and managed. It combines geography, design, policy, and environmental studies to shape the spaces where people live and work. You will learn how planning decisions affect housing, transport, green space, and the economy.
Why Study Urban Planning?
Urban planners play a key role in tackling issues such as housing shortages, transport systems, and climate change. This degree is ideal if you enjoy analysing problems, thinking about how people use space, and want to help build better places for future generations.
Most Urban Planning degrees cover:
Planning theory and policy
Urban design and sustainable development
Geography and spatial analysis
Environmental planning and climate resilience
Housing and transport systems
Planning law and governance
GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and data analysis
Later in your course, you can usually specialise in areas such as urban regeneration, environmental management, or transport planning.
Degree Types
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on data analysis, environmental systems, and policy.
Some universities offer BA (Hons) Urban Planning, which may include more social and design-based modules.
Plant Ecology & Conservation – understanding plant–environment interactions and supporting habitat protection.
Planning Policy Knowledge – understanding planning law, development regulations, and policy frameworks.
Urban Design Skills – creating layouts and proposals that balance function, sustainability, and community needs.
GIS & Mapping – using geospatial tools to analyse, visualise, and plan urban spaces.
Community Engagement – working with stakeholders, residents, and organisations to shape development decisions.
A-levels or equivalent typically including Geography or a related social science, with Maths or Environmental Science also beneficial.
Show your interest in cities, people, and the environment.
Mention visits to towns, regeneration projects, or planning case studies that inspired you.
Reflect on how planning can solve real problems like sustainability or housing.
Include examples of research, volunteering, or teamwork that show your commitment.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs – A classic look at how cities thrive or decline.
Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery – How design can make cities more liveable.
How to Build a City by Rory Hyde – Insights into the work of planners, architects, and engineers.
Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farr – Practical approaches to sustainable city planning.
Compare courses to find the right balance between policy, design, and environmental focus.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to meet lecturers and view course projects.
Visit different cities and think about what makes them work or fail.
Follow planning news and local development stories to understand current challenges.
Town Planning - Town planner, planning officer, chartered town planner, senior planner
Planning Policy - Planning policy officer, policy planner, strategic planner, local plan officer
Development Management - Development control officer, planning application officer, development management planner, case officer
Transport Planning - Transport planner, transport policy officer, sustainable transport planner, highways planning officer
Urban Design - Urban designer, masterplanner, urban regeneration officer, place-making specialist
Planning Consultancy - Planning consultant, independent planning consultant, planning advisor, development planning consultant
Strategic Planning - Strategic planner, spatial planner, corporate planner, infrastructure planner
Conservation Planning - Conservation planner, heritage planning officer, conservation area officer, historic environment planner
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want to become chartered town planner (RTPI accreditation). Masters is typically required for professional recognition.
No, if you're switching to related fields (GIS, sustainability, research) where planning specialism isn't essential.
Popular Masters Options
Urban Planning/Town Planning (MA/MSc) – 1-2 years RTPI-accredited essential for chartership. £28,000-£45,000+ chartered.
Spatial Planning/Regional Planning (MSc) – 1 year Strategic planning, policy, local government.
Urban Design (MA) – 1 year Design-focused planning, masterplanning, public realm. £30,000-£48,000.
Transport Planning (MSc) – 1 year Mobility, sustainable transport, infrastructure. £30,000-£48,000.
Environmental Planning/Sustainable Urban Planning (MSc) – 1 year Climate planning, green infrastructure, resilience.
International Planning/Development Planning (MSc) – 1 year Global urbanism, developing cities, NGO/UN work.
Professional Qualifications
RTPI Chartered Town Planner – Accredited Masters + APC (2 years) Essential for planning officer roles, consultancy. £32,000-£55,000+ chartered.
MRTPI (Member of RTPI) – Professional pathway Career progression, senior roles £45,000-£70,000+.
Without a Masters
Limited planning careers (most require RTPI):
Planning Assistant (£20,000-£26,000)
Planning Technician (£22,000-£28,000)
GIS Analyst (planning, £24,000-£32,000)
Regeneration Officer (£24,000-£32,000)
Planning Policy Research
Heritage Planning Assistant
Money Talk
Masters: £10,000-£20,000 (1 year), £15,000-£30,000 (2 years if combined BA+MA route). RTPI-accredited Masters essential for professional planning careers – not optional. Planning officers earn £28,000-£40,000, senior planners £40,000-£60,000+, heads of planning £60,000-£90,000+. Worth the investment for stable, professional career.
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