Overview
Built for people
With populations around the world continuing to grow, it’s crucial that we balance the demand for more infrastructure with the need to make our urban environments sustainable.
Urban planners play a key role in the creation and development of buildings, towns and cities, both for today and for future generations. They possess the social, technical and analytical skills needed to create spaces that service both the needs of communities and the natural environment.
On this apprenticeship, you’ll explore the complex relationship between our urban and natural habitats, and gain the knowledge and expertise needed to help the built environment realise a sustainable future.
Apprentices will:
Acquire the technical understanding necessary to navigate the complex field of socio-political planning
Become Chartered on successful completion of this apprenticeship
Help facilitate sustainable development and placemaking
Build crucial negotiation and collaborative skills to achieve positive outcomes between stakeholders
About this apprenticeship
What can you expect?
This Level 6 apprenticeship (MSc route) will provide employees with the platform from which they can play a key role in the creation and development of sustainable urban environments. In their studies they will gain foundational knowledge spanning every stage of the planning process and learn to consider the principles behind urban planning and their impact on the evolution of the built environment.
Academic learning will be complemented by the practical experience provided by employers. From analysing client requirements and considering the environmental impact of a project to identifying solutions that balance the needs of different stakeholders, the learning from apprentices’ job will significantly support the success of this apprenticeship.
End-point Assessment
This apprenticeship provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet the requirements of the End-Point Assessment (EPA), the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The APC pathway available as the End-Point Assessment is:
This Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship includes an MSc degree in Urban Planning from UCEM and leads to Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) once the APC is achieved.
More information about the EPA can be found in this RICS Apprenticeship Handbook.
Our APC achievement rate is 97.2% higher than the national average
Sustainability underpins all our modules
UCEM is the largest provider of Chartered Surveyor apprenticeships
Structure
Degree award
On successful completion, students will be awarded:
- MSc Urban Planning
- Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
Delivery structure
Development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for all apprenticeships happens through a combination of workplace training provided by the employer and off-the job training provided by UCEM.
This apprenticeship is 180 credits, with the APC as the End Point Assessment.
The employer must be able to provide their apprentices with relevant workplace experience for the requirements of the EPA to be met.
Below are the modules for year 1 (depending on the qualification you choose) along with an overview of the topics you will study.
Planning Concepts, Context and Governance (20 credits)
Develop an understanding of the origins and objectives of land use planning in the UK, along with the mechanisms and processes that drive it. Consider the importance of sustainability as a strategic aim of planning, and how this interpreted by different stakeholders.
Valuations for Planners (10 credits)
Combine knowledge of how to prepare valuations for a range of property interests with an understanding of the RICS Valuation standards and professional bodies’ Rules of Conduct in order to act appropriately in providing client advice and professional valuation reports.
Planning Process, Practice and Leadership (20 credits)
Gain insight into the real-world dynamics of the planning process in the UK, through a critical review of the prescribed stages of plan-making at a range of strategic levels and spatial contexts.
Real Estate and Development Appraisal (20 credits)
Explore the financial motivations of primarily private-sector developers and the public-sector obligations of local planning authorities, and how these can be balanced through early liaison to produce a positive building development outcome.
Research Skills and Current Affairs (10 credits)
Hone the research skills required to navigate the ever-changing flow of socio-political planning discourse from academia and practice, whilst informing your own Independent Research Project.
Below are the modules for year 2 (depending on the qualification you choose) along with an overview of the topics you will study.
Planning Sustainable Environments (20 credits)
Build a critical understanding of how the planning system addresses the challenges of climate change and promotes sustainable urban (and non-urban) environments, with selected examples of best practice.
Placemaking for Sustainable Communities (20 credits)
Dive into the mix of regulations, negotiation techniques and collaborative processes to create vibrant neighbourhood plans and learn how to resolve the tensions and conflicting values of different stakeholders in the development of a consensus-based spatial strategy.
Independent Research Project (40 credits)
Conduct a self-directed, independent research project reflecting the culmination of your studies on a topic that reflects the current and critical areas that concern planning matters within the built environment.
Course Leader
BA (Hons), PGDipArch, MSc, PGTHLHE, ARB, FHEA
Amanda qualified as an architect and worked in practice for 12 years, managing retail and residential construction projects, in and around London.
In 1994 having gained a distinction for her master’s in Real Estate, she became an academic in the School of Surveying and Planning at Kingston University.
Online learning
The future of study
Flexible study
Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals
e-Library access
Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies
Interactive
Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources
Expert-led
Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts
Stay connected
Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world
Time commitment and study breakdown
Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.
Directed study time (%)
Self-directed study time (%)
Assessment study time (%)
Why choose UCEM?
UCEM is a leading university for the built environment, providing flexible and accessible supported online education to all. Our commitment to become the most sustainable university in the world has led us to develop the way we teach, operate, and collaborate with others to ensure that sustainability is integrated into everything that we do.
Our apprenticeship offering is constantly growing to keep up with the demands of the sector. We are proud to have gained a reputation with our clients and industry partners for the excellent support we provide apprentices and employers.
- Rated 13th in the top 50 apprenticeship providers, Rate My Apprenticeship
- The largest provider of Chartered Surveyor apprenticeships, Gov.uk
- 'Good' Ofsted rating, 2021
- 91% of apprentices agreed that UCEM gave relevant training to help them perform their job better, ESFA
Find out how it's right for you and your studies.
Application process
For employers
If you’re interested in developing your workforce with this apprenticeship, then please get in touch with our Business Development Team who will be able to guide you through the application process and support with any queries. Find the right apprenticeship candidate for your role through UCAS Talent Finder.
For prospective apprentices
If you are considering an apprenticeship but are not currently employed, you will need to search for an apprenticeship before applying.
Application deadlines
Undergraduate route – 24 February 2025
Postgraduate route – 10 February 2025
Undergraduate route – 25 August 2025
Postgraduate route – 11 August 2025
Contact us
To find out more about working with us you can email businessdevelopment@ucem.ac.uk or call one of our team.
You can also fill out the contact form below and someone will get back to you:
