Overview
Our cities are the beating heart of our communities, societies and economies. They’re the intricate networks of design, development, decisions and policies that impact the lives of everyone every day. Urban planners play a crucial role in balancing all of these functions, and without their expertise, society wouldn’t be able to function.
As urban populations continue to grow exponentially, the need to align development with sustainability is paramount. On UCEM’s part-time, online MSc Urban Planning programme, you’ll study the relationship between our urban and natural environments, and gain the knowledge and expertise needed to help realise a sustainable built environment.
Course accreditations
About the programme
This part-time online programme will provide you with the platform from which you can play a key role in the creation and development of sustainable urban environments. It will guide you through and provide you with the foundational knowledge and critical skills needed at every stage of the planning process.
- Understand the history of spatial and urban planning and the legal and institutional structures that govern the practice
- Consider the principles behind urban planning and their impact on the evolution of the built environment
- Learn how to solve complex planning conflicts that arise from the need to balance social, economic and environmental issues
- Hone your ability to gather, analyse and frame decision making around data from varied sources
- Build the negotiation and collaborative skills needed to achieve a positive outcome between clients and stakeholders
- Appreciate how placemaking can add significant value to the well-being and health of a community, as well as its assets
The content of this course combines theoretical knowledge with analytical skills and practical underpinning, drawing upon case studies from both the UK and overseas to provide real-world context.
You will have the opportunity to build your knowledge on a range of theoretical concepts and planning practices, from biodiversity net gain and characterisation studies to risk appraisal, zoning analysis and many more.
Benefits
Who is this programme for?
Built for you
Built environment professionals looking to specialise or transition to a career in urban/regional planning
Individuals with a passion for sustainability wanting to make a difference to community development and society at large
University graduates with a degree and/or interest in land-related topics considering a career in the built environment
Programme Structure
Modules you will study
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.
Planning Concepts, Context, and Governance Module Descriptor >
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.
Planning Process, Practice and Leadership Module Descriptor >
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.
If you require further information about programme content, please view the programme specification, which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods.
Entry requirements
Entrants to this programme normally are required to have attained one of the following:
- A Bachelor’s Degree with honours at upper second standard (2:1) as a minimum, or equivalent;
- A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) as a minimum, or equivalent, and be employed in a relevant role and with 1 years’ experience in a relevant field;
- A Bachelor’s Degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) as a minimum, or equivalent, in a built environment subject such as Architecture, Surveying, Real Estate Management, Geography, or Environmental Science;
- A Level 5 qualification as defined by Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus 5 years’ relevant experience;
- A professional qualification plus 5 years’ relevant experience;
- Successfully completed the UCEM Postgraduate Access programme* at the first attempt.
English language requirement
All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. The applicant will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a course*:
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent qualification. For further information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ucem.ac.uk.
- Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council.
- 88 or above in the Internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option, of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test.
- Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level.
- HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).
* Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree that has been taught and examined in the English medium can be considered for entry in the absence of the qualifications detailed above.
Support
How you’ll be supported during your studies
While studying with UCEM, you’ll be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They’ll assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support and be there for you if you have any disability or wellbeing support needs.
This team is your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within UCEM.
This team will help you navigate the world of online learning and the VLE. Whether you need help with online learning or managing your workload, this team is here to support you all the way through your journey.
Our academics are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.
This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.
Programme leader
How you’ll learn
The online learning experience
Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on our VLE. You’ll also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.
Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):
Participating in webinars and online discussion forums
Watching videos and voice-over presentations
Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme material
Self-directed study time (35%)
Reading textbooks and study papers to develop your subject knowledge
Planning and writing coursework
Students will take part in group work in their second year. This may entail working through a simulated planning inquiry or consultation, and then collaborating to collect and share research material, before collating and presenting it to a panel.
Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.
The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer-based assessments and computer-marked assessments (CMAs), and independent research projects. The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.
Study methods
Studying online means taking control of when and where you study so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education so you can earn while you learn.
When you study at UCEM, you’ll be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.
You’ll be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone as you’ll be fully supported by lecturers and a community of students throughout your journey.
YOUR COMMITMENT
Your expected time commitment for the part-time route is on average around 20 hours per week. This is based on you studying two modules per six-month semester.
Accreditation
The programme has been designed to align with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) requirements for chartered membership. UCEM plans to seek RICS and RTPI accreditation in due course. RICS accreditation for the programme will be sought for September 2024.
Fees and funding
Financial options
£11,000 total cost
This is the total cost for x9 modules (180 credits)
10 credit module = £610
20 credit module = £1,220
40 credit module = £2,460
You can find out more on our payment options page.
You may be eligible for funding for your studies. This programme is designated for Student Finance, and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for a Postgraduate Loan. Eligible students can apply for funding each academic year. The loan is then paid in three instalments throughout the academic year. It is also registered with the Skills Funding Agency for Professional and Career Development Loans. You can find out more on our student finance page.
Your programme fees are fixed for the duration of your studies. This means that the fee you pay per module will not increase from one year to the next, as long as you remain registered on the same programme. All learning resources required for successful completion of each module are provided as part of your fee. The core reading resources within each module and additional reference material and supplementary resources to support your studies will be provided via the specific VLE module pages and within the e-library.
Alternative options
Sponsorship
Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.
To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship webpage.
Apprenticeship route
Those in relevant employment may be suitable for entry to the Chartered Surveyor apprenticeship (Planning and Development pathway). To find more information, head to our become an apprentice webpage.
Bursaries
Need a helping hand with your fees?
UCEM will fund up to 50% of the UCEM postgraduate programme fee for a limited number of new students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and financial need.
You can find out more and apply for the Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme on our financial support page.
Your career
Unlock your potential
This course equips graduates with both the essential subject knowledge and the practical expertise needed to work in planning and development across a range of industries, including town planning, property and development.
There are a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including but not limited to:
- Town planning
- Transportation planning
- Urban placemaking
- Infrastructure providers
- Development management
- Spatial planning
- Regional planning
- Land and property development
- Public realm design
- Commercial real estate development
- Economic development
- Urban regeneration
- Planning consultancy
- Housing providers
- Planning conservation
- Local authority planning
- Planning and development surveyor
- National and regional strategic planning advisors