You’ll learn about the social, economic and environmental challenges planners face, whilst becoming familiar with planning tools, methods and how they can be applied to particular planning contexts.
Introduction
This MCD taught programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute and will introduce you to the essential aspects of town and regional planning.
What you'll learn
A critical appreciation of challenges facing modern society in terms of the need to reconcile economic growth and development with protecting and conserving the environment
An understanding of the diversity of planned interventions at a variety of spatial scales, which are designed to produce effective and implementable solutions to policy dilemmas
A range of analytical skills and techniques that are designed to develop appropriate and implementable solutions to a range of complex problems
The opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding to the achievement of feasible solutions to real-life problems
To provide an ability to appreciate the need to adopt strong professional values and ethics, recognising the diversity of interests that planning serves
To provide the opportunity to begin to explore ideas, perspectives and debates in one specialised area of planning.
Accreditation
This MCD taught programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute
If you're able to study part-time, you'll
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any
other life commitments. You will
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Spatial Planning
During your studies, you’ll dive into the fascinating processes that go into creating and transforming urban places. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of past plan-making exercises, which will help you develop your skills and knowledge in this exciting field.
Compulsory modules
Spatial Planning Challenges (ENVS411)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provide students with an understanding of the conflicts facing planners in trying to deliver sustainable development. It introduces students to the range of social, economic and environmental issues that face contemporary society. It outlines the role of spatial planning in managing development pressures while protecting the built and natural environment, and it explores different planning responses to address and reconcile these competing interests.
Theory, Power and Ethics (ENVS432)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The focus of this module is on the institutional perspective on planning across different spatial scales and the different strands of theories that are relevant to the understanding of the role and purposes of planning.
Trends, Outcomes and Impacts (ENVS469)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with a coherent guide to the variety of methods and techniques employed in analysing contemporary spatial planning issues and monitoring and evaluating policy outcomes and impacts.
Making Places (ENVS439)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The focus of this module is on introducing and exploring the processes and issues involved in the making and remaking of urban places. It will provide the skills and techniques to analyse and understand place quality and characteristics from different viewpoints, and to understand the transition from design to its implementation.
The module will be based on assessments that encourage students to critically read a ‘real-world’ project both as a set of drawings and as an as-built scheme, and used to discuss viability/development economics
Implementing and Managing Change (ENVS459)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to introduce and critically examine the key skills, issues and practices planners need in implementing and managing change. It is strongly practically focused and makes use of a range of guest lecturers from planning practice to bring their own perspectives to the challenges of implementing and managing change.
Spatial Planning in Action (ENVS467)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge gained in other aspects of their studies to a plan-making exercise. In this project-based module, students will work with a client on the development of a strategy for the improvement of a selected area. Student will work in groups on a project brief that will allow them to address issues that are both relevant for the local client and reflect relevant planning debates (e.g. on urban sustainability, climate change, etc.)
Making Plans (ENVS427)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides a knowledge base of spatial planning disciplines by understanding key historical evolution of plan-making approaches, being conversant with methods and techniques used in the preparation and implementation of spatial plans and policies, and last but not least, demonstrating critical thinking capacities of reviewing a contemporary plan-making practice through a close theory-practice axis.
Dissertation MCD/MA/MSc Planning (ENVS491)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The module supports students in the development, researching and execution of an independent piece of research under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Urban Design
When studying on the Urban Design pathway, you’ll get to explore the exciting and complex world of sustainable urban planning. You’ll gain a unique perspective on the different spatial scales and theories involved in urban design, which will help you understand the challenges faced by planners.
During your studies, you’ll also learn about the various forces that shape the built environment, and the important role played by design professionals. You’ll also get to flex your creative muscles and propose your own urban design solutions for a specific site, using a rigorous and design-led process.
Compulsory modules
Spatial Planning Challenges (ENVS411)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provide students with an understanding of the conflicts facing planners in trying to deliver sustainable development. It introduces students to the range of social, economic and environmental issues that face contemporary society. It outlines the role of spatial planning in managing development pressures while protecting the built and natural environment, and it explores different planning responses to address and reconcile these competing interests.
Theory, Power and Ethics (ENVS432)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The focus of this module is on the institutional perspective on planning across different spatial scales and the different strands of theories that are relevant to the understanding of the role and purposes of planning.
Trends, Outcomes and Impacts (ENVS469)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with a coherent guide to the variety of methods and techniques employed in analysing contemporary spatial planning issues and monitoring and evaluating policy outcomes and impacts.
Urban Design: Principles and Practice (ENVS420)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This is a seminar-based module promoting an understanding of the forces that shape the built environment and the role played by design professionals. It will help students as future designers to understand that the city is a complex and dynamic system and stimulate their active thinking and positive responses to various phenomena in terms of generating appropriate strategies for urban design and sustainability.
Implementing and Managing Change (ENVS459)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to introduce and critically examine the key skills, issues and practices planners need in implementing and managing change. It is strongly practically focused and makes use of a range of guest lecturers from planning practice to bring their own perspectives to the challenges of implementing and managing change.
Spatial Planning in Action (ENVS467)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge gained in other aspects of their studies to a plan-making exercise. In this project-based module, students will work with a client on the development of a strategy for the improvement of a selected area. Student will work in groups on a project brief that will allow them to address issues that are both relevant for the local client and reflect relevant planning debates (e.g. on urban sustainability, climate change, etc.)
Urban Design Studio (ENVS463)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This is a studio-based module for students to propose urban design outcomes for a given site following a rigorous design-led process.
Students will interpret a brief and propose a solution to an urban design issue linked to one or more of ther topics covered in ENVS420.
Dissertation MCD/MA/MSc Planning (ENVS491)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The module supports students in the development, researching and execution of an independent piece of research under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Spatial Modelling
Studying on the Spatial Modelling pathway will allow you to build on your data science skills, introducing you to a range of geographical information science tools that can be used to create digital representations of the world, and statistical techniques specifically designed to handle spatial data – along with developing the capability to overcome obstacles faced by planners.
You’ll discover how to use these skills effectively in a planning setting, and see how they relate to a variety of social, economic, and environmental challenges that our modern society is facing.
Compulsory modules
Spatial Planning Challenges (ENVS411)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provide students with an understanding of the conflicts facing planners in trying to deliver sustainable development. It introduces students to the range of social, economic and environmental issues that face contemporary society. It outlines the role of spatial planning in managing development pressures while protecting the built and natural environment, and it explores different planning responses to address and reconcile these competing interests.
Theory, Power and Ethics (ENVS432)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The focus of this module is on the institutional perspective on planning across different spatial scales and the different strands of theories that are relevant to the understanding of the role and purposes of planning.
Trends, Outcomes and Impacts (ENVS469)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with a coherent guide to the variety of methods and techniques employed in analysing contemporary spatial planning issues and monitoring and evaluating policy outcomes and impacts.
Geographic Information Science (ENVS609)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces how the tools of GIS can be used to create digital representations of the world, and through a framework of Geographic Information Science, reviews the potential problems and pitfalls of doing so. The module is delivered through both lectures and supplemented by practical labs that develop familiarity and skills in the application of GIS.
Implementing and Managing Change (ENVS459)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to introduce and critically examine the key skills, issues and practices planners need in implementing and managing change. It is strongly practically focused and makes use of a range of guest lecturers from planning practice to bring their own perspectives to the challenges of implementing and managing change.
Spatial Planning in Action (ENVS467)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge gained in other aspects of their studies to a plan-making exercise. In this project-based module, students will work with a client on the development of a strategy for the improvement of a selected area. Student will work in groups on a project brief that will allow them to address issues that are both relevant for the local client and reflect relevant planning debates (e.g. on urban sustainability, climate change, etc.)
Spatial Modelling for Data Scientists (ENVS453)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
An introduction to a range of statistical techniques specifically designed to handle spatial data, building upon the more generic social survey analysis skills and R programming skills covered and developed in ENVS450, the pre-requisite of Module ENVS453.
Dissertation MCD/MA/MSc Planning (ENVS491)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The module supports students in the development, researching and execution of an independent piece of research under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a combination of teaching, learning and assessment methods in line with the varied nature of the programme.
You’ll attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in practical sessions, such as project work and field visits. You are encouraged to take a proactive approach to their learning.
You will plan and organise your studies both on an individual basis and working in groups, take an active role in seminars, class discussions, library and IT studies and make practice contacts and site visits associated with coursework submissions.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a combination of coursework, such as essays, reports, seminar presentations and examinations. Essays, reports, seminars and discussion papers enable you to explore particular components of the course in-depth and present coherent arguments using a range of writing styles, suitable for different audiences.
Seminar presentations provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate your ability in presenting and defending your arguments. Group projects enable you to demonstrate, through verbal presentations, written reports or design work, your ability to work as part of a team to resolve large and complex problems. Examinations test knowledge, understanding and critical reflection on a range of materials covered in a module.
You will also take part in a final project based on a topic associated with your specialism. You’ll work independently to develop and demonstrate research skills and apply knowledge to a specific research problem. You’ll be specifically assessed on your initial presentation, your research outline, and your dissertation.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Geography and Planning is home to the world’s first planning school. We are a centre of excellence for innovative and influential research and scholarship and are a leading provider of high-quality professional education. We have excellent academic staff who are actively engaged with research and professional practice. This is reflected in the fact we edit two international journals: Town Planning Review and Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management.
There are significant career opportunities in the field of planning, urban regeneration and environmental management working for local authorities, the private and voluntary sectors. Within the planning sphere graduates can become involved in a variety of different positions concerned with helping to improve the quality of our towns and cities.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Most of our graduates join public sector organisations as career planners in development control, policy and information or implementation teams.
However, an increasing number join private planning consultancies and urban regeneration agencies. Other graduates choose to work for third-sector organisations, such as environmental charities, take higher degrees, or to work as research assistants in academic institutions.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£10,400
Part-time place, per year
£5,200
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£21,400
Part-time place, per year
£10,700
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree or above, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
We also encourage applications from those with non-standard qualifications and relevant work experience. Each application will be assessed on its own merits.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
