Clearing 2025
Clearing places have been filled on this course for 2025 entry.
Town and Regional Planning
UCAS code K400
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
The Town and Regional Planning MPlan programme is designed for those who wish to pursue a professional career in urban, regional and environmental planning. The MPlan offers two pathways with distinct specialisms in transforming cities and regions and spatial planning for environmental change.
Introduction
Attention is focused on approaches to planning for the urban environment in a rapidly changing world. An interdisciplinary approach to study provides learning opportunities that draw upon the expertise of academics in Planning as well as academics in the Departments of Geography, Sociology and Architecture.
With major changes occurring in how we address transport infrastructure, housing and green belt development studying a degree in Planning from the University of Liverpool provides the practical skills, as well as, the theoretical understanding required to balance the needs of urban and rural development.
You will develop a broad overview of how our towns, cities and regions have developed and have an opportunity to specialise in environmental or urban regeneration issues. With a pioneering approach to planning and regeneration, Liverpool is an ideal location in which to study town and regional planning. Over the past 30 years Liverpool has been transformed economically, socially and environment. Staff and students from Planning at the University of Liverpool have been part of these changes as they have been observing, reflecting and helping local planners, developers and communities to shape these changes. This makes Liverpool an ideal urban laboratory to study how our world is changing.
The Town and Regional Planning (MPlan) programme is designed to satisfy the professional accreditation requirements of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and enables you to fast track into the planning profession. It is a combined programme that meets both spatial and specialist RTPI planning requirements.
You will have the opportunity, from year three onwards, to specialise in either Spatial planning and environmental change or Transforming cities and regions. The four year programme provides you with a more in-depth understanding of the practice-orientated nature of planning and its context than can be achieved in a one-year intensive masters programme.
Work experience opportunities
You will have the opportunity to work with real practitioners as we work with local and international experts on projects and field trips. You are also encouraged to undertake internships or placements with planning agencies throughout your programme.
A flexible approach
The Town and Regional Planning (MPlan) programme has been developed alongside our other planning programmes allowing you to transfer between programmes within the first two years should your interests or career aspirations change.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
This programme also has a year abroad option, an incredible opportunity to spend an academic year at one of our partner universities. On the four-year integrated master’s programme, you can go abroad either between years two and three (apply in year two), or between years three and four (apply in year three).
What you'll learn
- An awareness and appreciation of the current planning profession
- A depth of knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect of the field of town and regional planning
- The development of sound practice skills in the methods and techniques of planning
- An understanding of the legal framework within which planning operates
- An awareness and appreciation of planning practice in other European countries
- The development of skills in analysis, synthesis, reasoned argument and communication
- Knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of planning
- The development of research, teamwork and other professional skills of relevance to planning practice
Accreditation
The programme is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), providing combined spatial and specialist accreditation (dependent upon module selection in year three).
Accreditation in detail
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
RTPI
The Royal Town Planning Institute works in partnership with universities to develop and accredit professional planning qualifications to put graduates on track to become a Chartered Town Planner.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Your first year of study introduces you to planning issues and the circumstances in which they arise. It provides an understanding of how planning powers, agencies and policies work to overcome the challenges that face cities and communities. You will also improve your oral, written and visual communication skills and engage in group-based problem solving and practical work with local field days so you can put your newfound skills into practice in a real-life setting.
You will take the following compulsory modules and select two choices from the optional modules detailed below.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Year two is when you develop your specialism for either transforming cities and regions or spatial planning for environmental change. You will be introduced to the social, economic, and environmental causes of urban and regional change and the concept of environmental sustainability and its connections with patterns of human development. Project work helps you develop an awareness of the issues that arise in the development of planning schemes while a field trip examines social, economic and environmental planning challenges in a rural setting.
You will take the following compulsory modules and select one choice from the optional modules detailed below.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In your third year of study, you will select your specialist pathway, either transforming cities and regions or spatial planning for environmental change. You will also take three compulsory modules.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PLANNING AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT (ENVS369) | 15 |
| PLANNING LAW AND GOVERNANCE (ENVS348) | 15 |
| INTERNATIONAL PLANNING STUDIES (ENVS378) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four
Year four focuses on professional planning practice and includes a major project in the module spatial planning in action; coverage of planning theory and ethical questions in planning practice. This year also includes an assessed work placement for a minimum of three weeks working with a planning-related agency. Previous students have undertaken their placement in Merseyside, elsewhere in the UK or overseas, for example in Denmark, Poland, and Hong Kong.
You will take the following compulsory modules.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MPLAN DISSERTATION (ENVS494) | 30 |
| PLANNING IN PRACTICE (ENVS426) | 30 |
| SPATIAL PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECT (ENVS467) | 30 |
| THEORY, POWER AND ETHICS (ENVS432) | 15 |
| PLANNING PRACTICE PLACEMENT (ENVS448) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Planning education has an important vocational focus and in Liverpool we consider a real world connection to be extremely important. Our students gain a broad understanding of planning, from the ways in which towns and cities have evolved and are being reshaped to meet the challenges of the 21st century to the effects of planning on the environment and planning’s role in urban regeneration.
To do this we have designed varied programmes of study with a range of teaching styles. You will learn by doing through place-based projects and field classes as well as be introduced to real-life examples from around the world.
Our programmes also include specialised training in geographic information systems, mapping and urban design. Together these approaches ensure that you gain valuable transferable skills whilst studying with us.
How you're assessed
Assessments are designed around developing skills and styles of communication that will be relevant to future employers. So, in addition to exams and essays, you will also undertake assessments that include computer-based exercises, oral presentations, policy briefs, poster presentations, field projects, research reports, design work, group work, seminar presentations and papers. Students complete a compulsory dissertation or project module in the final year on a topic of your choice. This is your opportunity to develop skills as an independent academic researcher, supported on a one-to-one basis by an expert in the field.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BCC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DMM |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma MM plus grade B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus grade BC at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BC at A level. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
All of our programmes benefit from the expertise of our academic staff who are leading global discussions in spatial planning, planning economics, marine planning, and environmental assessment and management. This means you will benefit from research-led teaching, bringing the latest planning theory and practice into the classroom. Within the Department we also edit two respected peer-reviewed academic journals (Town Planning Review and Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal) and host the Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Cities and the Environmental Assessment and Management Centre. All of this means you can be confident that your learning is at the forefront of the discipline.
Explore where you'll study
Planning Promotional Video
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Our Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) accredited programmes ensure that you are fully qualified to enter this dynamic profession on graduation.
If you wish to continue your education beyond your undergraduate degree we also offer a range of postgraduate degrees, including our RTPI accredited Master of Civic Design.
We also offer a series of specialist postgraduate programmes including:
- MA Housing and Community Planning (RTPI accredited)
- Urban Design and Planning MCD (RTPI accredited)
- MSc Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA accredited)
- MA Sustainable Urban Planning.
- Further PhD study.
Career paths taken by our recent graduates:
- Planning and environmental consultants
- Transport planning and urban regeneration
- Economic development
- Environmental management
- GIS and data science specialists
- Social housing.
Our recent graduates have found employment with the following:
- Consultancy: Atkins, Arup, Indigo, Savills
- Local Authority: Islington Borough Council, Lancashire County Council
- Public bodies: Transport for London (TFL), Natural England, Environment Agency, National Parks Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations: Liverpool Vision, Council for the Protection of Rural England, RSPB
- Advocacy: Housing associations, social enterprise, economic development.