Holly Wright

I am currently nearing the completion of the Town and Regional Planning MCD degree programme led by the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Liverpool. I chose to study this degree programme at Liverpool as the course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute and, given that I am already employed as a public sector planning officer, will be instrumental in aiding my efforts to become a chartered town planner. Further to this, as the world’s first planning school and the only university to offer a Master of Civic Design, I was attracted by Liverpool’s renowned excellence and prestige as an educational institution.

What course are you currently studying? 

I am studying the Master of Civic Design (MCD) in Town and Regional Planning on a part-time basis alongside my full-time employment as a public sector planner. 

Why did you choose to study a master’s degree at the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Liverpool?

Given that I had already been working within the planning profession for over a year prior to applying to study at Liverpool, I was very keen to supplement and expand upon my practical experience working in the planning sector through gaining an academic foundation and theoretical understanding of town and regional planning.

What’s the best thing about studying your programme? 

One of the best things about studying the MCD degree programme is that it caters to everyone as it is both interesting and varied in terms of its course content, providing the opportunity to engage with theoretical and concept-based modules as well as more practical and skills-based modules.

How do the facilities in the University and the School help you with your studies? 

The libraries are a great resource in that they provide access to an abundance of reading materials as well as offering bookable individual and group study rooms, which help facilitate both independent and collaborative working sessions. The libraries also offer a host of online resources, such as the academic referencing guide, which I have found crucial in assisting me during my studies. 

What did you enjoy most about the whole experience (thinking about any trips, social and extracurricular activities or guest speakers) and what value has that added? 

For me, the highlight of the MCD degree programme was the opportunity to attend a week-long field trip to Paris, during which we were invited to listen to guest lectures at various universities and planning institutes, go on walking tours of the city to learn about its historic development and approaches to planning, as well as visiting key planning interventions. I found this experience to be greatly beneficial as it provided a tangible learning experience of planning in its wider context and on an international scale.

How do you believe undertaking master’s study will help your career prospects? 

I believe that studying the MCD degree programme will greatly enhance my career prospects, in terms of facilitating progression with my current employer through an improved knowledge base and skillset, as well as further afield with other local planning authorities and private planning agencies. Further to this, as the MCD degree programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute, it will greatly aid my efforts in becoming a chartered town planner, which will further boost my credibility and professionalism as a planning officer.

What advice would you give to anybody considering master’s study?

I would definitely recommend making the most of the opportunities available to you whilst studying at the university – whether that be attending field trips and visits, engaging with guest lecturers and planning professionals during networking and career-related events, or participating in extra-curricular activities. These events and activities will aid your development both as an academic and a professional and will ultimately help prepare you for your future career.