Urban Planning
UCAS code K430
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
The Urban Planning programme provides you with the knowledge and the skills to understand and help address the challenges faced by urban areas today. You’ll gain a rounded understanding of the factors and forces that are shaping the urban environment, the role that planning can play in developing and renewing urban areas, and reconciling competing and conflicting interests.
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 the Department of Geography and planning.
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 provide 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.
Our unique three year BA (Hons) programme in Urban Planning is designed for those who wish to pursue a broad planning related degree with an environmental or urban orientated theme. You will gain an understanding of factors influencing the changing features and the ever-increasing demands of modern society.
Field trips
You will also 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.
This programmes involves laboratory and fieldwork. The fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from disabled students on the same basis as to all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
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
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.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three provides you with a more focused study of your specialism in order to gain greater knowledge and expertise of urban planning. You are required to take four modules associated with your specialism, made up of two core modules and two optional modules. You then choose a further four modules from a range of other optional modules. This could include a dissertation where you undertake a piece of independent research and international field class offering the opportunity to explore planning in a new context.
You will take the following compulsory modules and two additional optional modules that relate to your specialism – transforming cities and regions – and the remaining modules from the optional modules detailed below. You may be required to select a research module choice, for example dissertation.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| URBAN AND REGIONAL REGENERATION PROJECT (ENVS384) | 15 |
| URBAN AND REGIONAL REGENERATION (ENVS336) | 15 |
| INTERNATIONAL PLANNING STUDIES (ENVS378) | 30 |
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 |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus grade B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus grade BB at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB 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
Study as part of XJTLU 2+2
Students studying Urban Planning and Design BEng at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about Urban Planning BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme .
The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.
- Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
- Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
- Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
- Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.
Your experience
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 Urban Planning programme is varied, interdisciplinary, and has a strong vocational focus, meaning that you enter a wide range of planning related careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
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.