MPlan Planning

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Planning (MPlan)
Duration
4 years
Typical A-level offer
ABB
Typical contextual A-level offer
BBC
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

34 points overall.  6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019. 

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • Explore how we plan and manage the world around us.
  • Gain an additional year of master's-level professional training, on top of the three-year BSc Planning and Real Estate degree.
  • Study a degree fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), in a world-famous city where fast-paced urban development and vibrant real-estate markets are on your doorstep.
  • Spend time studying abroad for one semester at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia. This course normally includes an overseas fieldtrip.
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Study Planning and Real Estate at The University of Manchester

Open days

We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester. 

Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events. 

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Additional expenses

This course has normally included an overseas field trip in year 4, which is an optional part of the course. Please note there is a student contribution towards the cost of the trip depending on the location.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course.  

You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2,500 to support your studies. 

Find out about our funding opportunities

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
Recruitment & Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4700
Email
Website
http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/planning/
School/Faculty overview
See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

ABB.

Contextual offer

Grades BBC including subject specific requirements for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.  For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page .

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall.  6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019. 

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Scottish requirements

We normally require grades  AABBC or ABBBB  in Scottish Highers. 

In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers  ABB

or

Two Advanced Highers AB , plus two additional Highers BB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require 80%.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB and an EAP score of B. 

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB and an EAP requirements score of B.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM. 

Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma 

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DM plus an A Level at grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A .

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grade BB.  

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade  D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB. 

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or very similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a distinction grade, with the remaining level 3 credits at merit. You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Cambridge Pre-U

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates are expected to achieve D3, M2, M2.

T Level

We consider applicants taking T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning. Candidates are expected to achieve Distinction plus Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.

A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

How your application is considered

Academic attainment but the personal statement and potentially work experience/volunteering can be assessed in conjunction with this assessment.

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

Work experience or volunteering in a planning, environment, urban design or real estate would be beneficial but is not required, as opportunities are embedded within the programmes to gain work experience.

Returning to education

Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.

We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.

We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.

Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.

Deferrals

Deferrals are accepted onto all programmes in PEM.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

We will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules.

If you have re-sat your final examinations, we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

In the second year, there's an optional course unit to take on a work placement.

I split my time between a private consultancy called Southern Planning Practice and a local authority called Eastleigh Borough Council. I loved looking into planning applications and deducing what decision I would give before planners would reveal what was actually recommended.

Rachael Morris / MPRE Master of Planning with Real Estate student

MPlan (Master of Planning) is a four-year enhanced undergraduate degree which is fully accredited by both the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The curriculum for the first three years is the same as our BSc (Hons) Planning and Real Estate, in which you will consider the issues faced by professionals in dealing with the planning, development, and management of all aspects of our built and natural environments.

The fourth year of study is at taught master's level and provides professional training in planning, serving as a fast-track to your future career. You always have the option to switch between the degree programmes with the final ‘integrated Masters' year so you can transfer on or off the four-year programme during any stage of your studies.

Effective planning, development, and management of our cities, towns, and natural environment is crucial in an age when governments and societies all over the world are struggling to deliver sustainable development.

Understanding and engaging with the opportunities and challenges facing the communities and places in which we live, work, and play is at the heart of what we do in the department of Planning, Property and Environmental Management at The University of Manchester.

The integrated Master of Planning (MPlan) satisfies the spatial planning curricula for the RTPI and is therefore the fastest route to Licentiate Membership. The degree is also dual accredited, as it is recognised by the RICS Planning and Development and Commercial Real Estate and Valuation pathways.

Manchester is a great place to study planning.

It is a major UK city undergoing rapid urban change, which provides an ideal base for exploring urban development pressures and how these shape economic, social, and environmental futures.

Developing an appreciation of the interaction of people, the economy, and the politics of development are central to this process and your studies in Manchester.

The city is also ideally placed for you to learn about a wide variety of rural environments which have significant implications for planning and real estate markets, including three spectacular National Parks, areas of intensive farming, and impressive coastlines.

Special features

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Portugal field trip

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - meaning you'll be ideally placed for a professional career in planning or real estate after you graduate.

Local fieldwork

Conduct fieldwork on a local scale, exploring the city of Manchester and its surrounding areas to supplement your studies and assessments.

International fieldwork

This course normally includes a field trip to a European country during your second year, where you can put what you have learnt so far into practice. You will also have the option to attend a field visit abroad in your fourth and final year.

Study abroad

Apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia, or Australia.

Teaching and learning

We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with tutorials, seminars and workshop sessions.

Practical and digital skills, such as Geographic Information System (GIS), Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator - as well as general computer skills - are taught in university computer suites.

This work is accompanied by group work in tutorials and workshops, as well as standard lectures, giving you an overall hands-on learning experience.

Project-based learning, incorporating applied design work, field research and study visits are integral to our MPlan course.

These projects provide an excellent opportunity for you to integrate your knowledge and skills and apply them to real situations - exposing you to professional practice.

Important notice

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork.

However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The ability of fieldwork and travel to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork and travel might be necessary, will remain subject to factors such as the:

  • rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
  • outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
  • educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
  • availability of appropriate insurance cover;
  • availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.

All fieldwork and travel will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff.

In some circumstances, it may become necessary to make changes to fieldwork or programme related travel. The University will notify you of those changes at the earliest opportunity.

If any fieldwork does not go ahead as planned, then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.

Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

The School cannot guarantee that where visas are required for fieldwork, they will be granted but we will take steps so that if a visa is refused, affected students are not academically disadvantaged.

Coursework and assessment

We place strong emphasis on coursework and continuous assessment.

Coursework takes a variety of forms - from essays and reports, to posters, oral presentations and project demonstrations (sometimes to practising professionals).

We also incorporate lots of opportunities for feedback on non-assessed work so that you can be confident about your progress.

Your dissertation, which takes place in the third year, will draw together the different strands of the course and allow you to study a subject that really interests you.

You will work with an individual supervisor to conceive, plan, execute and write up an independent and novel piece of research.

Course content for year 1

Year 1 provides a broad introduction to the fundamentals of planning, including introducing core principles and practices that underpin urban development, real estate and urban economics, placemaking and sustainable communities. You will use Manchester as your ‘living laboratory' seeing the opportunities and challenges of fast-paced development in an internationally famous, vibrant city.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Designing Sustainable Futures PLAN10031 20 Mandatory
Introduction to Planning and Development PLAN10041 20 Mandatory
GIS & Digital Tools for Decision Making PLAN10092 20 Mandatory
Introduction to Real Estate PLAN10201 20 Mandatory
Introduction to Urban and Environmental Economics PLAN10352 20 Mandatory
Rural Planning PLAN10362 10 Optional
Principles of Real Estate Law PLAN10622 10 Optional
Place-making PLAN10632 10 Optional

Course content for year 2

In Year 2, you will begin to specialise your knowledge and skills. This includes understanding policies, regulations and processes that guide development, introducing core principles on urban design and understanding how to value properties.

This year also provides you with an opportunity to start tailoring your degree to your specific interests with optional course units and gaining some work experience through taking an optional short-term placement. You can also normally apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

Year 2 also starts to develop your skills in collecting and analysing data ready for conducting independent research in your third year. As part of this, the course normally includes a residential field visit to a European country where you can apply your learning in a different context.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Sustainable Development Project PLAN20072 20 Mandatory
Applied Research for Planning and Real Estate PLAN20172 20 Mandatory
Plan Making & the Development Process PLAN20181 20 Mandatory
Policy for Cities and Regions PLAN20381 10 Mandatory
Valuation & Appraisal PLAN21012 20 Mandatory
Data Analytics for Planning & Real Estate PLAN26041 10 Mandatory
Professional Placement PLAN20090 20 Optional
Environmental Planning and Assessment PLAN20521 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

In Year 3 you will develop your planning specialism further. This will include learning the fundamental components of planning law, exploring specific aspects of urban development such as housing provision and acquiring specific insights into the ethical perspectives of planning, vital for your move into the profession.

In this year, you will also undertake a piece of independent research on a topic of your choice - your dissertation. To help you through this process, you will be guided by one of our internationally recognised academics specialising. in planning or real estate. Your research may be field-based, undertaking desk studies or making use of our specialist School laboratory facilities.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Dissertation (UG) PLAN30000 40 Mandatory
Planning & Property Law PLAN30072 20 Mandatory
Urban Theory, Planning Theory PLAN30081 20 Mandatory
Housing, Planning & Development PLAN30512 20 Mandatory
Real Estate Investment & Finance PLAN36011 20 Optional
Future Cities PLAN36021 20 Optional

Course content for year 4

In Year 4 you transition into the integrated Masters, where all the content is taught at master's level. This is your professional ‘specialism' year, and is currently required by the RTPI to receive full accreditation, serving as a fast-track to your future career in planning. You can choose optional specialisms in spatial planning, environmental planning, urban design, real estate, digital planning, or international planning.

In this year, you also normally have the option to take a short, 4 week placement, giving you further opportunities to enhance your CV with hands on experience of working for organisations specialising in planning or real estate.

Course units for year 4

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Land and Development PLAN40662 15 Mandatory
Digital Planning - Spatial and Policy Analysis PLAN40761 15 Mandatory
Environmental Impact Assessment PLAN40321 15 Optional
EIA Project PLAN40332 15 Optional
Planning for Environmental Change PLAN40391 15 Optional
Professional Practice and Placement PLAN40470 15 Optional
International Fieldwork PLAN40712 15 Optional
Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South: an international perspective PLAN40771 15 Optional
Neighbourhood Planning PLAN40812 15 Optional
Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities PLAN40852 15 Optional
International Planning: Systems and Framework PLAN40861 15 Optional
Best Practice Case Studies in Urban Development Planning PLAN40972 15 Optional
Real Estate Law in Practice PLAN41002 15 Optional
International Urban Design PLAN41081 15 Optional
Real Estate Investment and Finance PLAN41191 15 Optional
Infrastructure Planning PLAN42002 15 Optional
Design for Healthy Places PLAN44011 15 Optional
Future Cities PLAN44021 15 Optional
Digital Planning: Decision Support Systems PLAN44032 15 Optional
Advanced Real Estate Finance PLAN44042 15 Optional
Real Estate Modelling PLAN44052 15 Optional
Land Use and Transport Planning PLAN44061 15 Optional
Strategic and Sustainable Decision Making PLAN44072 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 23 course units for year 4

Facilities

You can develop your digital planning skills in our computer suites with specialist design and spatial analysis software.

See facilities  for more information.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk .

Careers

Career opportunities

Our MPlan graduates are sought by a wide range of employers.

A popular graduate route is employment in planning, real estate or multi-sectoral consultancies, where students work to meet client needs on a wide range of areas from:
  • developing planning applications for large-scale developments;
  • designing and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects;
  • providing advice or developing policies on placemaking;
  • sustainable development or urban design.

Many students help to deliver bespoke projects or analyse, propose or develop policies or implement strategies as part of their day-to-day work.

Additionally, many of our graduates go on to work in the public sector, including national and local government, implementing and shaping policies in a wide range of different planning and development sectors.

Some of our graduates also gain employment in the third sector, including working for national and international organisations working in planning and development, sustainable development or international development.

After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK.

Top employers of our graduates include local governments, UK Government departments, AECOM, ARUP, Atkins, Avison Young, Saville, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, WSP.

If you decide not to follow a career in the planning, development or real estate sector, your wide knowledge base and transferable skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, creativity, and communication fit what most employers are seeking.

For more information, see careers and employability .

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Accrediting organisations

  • Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)