
- UCAS course code
- 1G23
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Planning with Real Estate (MPRE)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBBFind 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.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- 1G23
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- 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 accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), in a world-famous city where widespread urban development is on your doorstep.
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
Fees for entry in 2023 have not yet been set. For entry in 2022 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2023 entry.
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)161 543 4709
- ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- www.manchester.ac.uk/planning/undergraduate
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
ABB.
Contextual offer
AS-level
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
Applicants presenting a combination of Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are welcomed and should contact the academic school directly to discuss their portfolio of qualifications.
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
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
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
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
OCR Cambridge Technicals 2016
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 vary 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.
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
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
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:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.
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.
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.
Please note that if you have obtained several English Language qualifications, we will only be able to recognise your most recent English Language qualification.
Application and selection
How to apply
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
MPRE Master of Planning with Real Estate is a four-year enhanced undergraduate degree which is accredited by both the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The curriculum for the first three years is the same as our BSc 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, real estate, and property development.
However, if you change your mind about your future career, you can choose to exit the MPRE after three years and graduate with a BSc Planning and Real Estate.
Understanding and engaging with the problems facing the communities and places in which we live, work, and play is at the heart of what we do at The University of Manchester.
Effective planning, development, and management of our towns, cities, and countryside is crucial in an age when governments and societies all over the world are struggling to deliver sustainable development.
MPRE Master of Planning with Real Estate satisfies the spatial planning curricula for initial qualification with the RTPI and the Commercial Property Practice, Valuation, and Planning and Development pathways.
Manchester is a great place to study real estate and 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.
The changes to the city mean that understanding how we finance and manage investment, and what this means for further development are critical factors in effective growth.
The city is also ideally placed for you to learn about a wide variety of rural environments which have interesting implications, including three spectacular National Parks, areas of intensive farming, and impressive coastlines.
Special features
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) - meaning you'll be well set-up for a professional career in planning or real estate after you graduate.
International fieldwork
This course has normally included a field trip to a European country during your second year, where you can put what you have learnt so far into practice.
Local fieldwork
Conduct fieldwork on a local scale, exploring the city of Manchester - and its surrounding areas - to supplement your studies and assessments.
Study abroad
Apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia.
Teaching and learning
We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with tutorials, seminars and workshop sessions.
Practical subjects, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Photoshop and SketchUp - as well as general computer skills - are taught in the University computer suites.
This work is accompanied by group work and the occasional lecture session, giving you an overall hands-on learning experience. Project-based learning, incorporating studio-based design work, field research and study visits are integral to our MPRE 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, team promotions, and project demonstrations (sometimes to practising professionals).
Your dissertation, which takes place in the fourth 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 is a broad introduction to the fundamentals of planning and real estate.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Designing Sustainable Futures | PLAN10031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Planning and Development | PLAN10041 | 20 | Mandatory |
Applied Project | PLAN10092 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Real Estate | PLAN10201 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Urban and Environmental Economics | PLAN10352 | 20 | Mandatory |
Rural Planning | PLAN10362 | 10 | Optional |
Leases & Letting | PLAN10382 | 10 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you will begin to specialise.
This course has normally included a field trip to a European country during your second year and you can also apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Sustainable Development Project | PLAN20072 | 20 | Mandatory |
Environment and Development Fieldtrip | PLAN20172 | 20 | Mandatory |
Plan Making & the Development Process | PLAN20181 | 20 | Mandatory |
Valuation & Appraisal | PLAN21012 | 20 | Mandatory |
Professional Placement | PLAN20090 | 20 | Optional |
Policy for Cities and Regions | PLAN20381 | 20 | Optional |
Environmental Policies and Designations | PLAN20401 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 3
In Year 3, you will develop further specialism.
You will focus on career development and applying the planning concepts and skills to real-world situations.
You will also undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice to put your knowledge into practice.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation (UG) | PLAN30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Planning & Property Law | PLAN30072 | 20 | Mandatory |
Urban Theory, Planning Ethics | PLAN30081 | 20 | Mandatory |
Research Methods | PLAN30091 | 10 | Mandatory |
Professional Practice and Ethics | PLAN30221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Housing, Planning & Development | PLAN30512 | 20 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 4
In Year 4, you will continue developing your specialism and professional-related studies in real estate and planning.
All students take part in the 'Integrated Client-based Project', where you will work in a small group on a real-life project, interpreting the brief, carrying out the investigations, and reporting directly to the actual client.
This provides an excellent opportunity to bring together and use all the knowledge and skills which you have developed throughout the course.
The option of a placement is very popular, which may involve working in a public or private sector planning office.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Land and Development | PLAN40662 | 15 | Mandatory |
Real Estate Law in Practice | PLAN41002 | 15 | Mandatory |
Strategic Asset Management | PLAN41051 | 15 | Mandatory |
Real Estate Investment and Finance | PLAN41191 | 15 | Mandatory |
Environmental Impact Assessment | PLAN40321 | 15 | Optional |
EIA Project | PLAN40332 | 15 | Optional |
Strategic Environmental Assessment | PLAN40341 | 15 | Optional |
Planning for Environmental Change | PLAN40391 | 15 | Optional |
Professional Practice and Placement | PLAN40470 | 15 | Optional |
Urban Design Studio | PLAN40501 | 15 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 23 course units for year 4 | |||
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Facilities
You can develop your practical skills in our project studio/class, model-making workshop, specialist laboratories for fieldwork analysis, and 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 graduates are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose policies and implement strategies is vital.
After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including:
- planning and environmental consultancy;
- urban design;
- environmental management;
- local government;
- urban and regional development;
- nature conservation;
- academic and practice-based research;
- project management;
- engineering;
- entrepreneurship;
- business development.
Top employers of our graduates include AECOM, ARUP, Wildlife Trusts, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, Groundwork, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, Rolls-Royce, and the National Trust.
If you decide not to follow a vocational career, 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 Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)