- UCAS course code
- K431
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Planning and Real Estate with Professional Placement
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: K431 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Industrial experience
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Explore how we plan and manage the world around us.
- Study a degree fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and partially accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), 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 typically includes an overseas field trip.
- Enhance your employability by gaining experience of planning, development and real estate markets in action through a year-long placement.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 1: No poverty
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.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- Recruitment and Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4700
- ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
- 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
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
BBC
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBC
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C 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 admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
English language requirements
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.
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.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 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
Application and selection
How to apply
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/ )
How your application is considered
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
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
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.
Transfers
Course details
Course description
I've done a site analysis project in one of my courses. We had to plan a site visit to a dam and produce an analysis of it and provide ways to improve it.
It was amazing as it enabled us to come up with creative but practical ideas to solve the problem. I found it challenging, yet also fun and interesting!
Kai Ho / BSc Planning and Real Estate student
BSc Planning and Real Estate is a three-year degree which will provide you with the core academic and professional training required to effectively plan and manage the urban environment and development in the city.
Effective planning, development and management of our cities, towns and natural environments 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 at The University of Manchester. The course is ideal if you:
- are passionate about the built and natural environment of the city, the factors that influence society, and want to learn about the economic, political and socio-environmental systems, and how to manage these interactions sustainably;
- want to take a vocationally led degree that equips you with a wide range of hands-on technical, design, critical decision-making, and communication skills that make you highly employable;
- want to diversify your learning outside of lectures, enjoying a variety of field visits, an international fieldtrip, work placement opportunities, working for 'real-world clients', and the option to study abroad for a semester.
The curriculum of Years 1, 2 and 4 will consider the issues faced by professionals in dealing with the planning, development and real estate markets.Each year will offer increased opportunities to specialise in aspects of planning and real estate policy, management and evaluation.
In the third year of study, you will normally embark on a 12-month paid work placement with an organisation in the UK engaged with planning, urban design and/or real estate to apply the conceptual, digital and communication skills you practice.
Manchester is a great place to study planning and real estate, it is a major UK city with a rich industrial legacy, 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 understanding of the interplay between people, the economy, and the politics of development is central to both 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
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) under two pathways; ‘Planning & Development' and ‘Commercial Property and Valuation'. The course is also partially accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) - meaning you'll be well set up for a professional career in planning or real estate after you graduate.
To acquire full accreditation by the RTPI, you must also complete a specialist qualification, which can be achieved by transferring onto one of our two integrated master’s courses.
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.
Study abroad
Apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia, or Australia.
Year in practice
Normally spend 12 months working within the dynamic world of planning, urban design or real estate development, putting into practice the skills you learn on the degree and helping you to gain your professional accreditation.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. 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 role of SEED
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement.
Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Immigration, passport and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:
- a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
- a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.
The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.
Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
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 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN10031 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10041 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10092 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10201 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10352 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10362 | 10 | Optional | |
| PLAN10622 | 10 | Optional | |
| 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 (i.e. dissertation) in your fourth 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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN20072 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN20172 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN20181 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN20381 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN21012 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN26041 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN20090 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN20190 | 10 | Optional | |
| PLAN20521 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN26051 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 3
In Year 3 you will normally embark on a 12-month paid work placement with an organisation specialising in planning and/or real estate in the UK, allowing you to apply, in practice, the conceptual, practical, digital and communication skills you have learnt in the first two years of your degree.
You will be provided with the knowledge and skills necessary for securing work placements, including tailoring your CV and writing covering letters. You will then research potential employers and apply for individual placements with the support of academic staff including a specialist placement coordinator. To facilitate securing a placement, staff will utilise a database of existing contacts in local and national organisations and provide advice and guidance on the application process. However, there will be an expectation that you will research and apply for potential placements yourself, identifying organisations that best fit with your career ambitions, with the placement coordinator and the University Careers Service providing additional support to obtain your chosen placement where necessary.
Course content for year 4
In Year 4 you will develop your planning and real estate specialism further. This will include learning the fundamental components of planning and property 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN30000 | 40 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN30072 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN30081 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN30512 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN36011 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN36021 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN36051 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN36061 | 20 | Optional |
What our students say
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
Careers
Career opportunities
Our 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, National Government departments, AECOM, ARUP, Atkins, Avison Young, Saville, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald and 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)
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.