Town Planning
Develop essential, comprehensive knowledge, skills and practical experience in town planning. Study for our RTPI-accredited Master's degree in Chelmsford.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
How do you balance progress with sustainability or the needs of the many with the interests of the few? These questions are ever more significant in the UK, yet qualified planners are in short supply.
On this course, you’ll gain the all-round professional skills required to shape policy and strategy, plan sustainably, negotiate or manage the planning process, and balance competing priorities.
Our Town Planning course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and provides two years' free student membership of the institute alongside a route to full Chartered status of the Institute attainable two years after graduation.
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Hear more about studying MSc Town Planning at ARU.
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Gain the skills to shape planning policy and strategy
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Study on an accredited course offering student membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare for a rewarding career in planning.
We take pride in giving our graduates a great start as highly-qualified urban and suburban planners, whose knowledge and experience are well matched to the current needs of the industry.
You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Engineering and the Built Environment PhD or Professional Doctorate. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Gain the knowledge and skills required of current and future town planners.
You’ll explore town planning from a practical perspective, covering the implementation of strategic plans and development frameworks, the relationship between urban design and the physical environment, and policies relating to housing.
You’ll also consider current principles and priorities in town planning, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and the environment, as well as the interactions between planning, politics, and society.
You’ll complete your Master’s with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Sustainability and Environmental Management
- Planning Principles and Concepts
- Planning Implementation
- Site Studies and Urban Design
- Planning and Society
- Plan Making and Policy
- Research Design and Methods (15 credits)
- Housing and Planning
- Major Project or Dissertation for MSc Town Planning
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.