University of Manchester - Logo

Faculty of Humanities

School of Environment, Education and Development

View all courses

View courses by thematic

Planning MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time

This MSc equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in urban and environmental planning, whether in the public sector, private practice, or consultancy. You’ll develop a strong foundation in planning procedures, theory, ethics, urban development, and spatial analysis, preparing you to become a chartered professional and a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and/ or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Through hands-on project work, you’ll gain invaluable experience of real-world planning and development processes, building the confidence and expertise to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change in communities.

This course combines rigorous academic learning with practical application, offering a clear pathway to professional accreditation and a rewarding career shaping the places where people live, work, and thrive. This professionally accredited MSc equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in environmental assessment at both the project and strategic levels.

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental assessment processes, policy frameworks, and emerging practices, along with an introduction to the fast-evolving field of environmental management. Through real-world case studies and applied learning, you'll develop the tools to assess environmental impacts, support sustainable decision-making, and influence policy and planning outcomes.

Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), this course prepares you for roles across consultancy, government, development, and beyond for wherever environmental expertise is needed to make a difference.

Accredited course

Receive accreditation from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Top 10

Join a UK top 10 Planning department (Complete University Guide 2025)

Urban challenges

This course has normally included fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad, exploring real-life. Past locations include London, Barcelona, Berlin, Toronto, Amsterdam, Belfast, Seattle, Dublin and Istanbul.

Isaac, United Kingdom

A current MSc Planning student

“The degree focuses on coursework, group projects and mock planning inquiries, which help develop communication, teamwork and analytical skills. On top of this, the course accreditation and strong employment links make Manchester the ideal place to prepare for a career in planning.”

Read more student stories
Apply online >
View full course profile >

Discover similar courses:

Global Urban Development and Planning MSc
Transport and Planning MSc
Data Science (Urban Analytics)MSc
All similar courses >
View all courses>
Planning, Property and Environmental Management
School of Environment, Education and Development
Faculty of Humanities