BA Hons Environment and Planning

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Environment and Planning at the University of Liverpool provides an engaging exploration of the built and natural environment, urban planning, and sustainable development. This program is ideal for students passionate about shaping communities, understanding environmental challenges, and influencing policy and planning decisions.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of environment and planning with modules such as Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Geography. The year emphasizes developing analytical and research skills through practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions.

Year 2:
The second year deepens knowledge with modules including Environmental Impact Assessment, Planning Law and Policy, and Urban Design. Students work on group projects and independent research, gaining hands-on experience in assessing environmental and planning issues in real-world contexts.

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on advanced topics and applied skills through modules like Strategic Planning, Environmental Management, and a Capstone Project. The year culminates in an independent research project, allowing students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving in environmental and planning contexts.

Focus Areas: Urban planning, environmental management, sustainable development, policy analysis, community design, research methods.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to assess environmental and planning challenges, conduct research and analysis, propose sustainable development strategies, and engage with policy and community planning processes.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program equips students with skills aligned to professional standards in planning, environmental consultancy, and sustainable development sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Liverpool is recognised for strong graduate employability, with alumni working in local government, urban planning consultancy, environmental organisations, and policy advisory roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this program gain hands-on experience through a variety of practical activities that bring planning and environmental theory to life. The course blends fieldwork, digital tools, and collaborative projects to help students develop professional skills, while also providing access to dedicated university facilities and expert guidance from faculty. This approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready to tackle real-world planning and environmental challenges:

Field trips to urban and rural sites for environmental assessment and planning observation.
Use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other planning software for spatial analysis and mapping.
Group projects simulating real planning and environmental consultancy scenarios.
Access to the University of Liverpool’s libraries and research collections for project-based learning.
Opportunities for internships or placements with local councils, environmental organisations, and urban planning consultancies.
Engagement with professional planning tools and datasets for sustainable development and policy analysis.

This mix of field experience, digital literacy, and professional engagement equips students with practical, transferable skills highly valued by employers in planning and environmental sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers that require a deep understanding of environmental issues and urban planning. The combination of practical skills, research experience, and professional insight allows students to pursue roles in planning, policy, and environmental management:

Typical career roles include: Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant, Policy Analyst, Sustainability Officer, Land Use Planner, Environmental Project Manager, Heritage and Conservation Officer, GIS Specialist, Environmental Educator, and Local Government Advisor.

Key support and outcomes include:

University Career Services: One-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, internship placements, and networking events with planning and environmental organisations.
Employment stats and salary figures: Liverpool graduates typically secure employment within six months, with starting salaries averaging £22,000–£28,000 depending on sector.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with local councils, environmental consultancies, and planning agencies provide real-world project opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: Graduates gain knowledge aligned with professional standards in environmental and planning sectors, supporting eligibility for membership in professional bodies.
Graduation outcomes: Strong employment prospects in public, private, and non-profit sectors, with opportunities for project management, research, and consultancy roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with a Master’s in Urban Planning, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, or related fields. Research degrees (MPhil/PhD) are also available for those interested in specialising further in environmental planning, policy, or sustainability research.