MSc Planning

One of the best parts of the MSc Planning at Manchester is how quickly you move from classroom learning to actually experiencing how cities work. You won’t just study planning theory — you’ll explore real neighbourhoods, work with digital tools used by professionals, and even have the option to take on a placement if you want hands-on industry experience. Manchester gives you access to the kind of facilities, labs, and field activities that make the learning feel real and relevant from day one.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Field trips that bring planning to life: You’ll take part in one-day UK and overseas field visits where you explore how different cities approach planning challenges. Past trips have included Manchester, London, Barcelona, Berlin, Toronto, and Amsterdam — giving you the chance to see planning ideas in action.

• Optional professional placement: If you want real workplace experience, you can choose the 15-credit Professional Placement unit and spend time inside a planning organisation, learning how planners actually work day-to-day.

• Specialist computer labs: You’ll have access to dedicated computer suites where you can use industry software for spatial analysis, policy modelling, and digital planning — tools that employers actively look for.

• Planning studio space: The Humanities Bridgeford Street building gives you a studio-style environment for design workshops, group projects, and computer-based planning tasks.

• Modelmaking workshop (B.15): For design-based units, you can build physical models using both traditional tools and digital fabrication equipment — perfect for visualising urban design concepts.

• Manchester Urban Design Lab (MUD-Lab): This collaborative design space gives you access to specialist resources and toolkits to help you explore creative ideas and work on urban design briefs.

• Project-focused assessments: Instead of only sitting exams, you’ll build portfolios, work on group planning tasks, present your proposals, and take part in practical workshops — all structured to help you feel confident applying your skills.

These experiences mean you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the kind of professional, practical experience that helps you stand out in the planning field.

Graduates from Manchester’s MSc Planning step into careers where they can genuinely shape the future of cities. Many go on to roles that blend strategy, creativity, and real community impact — whether that’s as an urban planner, development or environmental consultant, policy advisor, or a specialist working with major planning and infrastructure firms. Employers value this degree because it gives you both strong technical skills and the ability to think critically about real planning challenges.

And to help you get there, the university offers a strong support system:

• Careers Service with long-term access: You can use Manchester’s Careers Service throughout your degree and for two years after you graduate — getting tailored advice, one-to-one guidance, employer events, and help preparing for planning-related roles.

• Links with major employers: Graduates often move into respected organisations such as AECOM, Arup, Atkins, BP, Jacobs, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, and local authorities — showing how well-regarded this qualification is in the sector.

• Accreditation that boosts your career: Because the programme is accredited by both the RTPI and RICS, you gain a qualification that supports your path toward becoming a chartered professional — a major long-term advantage in the planning and development world.

• Strong graduate strengths: The course helps you develop valuable abilities — strategic thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication — skills that make you versatile and employable in a wide range of roles.

• Global alumni network: Manchester has one of the largest alumni networks of any UK university, giving you the chance to connect with planning professionals and mentors worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re inspired to carry your studies forward, you can continue into research by pursuing a PhD in Urban Planning, Environmental Management, or related areas at Manchester or another top institution. This path is ideal if you’re interested in academic research, teaching, or specialist policy and planning roles that shape long-term urban futures.