MSc Planning

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 55% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 76, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 18 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59 with no individual score below 59.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Plymouth offers various scholarships and financial support options to help students fund their studies. 

1. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and potential. The scholarships provide a partial tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program.
2. International Academic Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students who have achieved outstanding academic results. The scholarships offer a partial tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
3. International Plymouth Global Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to attract high-caliber international students to the University of Plymouth. The scholarships provide a partial tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
4. Sport Scholarships: The university offers sport scholarships to talented athletes who have achieved a high level of sporting excellence. The scholarships provide support in the form of financial assistance, training, and access to sports facilities.
5. Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the University of Plymouth offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolled in particular programs or disciplines. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, research potential, or other criteria determined by the department.

Graduates of the MSc in Planning from the University of Plymouth have diverse career prospects in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

1. Town Planner: Graduates can work as town planners, employed by local authorities, government agencies, or private planning consultancies. Their role involves developing and implementing planning policies, assessing planning applications, and engaging with stakeholders.

2. Urban Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as urban designers, involved in shaping the physical form and layout of cities. They may work for architecture firms, urban design consultancies, or urban regeneration agencies. Their responsibilities include creating attractive and functional urban spaces, considering aesthetics, sustainability, and social needs.

3. Environmental Planner: Graduates can work as environmental planners, focusing on the integration of environmental considerations into planning processes. They may find employment in environmental agencies, sustainability organizations, or consultancy firms. Their role involves assessing the environmental impact of development projects, promoting sustainable land use practices, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

4. Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts, contributing to the development and evaluation of planning policies at the local, regional, or national level. They may work for government departments, think tanks, or research institutes. Their responsibilities include conducting policy research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations for policy formulation.

5. Community Planner: Graduates can work as community planners, facilitating community-led planning processes and engaging with local residents and organizations. They may work for community development organizations, non-profit agencies, or social enterprises. Their role involves supporting participatory planning initiatives, promoting community empowerment, and facilitating sustainable development.

6. Planning Consultant: Graduates can establish their own planning consultancy or work for existing consultancy firms, offering specialized planning services to clients. They may provide expertise in areas such as urban design, sustainability, or heritage conservation. Their responsibilities include advising clients on planning issues, conducting feasibility studies, and preparing planning reports.

7. Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue research and academic careers,conducting research in the field of planning or teaching at universities and research institutions. They can contribute to advancing knowledge in planning theory, policy, and practice through research projects, publications, and collaborations with other researchers.

8. International Development Planner: Graduates can work in international development organizations, contributing to planning projects in developing countries. They may be involved in capacity building, policy formulation, and project management to support sustainable and inclusive development.

9. Heritage Planner: Graduates with a specialization in heritage planning can work in heritage organizations, local authorities, or consultancy firms. They may be responsible for preserving and managing heritage sites, developing heritage strategies, and promoting cultural tourism.

10. Entrepreneurship: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset can establish their own planning-related businesses or start-ups. They may offer specialized services such as urban design, community engagement, or sustainability consulting.