MSc Urban and Rural Planning

COURSE OVERVIEW

Develop the necessary skills and a comprehensive understanding of urban and rural planning from anywhere in the world to become an effective, professionally qualified planner.

Recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), this flexible, Joint Distance Learning Consortium (JDLC) course will focus on all stages of urban and rural planning, including urban design, plan making and policy, planning law and decision making, planning and place histories, the development process, finance, implementation and delivery and stakeholder participation and politics.

You will gain a critical awareness of the social, economic, political and regulatory nature of planning and will be able to evaluate development strategies and assess the challenges of planned interventions, sustainability and climate change.

During your final year, you will have the option to specialise in an area of personal interest through a selected Open University option module. You will also be encouraged to develop links with research via the RTPI conference series, through planning journals and other research seminars and professional practice conferences.

With more than 30 years’ experience in distance learning planning education, the MSc Urban & Rural Planning (JDCL) course brings together diverse expertise from four different universities around the UK, including industry professionals, to ensure you get the best in urban and rural planning education.

It will put you on the first step of the ladder to becoming a Chartered Planner and once you have completed the course taken together with a minimum of two years structured and mentored relevant experience, you will be able to apply to become of a member of the RTPI.

You are encouraged to take part in optional external trips, this will give you an understanding of how regeneration projects work on the ground, and how locations are used to conduct fieldwork and develop competence in practical research skills. You will have the opportunity to get involved in recent master-planning projects and carry out specific tasks, in groups or independently, such as field investigation and analysis and then be able to offer your own conclusions and recommendations.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.