Program Overview

Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship MSc

The Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship MSc is a Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship that enables employees to advance into professional planning roles, fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy. This program combines university study and on-the-job training to advance careers in professional planning and achieve an MSc Urban and Regional Planning qualification.

Course Overview

The program is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and emphasizes real-world study, equipping students with essential skills valued by all employers, such as group work, IT proficiency, presentations, and report writing. Upon completion of the taught elements of the program, learners will complete an independent End Point Assessment, which consists of a Professional Discussion and Assessment of Professional Competence.

Course Structure

The Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship has a day release structure, combining university attendance with practical work. The course utilizes Birmingham and the West Midlands as a ‘learning laboratory,’ enabling students to specialize in areas such as urban regeneration, community planning, economic development, and urban resilience.

Course Highlights

• Build strong foundations for a successful career in spatial planning and related fields
• Flexible Delivery: Part-time structure suits both learners and employers
• Research-Informed: Developed with research-informed teaching at a Russell Group University
• RTPI Accredited: Fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute
• Fully funded: Completely funded by the Apprenticeship Levy

Course Delivery

The program offers a diverse range of learning and teaching methods, such as lectures, small group sessions, seminars, student-led workshops, and tutorials. The focus is on participatory learning approaches, encouraging students to critically reflect on key contemporary debates in the practice and principles of spatial planning across various urban regions.

Module Information

Students will study seven core modules, plus one optional module, and complete a dissertation of 12,000 words. The core modules include:

• Dissertation (Urban and Regional Studies) | 60 credits
• Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 credits
• Place-making in Practice | 20 credits
• Development Management | 20 credits
• Urban Property Development | 20 credits
• Sustainable Cities | 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Professional Placement | 20 credits
• Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 credits
• Urban Regeneration and Renewal | 20 credits

Entry Requirements

To gain a place, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The normal admission requirement is a 2:1 Honours degree combined with relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements

International students will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. The required scores are:

• IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking, and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

This course is fully funded via the employer Apprenticeship Levy.

Application Process

Interested applicants will need to apply for the apprenticeship through their employer, who will have their own selection criteria.

Career Opportunities

The Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship enables students to pursue and build a career in spatial planning and related areas of regeneration, economic development, housing, and transport. By completing the program, students will gain a professional qualification that will open doors to dynamic fields and drive impactful change in communities.

Careers Network

The University of Birmingham offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters. The Careers Network can help students gain an advantage in the job market or advance in their field.

Student Experience

At the University of Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a huge variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.

• Accommodation: Student accommodation allows students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
• Living in Birmingham: Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student Support: The university is committed to providing the best possible support to all students so that they can get the most out of their university experience.
• Campus Life: The green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize.