Design & planning

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can study for a degree or a postgraduate qualification accredited by The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Subjects include:

• planning, environment and development
• city and regional planning
• geography and planning
• urban planning and property development

You can do postgraduate qualification in planning if you have a degree in an unrelated subject.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Chartered Town Planner Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take around 5 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and study at university. Contact apprenticeship training providers for details.

Entry requirements

Most people following this route have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

For more information

• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels

Work

You could start as a town planning assistant with an organisation and take further training while you work.

You'll need the backing of your employer and you'll combine practical experience with part-time or distance learning study towards an accredited planning qualification.

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it useful to get as much work experience as possible. This will give you a better understanding of the career, and the contacts you make may help you to find paid work.

You can search for companies listed by The Royal Town Planning Institute or contact your local council to ask about opportunities.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You may need a driving licence to visit development sites.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Royal Town Planning Institute for networking, events and professional development training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in town planning from The Royal Town Planning Institute.

With experience, you could become a senior or principal planner, planning department manager or consultant.

You could apply for Chartered Planner status, which demonstrates your skills and expertise in this role.

You might also move into:environmental management; urban regeneration; recreation management; property development

You can find out more about town planning as a career from the Royal Town Planning Institute.