Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
3 Years -
20 Jan 2025
Accredited 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. This will include:
- Urban design
- Plan making and policy
- Planning law and decision making
- Planning and place histories
- The development process
- Finance
- Implementation and delivery
- Stakeholder participation and politics
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Gain a critical awareness of the social, economic, political and regulatory nature of planning
- Evaluate development strategies and assess the challenges of planned interventions, sustainability and climate change
- Specialise in an area of personal interest through an Open University option module
You’ll be encouraged to develop links with research via the RTPI conference series. This will be through planning journals and other research seminars and professional practice conferences.
Industry expertise
The MSc Urban & Rural Planning (JDLC) course brings together diverse expertise from four different universities around the UK, including industry professionals. Your teaching team will ensure you get the best in urban and rural planning education.
Professional recognition
The course will put you on the first step of the ladder to becoming a Chartered Planner. Once you have completed the programme – taken together with a minimum of two years structured and mentored relevant experience – you’ll be able to apply to become of a member of the RTPI.
Field trips
You’ll be encouraged to take part in optional external trips. This will give you an understanding of how:
- Regeneration projects work on the ground
- Locations are used to conduct fieldwork
- To develop competence in practical research skills
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in recent master-planning projects and carry out specific tasks. You could work independently or in groups to undertake field investigation and analysis. You’ll then be able to offer your own conclusions and recommendations.
Sharing ideas
You’ll take part in online seminars and present your own ideas for discussion by your peers. This will enable you to reflect critically upon the issues exchanged and arising.
Leeds Beckett Planning Society
Extend your network of professional contacts through guest speakers, Q&A events, walking tours and social events. The Planning Society is entirely student organised and managed.
Why study Urban and Rural Planning at Leeds Beckett University...
- Industry experienced expert teaching team
- Real-life projects
- Optional field trips
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited course
- Option to specialise in your final year
- Flexible part-time distance study, through our Virtual Learning Environment
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should meet one of the following criteria:
Graduates:
- Have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects such as Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Surveying, Environmental Science, Environmental Sustainably, or Housing and Real Estate Management
- Have at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject plus at least one year of professional practice in Urban/Environmental Planning related work environment
- Have at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject plus one 60 credit Open University module (Environment: sharing a dynamic planet DST206)
- Non-graduates will normally be required to complete some study with the Open University before starting on the MSc. This will consist of up to 240 credits, depending upon your academic and professional background. Applicants with significant relevant experience from the work environment may be considered without formal qualifications.
- You should describe your experience in detail in your application and provide relevant supporting documentation including your CV.
Non-Graduates:
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should meet one of the following criteria:
Graduates:
- Have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects such as Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Surveying, Environmental Science, Environmental Sustainably, or Housing and Real Estate Management
- Have at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject plus at least one year of professional practice in Urban/Environmental Planning related work environment
- Have at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject plus one 60 credit Open University module (Environment: sharing a dynamic planet DST206)
- Non-graduates will normally be required to complete some study with the Open University before starting on the MSc. This will consist of up to 240 credits, depending upon your academic and professional background. Applicants with significant relevant experience from the work environment may be considered without formal qualifications.
- You should describe your experience in detail in your application and provide relevant supporting documentation including your CV.
Non-Graduates:
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
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.
Teaching & Learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Fees & Funding hellooo
The tuition fee for students entering in 2024/25 is £3,750 in Year 1, £3,750 in Year 2 and £1,850 in Year 3.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2024/25 is £4,266 in Year 1, £4,266 in Year 2 and £2,133 in Year 3.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fee for students entering in 2024/25 is £3,750 in Year 1, £3,750 in Year 2 and £1,850 in Year 3.Open University Specialism module in year 3 - you will need to pay £1,735 directly to the Open University. (Fee as of June 2023 and is subject to change. Please check with the Open University for the latest cost.)
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Open University Specialism module (you will need to pay £1735 directly to the Open University. Fee as of June 2023 and is subject to change. Please check with the Open University for specific modules and latest cost)
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2024/25 is £4,266 in Year 1, £4,266 in Year 2 and £2,133 in Year 3.Open University Specialism module in year 3 - you will need to pay £1,735 directly to the Open University. (Fee as of June 2023 and is subject to change. Please check with the Open University for the latest cost.)
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Open University Specialism module (you will need to pay £1735 directly to the Open University. Fee as of June 2023 and is subject to change. Please check with the Open University for specific modules and latest cost)
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Charlotte Morphet
Senior Lecturer / School Of Built Environment, Engineering And Computing
Charlotte Morphet is a senior lecturer in urban and town planning and a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Career Prospects
This course will prepare you for work as a planner in a range of sectors including local or central government and private practice. You could gain employment in planning, development, construction management, urban design, local or regional council planning departments or charities and community planning initiatives.
- Planning and urban design consultant
- Town planner
- Environmental consultant
- Real estate consultant
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
what is distance learning?
A great option for flexible learning
Very simply, to study by distance learning means you don't have to be based in Leeds to take one of our courses. Wherever you are and whatever you want to study, it's a great option for flexible learning.
When you choose one of our distance learning courses, you can do just that – study at a distance, at a pace that suits you.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you'll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are the modules taught online but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Our extensive list of distance learning courses means that whether you are from the UK or further afield, changing your career path or looking for that promotion, we have a course that suits your needs.
