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Course summary
MPlan Master of Planning is a four-year enhanced undergraduate degree which is accredited by both the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The curriculum for the first three years is the same as our BSc Planning and Real Estate, in which you will consider the issues faced by professionals in dealing with the planning, development and management of all aspects of our built and natural environments.
The fourth year of study is at taught master's level and provides professional training in planning.
However, if you change your mind about your future career, you can choose to exit the MPlan after three years and graduate instead with a BSc Planning and Real Estate degree.
Effective planning, development and management of our towns, cities and natural environment is crucial in an age when governments and societies all over the world are struggling to deliver sustainable development.
Understanding and engaging with the problems facing the communities and places in which we live, work and play is at the heart of what we do in the Department of Planning and Environmental Management at The University of Manchester.
MPlan Master of Planning satisfies the spatial planning curricula for initial qualification with the RTPI and the RICS Planning and Development pathway.
Manchester is a great place to study planning.
It is a major UK city undergoing rapid urban change, which provides an ideal base for exploring urban development pressures and how these shape economic, social and environmental futures.
Developing an appreciation of the interaction of people, the economy, and the politics of development are central to this process and your studies in Manchester.
The city is also ideally placed for you to learn about a wide variety of rural environments which have interesting implications, including three spectacular National Parks, areas of intensive farming and impressive coastlines.
This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- MPlan • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- K401
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- K401
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
ABB
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Typical Contextual Offer: BBC
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a distinction grade, with the remaining level 3 credits at merit. You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers BBB
or
Two Advanced Highers BB , plus additional Highers BB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DM
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DM plus an A Level at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers BBB
or
Two Advanced Highers BB , plus additional Highers BB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM .
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DM
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with gradesDM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A .
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - MM
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with gradesMM plus additional level 3 qualifications such as ALevels at grade BB.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB.
T Level
We consider applicants taking T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning. Candidates are expected to achieve Distinction plus Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB and an EAP score of B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB and an EAP requirements score of B.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 6.5 in Writing and no sub-section below 6.0 |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is:
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;
IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualificationsor achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.
Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 6 other architecture, building and planning courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A*
- Highest grades
- BBB
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
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Course contact details
UG SEED 2025
Email:ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)161 529 4700
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