MSc Sustainable Planning and Environmental Management

When you graduate from this course you will have excellent career opportunities in planning, environmental management, urban design and urbanism, community development and regeneration, transport management, climate change mitigation and adaptation and other planning related careers - all with a special focus on maximizing your sustainability expertise. Prospective employers include: local government; private sector planning consultancies; specialist consultancies in environmental management, urban design, transport planning; public involvement bodies; national government agencies; third sector employers including charities with an urban and rural focus; and professional bodies.

An honours degree with a minimum classification of second class (2.2) or higher in any subject.

For country specific international qualifications please check here.

If English is not your first language, you will need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.

The course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). As an accredited planning programme, you’ll benefit from the opportunity to become student members of the RTPI. As a student member of the Institute, you’ll have access to networking events and student resources. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to apply for full professional membership.

Why choose this course?
This exciting course is specifically aimed at people wishing to gain expertise in contemporary sustainability issues. It provides graduates with excellent career opportunities in a complete range of planning specialisms.

Through our problem-based approach, you’ll benefit from a stimulating learning environment which challenges you through real planning issues and case studies. You’ll learn the role planning plays in addressing, and solve key sustainability concerns, including climate change, urban sprawl, social cohesion, and demands for personal mobility. You’ll also get to use the latest techniques including GIS; urban design tools and community engagement techniques such as charrettes.

Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by research-active staff, and insights from a broad range of practitioner lecturers, who will encourage you to explore the latest research, applications of knowledge and case studies in the industry.

You’ll have the opportunity to go on field trips on a local and international scale. The University of Hertfordshire is uniquely located near the world’s first Garden City - nearby Letchworth Garden City - and the first New Towns. Travelling by Eurostar, International field trips include the opportunity to explore European best practice in sustainable planning in France and Germany (all currently delivered online due to the COVID-19 pandemic).