Meet Muhammad, 27, who dreams of working as a professional planner focusing on sustainable urban development. After attending an Open Day and meeting our staff and students, he was impressed and enrolled onto our MSc Town and Country Planning course.
Why did you choose to study MSc Town and Country Planning?
I chose this field because of my interest in creating sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that improve people’s quality of life. This degree provides me with good knowledge for the betterment of human life. This course also helped me regarding my future career.
Tell me a bit about your experience at our Open Day before starting your course?
I attended an Open Day and it was an invaluable experience. The event gave me a chance to meet faculty members and current students, which helped me understand the programme’s structure and what to expect. I was particularly impressed by the presentations on the various specialisations within the real and the real-world projects that students had worked on. Touring the campus and facilities, such as the planning studios and research centers also gave me a sense of the learning environment and resources available. Overall, the Open Day reassured me that this was the right choice for my academic and career goals.
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
What I’ve enjoyed the most is the blend of theoretical learning with practical, real-world applications. The lecturers are experts in their fields and bring a wealth of knowledge, often sharing insights from their own professional experiences, which makes the material more engaging and relevant. I also appreciated the guest speakers from industry and local government, who provided different perspectives on current planning challenges and trends. The hands-on practical projects, like site assessments and developing planning proposals, have been particularly rewarding as they allow me to apply concepts directly to real-life scenarios.
Have you made any connections to anyone in the industry? Did you have the chance to network during your course?
Yes! I’ve had several opportunities to make connections with professionals in the industry during the course. The guest lecturers and industry talks were great for networking, as they allowed us to interact differently with experienced planners, developers and policy makers. Additionally, field trips and practical projects provided further chances to meet professionals working on real-world planning issues. Some of the assignments involved collaboration with local councils or planning consultancies, which helped in building industry contacts. The university also organised career events and planning workshops that facilitated networking with alumni and potential employers, further expanding my connections in the field.
How have you been supported through your MSc in Town and Country Planning?
Throughout my course, I’ve received strong support from both academic staff and the university’s resources. The lecturers and tutors have been highly approachable, offering guidance during office hours and providing feedback on assignments, which has been really helpful for improving my work. The course also has a dedicated support team for administrative and academic queries, which has made navigating deadlines and course requirements much easier.
In addition, I’ve benefitted from the university’s career services, which offer workshops on CV building, interview preparation and networking. They’ve also facilitated connections with industry professionals through events and mentoring programmes. Overall, the combination of academic and career support has been instrumental in my progress through the course.
What are your future plans after completing your MSc in Town and Country Planning?
After completing my MSc in Town and Country Planning, my goal is to work as a professional planner, ideally within a local authority or a private planning consultancy. I’m particularly interested in roles that focus on sustainable urban development and regeneration projects, where I can contribute to creating environmentally-friendly, livable cities. In the long term, I aim to gain chartered status through the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) to further advance my career. I’m also open to exploring opportunities in international planning, where global urbanisation challenges could provide valuable experiences.
How do you think your course has prepared you for your future?
My course has provided me with a strong foundation to succeed in my future career. The course’s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application has equipped me with the skills needed to tackle real-world planning challenges. From understanding planning law and policies to mastering tools like GIS, I’ve gained a comprehensive skills set that’s crucial for urban and rural development.
The hands-on projects, such as site assessments and development proposals, have given me valuable experience in analysing real scenarios, which will be essential in professional planning roles. Furthermore, exposure to industry professionals through guest lectures, networking events and career support has built my confidence and expanded my understanding of the sector. These experiences have prepared me well for the diverse challenges and opportunities in the planning field.
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