Urban Planning and Property Development BSc

  • UCAS Code K490
  • Duration Up to 4 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 50 across the programme

Overview

The Course

Urban Planning and Property Development combines real estate management and urban and regional planning. It aims to produce graduates who can work equally in the private, public and voluntary sectors of the planning industry, the land and property development and management industry. The Honours programme is professionally accredited by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Town Planning Institute. Successful completion of the degree and subsequent approved practical experience will enable students to apply for the Assessments of Professional Competence of RTPI and RICS, culminating in professional membership.

For more information about the programme structure, the type of job it can lead to, and why you should consider studying it, see our 'Further Information' webpage.

Career Prospects

In the UK there is a shortage of qualified professionals, which is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Our graduates are much sought after by employers.

Overview

The Course

Urban Planning and Property Development combines real estate management and urban and regional planning. It aims to produce graduates who can work equally in the private, public and voluntary sectors of the planning industry, the land and property development and management industry. The Honours programme is professionally accredited by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Town Planning Institute. Successful completion of the degree and subsequent approved practical experience will enable students to apply for the Assessments of Professional Competence of RTPI and RICS, culminating in professional membership.

For more information about the programme structure, the type of job it can lead to, and why you should consider studying it, see our 'Further Information' webpage.

Career Prospects

In the UK there is a shortage of qualified professionals, which is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Our graduates are much sought after by employers.

Programme content

Level 1

Introduces students to the main features and professions of the built environment sector. Emphasising a theme of sustainable development, students study a range of topics including Construction Technology; Built Environment Economics; and an interdisciplinary practical project. Students also take part in a residential study tour to a major British city.

Level 2

Lays down solid foundations in planning and property studies through courses such as the Principles of Property Valuation; Urban and Real Estate Economics; and Property Law.

Level 3

Combines advanced planning and property studies through courses including: Real Estate Development and Finance; Sustainable Environments; Regional and Strategic Planning; and Design of Place. A professional project offers a week-long European study tour.

Level 4

Students undertake a research dissertation and core courses, including Regeneration Principles and Urban Economy and Property Markets. Students also take one specialist option in either Globalisation Urbanisation and Planning or Planning Theory. There is also a design project where students practise planning and appraisal skills in a real life development scenario.

Adam Gordon

Degree BSc Urban & Regional Planning
Present Job The Scottish Government Directorate for the Built Environment
Adam Gordon

I am currently a Graduate Planner in the Scottish Government's Directorate for the Built Environment. I have a wide range of responsibilities which include providing Ministers with advice on planning applications and commenting on draft development plans produced by local authorities.

Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live and study. The campus is accessible from the city centre so you can live in Edinburgh and easily travel to the university.

My advice to anyone choosing a university would be to make sure you do your research first and decide what you want from the programme. Get the best you can from it and try to find summer work placements that are relevant to your chosen career because it makes such a difference when you graduate and you are looking for permanent employment.

Every graduate from my programme has gone on to a career in planning. Employment prospects in the sector are really good, there are lots of jobs available and employers are actively recruiting graduates.

I have recently been appointed as Planner at the North West Development Agency in Warrington, where I am working on the Regional Strategy and generally helping to secure infrastructure and economic growth for the North West of England.

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers BBBBC or AAAB
  • GCE A Level BBB
  • Int. Baccalaureate 29 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate pass

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB plus AAAB at Higher
  • SQA Higher National Cert A in graded unit
  • SQA Higher National Dip pass
  • Int. Baccalaureate 34 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction
  • Alternative Qualifications For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications and mature candidates

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £11,370

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries