Future Planners Programme 2025: candidate guide

University postgraduate courses

Future Planners Programme

As part of the Future Planners Programme, you will undertake a postgraduate planning course with one of three partner universities:

• University of Dundee
• University of Glasgow
• Heriot-Watt University

Each course is fully accredited with the Royal Town Planning Institute, the membership organisation and Chartered Institute for planners. This means that you will be able to start the journey to becoming a Chartered Planner whilst undertaking your university degree.

You will only apply for one of these courses after you have received a conditional offer for the programme. As part of the Future Planners Programme, university course fees will be paid for by the Scottish Government.

We are keen to encourage our Student Planners to gain a range of different skills and expertise. The focus of each university course differs slightly, covering a range of fields in the planning discipline. Information on each course is available below and on the university websites.

We will host an information session for successful candidates, where each university will provide further information on their courses and answer any questions.

University of Dundee

The University of Dundee offers a part-time Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design MSc course.

This course focuses on developing and enhancing your knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and practice of urban design to achieve sustainable cities and regions. You'll be able to suggest intervention strategies to improve regeneration of declining places and cities.

You will also develop your understanding of spatial analysis, statutory planning, property development processes, and sustainability in contemporary cities and sustainable urban design. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Entry requirements 

• minimum of 2:2 honours degree

University Of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow offers a part-time City Planning MSc course.

The Masters in City Planning will help you develop a critical understanding of cities. You will explore the positive impact that evidence-based and innovative decision-making can have on human settlements.

Cities lie at the heart of the many challenges human societies face today; including climate change, infrastructure delivery, affordable housing, and social inequality.

These challenges ensure that professional city planners around the world are in high demand. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to enter the planning profession and become sustainable place makers of the future. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Entry requirements

• 2:1 honours degree in a cognate social science or humanities discipline (Geography, Sociology, History, Public Policy, Economics, Art History, Architecture, Politics, Anthropology)
• other disciplines, extensive work experience and career changers, may be admitted on the discretion of the course convenor (personal statements, CV, and employment history will be used to make a judgement)

Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University offers a part-time Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development MSc course.

MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development will provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. It has been designed to align the candidates’ skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies. Upon completion, they will be able to work either in the public or private sectors, advising on the complexities of property development to occupiers, investors, developers, and planning authorities. 

During the masters programme, candidates will build a deep understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process, and learn the essential components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. They will develop an appreciation of the skills and tasks inherent in development projects, including community participation, satisfying the statutory planning considerations, undertaking the necessary financial appraisals, and achieving funding to make it happen. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Entry requirements

• Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification