Planning Research - MA

About the course

1 year full time

This course can be taken as a one-year stand-alone degree, and is designed to develop the specialist research skills needed by practitioners in planning and related fields. You can also use it as preparation for a PhD following the 1+3 route.

Through this course you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the context and process of planning research. Also, you’ll develop the skills required for an academic or professional research career, including how research is applied and the processes involved in creating and implementing policy.

You'll also be able to evaluate the practice of planning, understand the need for analytical rigour, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Completing your dissertation will give you specialised knowledge in relation to your selected area of planning.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good honours degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject from an approved institution.

English language requirements for overseas students

IELTS 7 with minimum 6 in each component, or TOEFL score of at least 100 in the internet-based test.

Entry requirements for international students 

Course content

Autumn semester core modules

• Values in Planning
• Planning, Social Theory and Methods
• Research Design and Process
• Information and Communication Skills

Spring semester core modules

• Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods

Optional modules

A choice of two specialist modules from a list including:

• Issues in Housing
• Local and Regional Economic Policy
• Property Development
• Public Participation
• Cities of Diversity

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars

Assessment

• Coursework
• Dissertation

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: planning-pg@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 6180

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is the mark of someone who thinks differently. At the end of your course you'll have the knowledge and skills to help you make a difference in whatever you do. In 2010, over 95 per cent of our graduates found employment, with the majority entering work in planning or surveying.

Recent graduates from this course have gone on to work for the UN's International Labour Organisation and Oxfam, as well as into local government posts in the UK.

Your masters will prepare you for a rewarding career in planning, property and development.

Why your masters matters

We offer varied and flexible courses to prepare you for a successful career. The department has been teaching and researching urban issues and town planning for many years, and has an international reputation as a centre of excellence.

Our strong links with other academic departments and with planning and property practices means your learning and research applies to the real world. Practitioners contribute to our teaching and run projects with students on the MA in Town and Regional Planning.

Your learning is supported by our Liaison Committee – which includes senior officers from local authorities, other planning agencies, property consultancies and development companies in the UK – and our network of funders, from government departments to the European Commission.

Sheffield is a city going through many changes, so it makes an excellent backdrop to your study. You'll be located in a modern building shared with the Department of Geography, at the heart of the campus and near the new Information Commons.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form