Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship MSc

Please note that there are some incoming changes to government funding. Level 7 apprenticeships will continue to be government-funded for young people aged 16-21, and under 25 for care leavers and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England;

From 1 January 2026, apprentices who do not fall in the categories described above, will not be eligible for L7 government funding.

Any apprentice who started a level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 will continue to be funded through to completion.

The application deadline for September 2025 entry is 15 August 2025. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Transform your future with our Chartered Town Planner Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, combining university study and on-the-job training to advance your career in professional planning and achieve an MSc Urban and Regional Planning qualification.

Course Structure

Upon completion of the taught elements of the programme, learners will complete an independent End Point Assessment which will consist of a Professional Discussion and Assessment of Professional Competence.

• Build strong foundations for a successful career in spatial planning and related fields
• Flexible Delivery: Part-time structure suits both learners and employers
• Research-Informed: Developed with research-informed teaching at a Russell Group University

The programme offers a diverse range of learning and teaching methods, such as lectures, small group sessions, seminars, student-led workshops, and tutorials. The focus is on participatory learning approaches, encouraging you to critically reflect on key contemporary debates in the practice and principles of spatial planning across various urban regions

To provide a 'real world' feel for the programme there are a number of planning practitioners who directly input into the programme and we make good use of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands as part of our overall 'learning laboratory'.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

The core modules:

You must choose one of the following optional modules:

The normal admission requirement for our taught postgraduate programmes is a 2:1 Honours degree combined with relevant work experience. For a Graduate Diploma you should have a degree or diploma or equivalent qualification in an appropriate field. Graduate Diploma students who achieve Masters level in their modules may be transferred to the Masters level.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

This course is fully funded via the employer Apprenticeship Levy.

For all enquiries relating to this apprenticeship programme or further information please contact the Central Apprenticeships Team.

By completing the Charted Town Planner Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, you will gain a professional qualification that will enable you to pursue and build a career in spatial planning and related areas of regeneration, economic development, housing and transport.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.