Town Planner

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Town Planner

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role

College / University

You'll need a degree or a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

planning, environment and development
city and regional planning
urban planning and property development

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You could qualify while working as a planning technician or other support staff.

You'll need the backing of your employer and you'll combine practical experience with part-time or distance learning study towards an accredited planning qualification.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of geography
the ability to work well with others
analytical thinking skills
excellent verbal communication skills
persistence and determination
ambition and a desire to succeed
business management skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

assessing the effect of new rail links or roads
planning for houses and renewable energy generation sites like wind farms
redesigning urban spaces and developing parks, woodlands and waterways in a sustainable way
conserving old buildings and archaeological sites
developing local or national planning policies for government
making decisions about planning applications
advising the public, businesses and land developers on planning policies, rules and regulations
making sure planning rules and regulations are carried out
organising meetings to hear feedback from local people

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could apply for chartered town planner status, and then become a planner or senior planner. With at least 10 years' experience you could become a senior manager or planning consultant. You could work as a self-employed consultant.

You could also move into environmental management, urban regeneration, recreation management and property development.

Volunteering Opportunities

You'll find it useful to get as much work experience as possible. This will give you a better understanding of the career, and the contacts you make may help you to find paid work.

You can search for companies listed by the Royal Town Planning Institute or contact your local council to ask about opportunities.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Town Planning Institute to work towards chartered status, find training opportunities and make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about town planning as a career from the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.