Town planning is a rewarding and influential career, responsible for shaping the communities and environments we live in. Whether it’s guiding new housing developments, revitalising high streets, or protecting green spaces, town planners ensure that change is managed thoughtfully and sustainably. For those who want to combine strategic thinking, environmental awareness and public service, becoming a town planner offers a fulfilling professional path with varied opportunities across the UK.
What does a town planner do?
Town planners are involved in developing land use plans and advising on how spaces should be designed and managed. This includes preparing planning policies, evaluating development proposals, ensuring adherence to local and national regulations, and consulting with communities, businesses, and stakeholders.
The role often sits at the intersection of local government, private consultancy, and public engagement. Planners are frequently involved in decisions that balance economic development with environmental protection, aiming to support sustainable growth while addressing housing needs, transportation access, and climate goals. It’s a profession that demands a mix of technical knowledge, legal understanding, and communication skills.
What qualifications do you need to be a town planner?
The most direct route into town planning is through academic qualifications. Many choose to study a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited undergraduate degree in town planning or a related subject such as geography, environmental science or urban studies. These courses typically span three years and provide a strong foundation in planning theory, law, policy, and practical applications.
For those who already hold a degree in a different subject, it’s possible to take an RTPI-accredited postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s degree in town or spatial planning. These programmes generally last one year full-time and are designed to bring graduates from other disciplines into the planning profession.
An increasingly popular alternative is the Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship. This five-year route combines part-time university study with paid, on-the-job experience. Apprentices gain practical skills in real planning environments while working toward full RTPI accreditation. It’s an ideal option for school leavers who prefer learning in a professional context or career changers looking to retrain without returning to full-time study.
How do you get experience in planning?
Work experience plays a significant role in becoming a successful town planner. While studying, it’s beneficial to seek internships, summer placements or volunteering opportunities with local councils, planning consultancies or environmental organisations. These experiences offer valuable insight into the planning process, help build professional networks, and make candidates more competitive when applying for jobs after graduation.
Many graduates enter the profession through structured graduate schemes offered by local authorities, planning consultancies, or large infrastructure firms. These schemes often provide mentoring, skills development, and support towards achieving chartered status.
Should you get Chartered as a planner?
Seeking out Chartership in the early years of your career is a great idea, as a Chartered Membership of the RTPI (MRTPI) is a benchmark of professional excellence in the field. To become chartered, individuals must complete an accredited qualification, gain relevant work experience, and then pass the RTPI’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This involves submitting a portfolio and demonstrating your planning knowledge, ethical understanding, and professional judgement.
Chartered status can enhance your career prospects significantly. It’s widely recognised across the public and private sectors and often a requirement for more senior or specialist roles.
Is town planning a good career?
Yes - planning can be a very varied and rewarding career, as town planners can work in many different settings, including local government, private consultancy firms, housebuilders, transport agencies, and environmental charities. The career offers strong progression, from graduate planner roles to senior planner, team leader, or consultancy director positions. There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as development management, regeneration, transport planning, conservation, and environmental planning.
What is the average salary for a town planner?
According to the National Careers Service, salaries for town planners typically start at around £28,000 rising with experience. Chartered planners and senior consultants can expect to earn over £50,000 depending on their role and location. With increased focus on sustainable development, housing supply, and climate resilience, the demand for skilled town planners in the UK remains strong, and there is plentiful opportunity to work on freelance/contract basis as well.
Final thoughts
A career in town planning is more than just maps and policies — it’s about shaping real places and improving lives. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, urban design, infrastructure, or protecting natural landscapes, planning offers a meaningful way to contribute to your community and the wider environment.
At Carrington West, we work with local authorities, private consultancies, and infrastructure firms across the UK to place talented professionals into planning roles. If you're considering a career in town planning or looking to take your next step, visit our website for the latest town planning jobs and speak to our specialist recruitment team.
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