What qualifications do I need to become a planner?
GCSEs
Apart from good grades in English and Maths, you won't need to have specific GCSE (or equivalent) subjects. But if you're choosing your options, subjects like geography, citizenship, science or ICT may be useful.
A levels
If you're choosing your A levels (or equivalent), the following subjects will be useful: art and graphic design, business studies, economics, English, environmental studies, geography, history, ICT, psychology, and politics.
Degree
To become a Chartered Town Planner you must study for an RTPI-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate course. For more information about RTPI-accredited qualifications, visit choosing a planning degree. However, if you study for a non-RTPI accredited undergraduate degree, or a degree in an unrelated subject, it won't be a problem. You can always take an RTPI-accredited postgraduate degree later.
If you think you might be interested in a career in planning but don't want to specialise yet, undergraduate degrees in the following subjects could help you prepare for it: economics, engineering, environmental studies, geography, law, politics, or social studies.
Vocational qualifications
If you would prefer to take a more vocational planning-related qualification, such as an NVQ, HND or HNC, this could qualify you for work as a planning technician or enforcement officer. If you then want to take a planning degree you'll need to check the entry requirements of individual universities or look at the UCAS website. Alternatively, you may want to try to get some work experience at a local council or private consultancy.
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