The RTPI takes a broad view of Lifelong Learning, as referring to education and learning opportunities throughout an individual’s lifetime and career. Regardless of whether the learning experience is personal or shared, aimed at a formal qualification or less formal, in a workplace, at home, or in an educational setting, lifelong learning as supported by the RTPI is learning directed at improving an individual’s understanding of, engagement with, and/or practice of spatial planning at any life or career stage. Find out more about the value of lifelong learning to the RTPI.

Lifelong learning therefore encompasses a range of different phases of education and learning, which need not take place in a strictly linear fashion, and will very likely be pursued by different individuals at a whole different range of points in their lifetimes. However, some identifiable phases of lifelong learning are set out below.

Planning education for all – what is planning?

For many individuals and members of the public, it is not at all clear what planning is and how they can get involved with planning in their local area. The RTPI can help all members of the public to understand what planning does, and is also involved in a range of activities more proactively to help communities to engage with planning system and influence decision-making in their area. This has been particularly successfully achieved by Planning Aid, but also includes collaborations to produce the Handy Guide to Planning, and to produce a range of resources for schools at a range of levels, aimed at using planning-related activities to teach different aspects of the National Curriculum. The RTPI also provides information on what planning does.

Careers in Planning

For some, an initial introduction to planning paves the way for a long, enjoyable and varied career in the profession. It is certainly an exciting time to be in Planning. Planners have the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of disciplines, from traditional statutory planning through transport, regeneration, urban design and beyond. Planning's engagement with key national and international issues, such as climate change, housing supply and building sustainable communities, as well as high profile development projects such as the 2012 Olympics, mean that planning's profile has never been higher. This could be a great time to find out more about planning as a career.

Getting Started – Qualifications in Planning

With such diverse work opportunities available, planners must have a wide range of knowledge and skills at their disposal. Early stages of planning education must therefore begin to prepare planners for their challenging careers ahead, which is why we accredit a range of high quality planning degrees in the UK and abroad. Whether you want to begin studying planning as an undergraduate, a postgraduate, or even earlier, there is something there for you. Find out more about planning education, including all our accredited degrees leading to Chartered Membership.

Professional Membership

Formal qualifications in planning could be just the beginning. Graduates of accredited degrees who wish to become Chartered town planners can work towards this international benchmark of excellence through the Assessment of Professional Competence programme. The APC supports you in developing your professional competence through the workplace experiences you are gaining, by introducing and supporting ways of reflecting on your experience and learning. But even if you’re not eligible for the APC route to Chartered Membership, there could be a route, or an alternative class of membership, for you. Find out more from our RTPI membership section.

Ongoing learning – continuing professional development (CPD)

Being a professional is synonymous with expertise – and all Chartered Planners make a commitment, through the Code of Professional Conduct, to maintaining and developing their expertise via Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – ongoing learning which ensures that they maintain and develop their professional competence throughout their careers. CPD is vitally important to the profession and its professional profile – but it is only one part of the RTPI’s vision for lifelong learning. Find out more about RTPI CPD policy, support and guidance.

Latest Articles

Read more articles