Frequently Asked Questions

14-Dec-06

How do I know if my course is accredited by the RTPI?

The course’s accreditation status should be communicated to you before you enrol, and should be displayed in the online and published literature. If you are still unsure, check the accreditation status with the RTPI. A full list of all accredited qualifications is published here.

What are the entry requirements for an accredited degree?

Each Planning School handles their own entry requirements according with the policy at their own Institution, and in some cases these may vary year on year depending on the demand. Potential students should contact the Planning School directly for information on entry requirements.

I am interested in a qualification accredited as a ‘specialist Masters’. Will this be enough to become a Chartered Town Planner?

No, not by itself. Students should ensure that they either have a ‘combined’ qualification, with covers all the requirements for membership, or that they have both a ‘spatial’ and ‘specialist’ qualification. This might involve a ‘spatial’ qualification at undergraduate level in addition to a ‘specialist’ Masters, or a ‘spatial’ coupled with a ‘specialist’ Masters.

Is it possible to work and study at the same time?

Students who undertake part-time or distance learning degrees generally work in planning at the same time as studying for their degree. If you are considering this, it is definitely worth talking to your employer or potential employer, as most part-time degrees will require you to have day release from your work. You will also be expected to undertake independent study towards your degree, and need to be prepared to do so in your own time. Some employers may be able to offer study leave as well as day release for attendance at your Planning School.

Part-time students should be able to use any eligible experience they gain during this time towards the experience requirement of their future Chartered Membership through the Assessment of Professional Competence route.

Students who are studying on full-time qualifications are generally not encouraged to also work part-time, particularly where they are studying for intensive 12month Masters degrees. Any work experience that is gained alongside such degrees will not be eligible towards a future Chartered Membership application. Some students may find part-time work alongside their full time undergraduate/diploma qualifications, and this experience may be eligible towards a future Chartered Membership application, assuming it is gained at an appropriately professional level.

What are the differences between accredited planning degrees?

Accredited degrees are offered beginning at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and each fully accredited degree or degree package (BSc/BA plus Diploma or Masters) contains elements of core spatial planning as well as an area of specialism. Each Planning School will offer a different range of specialisms, so candidates thinking of beginning an accredited planning degree may want to consider these in relation to their own interests. Such candidates may also wish to consider the potential Planning School's mission statement to understand its particular strengths in terms of teaching and research, or its policies on access, widening participation, and the student experience. Other sources of useful information are the University and/or Planning School's website, the prospectus and course brochure.

The RTPI accredits all Planning Schools on an equal level, and does not offer advice on which school might offer a 'better' degree. Potential students should therefore consider all of the elements above in weighing up where they feel they will be able to gain the best study experience and the degree most suited to their interests and requirements.

 
Author:
George Law
Publisher:
The Royal Town Planning Institute
Date:
14-Dec-06

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