Creating a diverse and inclusive profession

Celebrating excellence and inclusivity! This bursary is available to undergraduates from underrepresented groups, particuarly those with a disability or who have Black, South Asian or East Asian heritage. 

How to apply

You could be selected for £2,000 through your university if you:

• are eligible to work in the UK or Ireland after graduation;
• have a registered disability (or study plan) or are from a diverse under-represented group in the profession;
• are studying on a fully accredited undergraduate Planning degree at any UK or Irish university;
• are in the second year of the course or onwards.

Speak to your course leader for more information. Universities will nominate students as potential recipients based on these criteria and the RTPI will award this bursary following a selection procedure. This scheme is funded by a grant from the RTPI Trust.

Typically routes into planning include studying for a university degree.  However we recognise the desire to enter the job market at the earliest possible opportunity or for other reasons going to university, for some people, represents a barrier to entering a profession.

As part of our commitment to open access to the profession we have, in partnership with employers, training providers, universities developed the Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship to provide an alternative route, combining 'on the job' learning with a university degree.  You can read more about the apprenticeship here.

As part of out commitment to create more pathways and remove barriers to entry into the profession we offer the Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship. Offered at Level 4 the Town Planning Apprenticeship provides a route into the profession to people working in support roles in the profession as well as anyone wanting to start a career in planning.  You can read more about the Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship here.