University of Liverpool

Planning

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

Our Planning PhD / MPhil degree covers a wide range of topics, reflecting the diverse expertise of our academic staff. When you study with us, you'll develop strong research skills, including data collection, modelling, critical analysis, and academic writing. As the world’s first planning school, established in 1909, civic design at Liverpool offers a research environment with a rich history of innovation and impact.

With close links to schools across Europe, the Americas, and Pacific Asia, our postgraduate researchers engage in international collaboration and are encouraged to present at global conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. When you study with us, you’ll also benefit from the diverse expertise of our academic staff, which will enable you to become a well-rounded researcher in the field of planning. We welcome research proposals that are in areas matching the expertise of our researchers.

Potential themes of your research could include: Our research community is vibrant and interdisciplinary, spanning topics such as analysis, design, policy formulation, management and governance. PhD researchers are fully integrated into research groups and benefit from a supportive academic environment that fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange. The School’s strong international links provide opportunities for engagement with researchers worldwide, enhancing both academic and professional development.

Key highlights

  • Research skills training in data collection, modelling, analysis and academic writing
  • Based in the world's first planning school, established in 1909
  • Close links with schools across Europe, the Americas and Pacific Asia
  • Encouraged to present at global conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
  • Researchers fully integrated into interdisciplinary research groups
  • Research spans analysis, design, policy formulation, management and governance

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000
  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000
  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000
  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500
  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000
  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Academic researcher in planning
  • University lecturer in urban planning
  • Town planner
  • Planning policy officer
  • Urban design consultant
  • Research consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £5,238

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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