
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 £5,000Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary
The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Hodgson 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 £7,000Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships
Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.
Up to £1,000Liverpool 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 £5,000Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship
50% tuition fee discounts are available.
Up to 50% of feesManuel 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 £12,500Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies
Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.
Up to £4,000Scholarships 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 £5,000Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000University 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.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.
