MA Planning Research

About the course

This course equips you with the skills you need for a research career. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of planning research: the context, how research is applied and the processes involved in creating and implementing policy.

You'll also learn how to evaluate planning practice and identify the strengths and weaknesses of research methods. Through your dissertation, you'll develop specialised knowledge in your chosen area of planning.

You can take the course as a stand-alone degree or as preparation for a PhD via the 1+3 route.

Course content

Autumn semester core modules

• Values in Planning
• Planning, Social Theory and Methods
• Research Design and Process
• Information and Communication Skills

Spring semester core modules

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods

Optional modules

A choice of two specialist modules from a list including:

• Issues in Housing
• Local and Regional Economic Policy
• Property Development
• Public Participation
• Cities of Diversity

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars

Assessment

• Coursework
• Dissertation

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is the mark of someone who thinks differently. At the end of your course you'll have the knowledge and skills to help you make a difference in whatever you do.

A majority of our graduates go on to develop highly successful careers in planning and property with employers such as Local Authorities, Private Sector Planning Consultants, Real Estate Consultants and International Development Agencies.

Why your masters matters

We offer varied and flexible courses to prepare you for a successful career. The department has been teaching and researching urban issues, property investment and development and town planning for many years, and has an international reputation as a centre of excellence.

Our strong links with other academic departments and with planning and property practices means your learning and research applies to the real world. Practitioners contribute to our teaching and run site visits, fieldtrips and projects. You'll therefore have the opportunity to attend field courses in London or Cairo, or carry out a placement with a planning agency.

Your learning is supported by our Liaison Committee – which includes senior officers from local authorities, other planning agencies, property consultancies and development companies in the UK – and our network of funders, from government departments to the European Commission.

Sheffield is a city going through many changes, so it makes an excellent backdrop to your study. You'll be located in a modern building shared with the Department of Geography, at the heart of the campus and near the Information Commons.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form