Hello everyone! I am excited to share my experience as a recipient of the 2024 bursary scheme. My name is Mary and I’m currently in second year at The University of Manchester, studying a BSc in Planning and Real Estate. Having grown up in the great city of Manchester, I have always had an interest in urban spaces and how communities work within them. An urban regeneration unit in geography A-level solidified my curiosity and led to my choice of course at university.
Why become a planning student?
Planning courses at many universities are small and niche, but full of interesting modules and interdisciplinary learning. So far, I have taken modules on placemaking, policy, sustainability, and environmental planning. Many modules are linked to other subjects like geography, sociology, environmental management, and design. RTPI accreditation is also awarded for most planning courses, supplying a good foundation for a planning career.
Planners play a crucial role in designing sustainable and resilient communities, engaging with global issues like climate change and inequality. From transport to housing, green infrastructure to digital connectivity, planners make huge differences in everyday lives. As a planning student, you can work with real life, ongoing case studies and projects, with field trips (both local and international) which provide tangible evidence of the impact planners make. With a vast array of career opportunities, planners will always be needed in society.
The Old Quadrangle, The University of Manchester
View from Epping Walk Bridge, Hulme, Manchester
My future interests
I am particularly interested in the role planners can play in placemaking and regeneration. I’ve always loved the idea of creating beautiful green spaces for people to thrive. With the looming threat of global warming, the need for sustainable urban planning and design has never been more significant. With such warming comes an increased frequency and intensity of climate hazards. This particularly impacts less developed countries who need planners to help their communities become more resilient. Planning for adaptation and mitigation of climate change is a further career that interests me.
The green roof at the University of Salford includes 6 experimental beds for green roof design research purposes
The impact of the bursary
The bursary has provided me with the support to make a positive impact in the future. Long-term health issues have led me to live at home whilst attending university. The bursary has helped cover commuting costs, ensuring I can make the most of lectures, workshops and field trips. The planning and property industry is unfortunately still lacking wider inclusivity, so the RTPI Trust is working to progressively break down barriers. Overall, the bursary has been hugely beneficial, opening opportunities and boosting confidence to further experiences in the planning industry.
Find out more and apply for a 2025 RTPI Trust Undergraduate Bursary
You can find out how to apply here.
