Chartered Town Planner
Developing the talent to create better places.
This apprenticeship is built around the core principles of modern planning.
It helps apprentices develop strong skills in sustainability, environmental and housing planning, policy and plan making, project delivery, site studies and urban design. On completion, you become a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) and use the title Chartered Town Planner.
For employers, this apprenticeship grows high-level planning expertise in your organisation. It supports the development of your current workforce. It can also help attract new, talented planners who can drive long-term impact.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
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Train employees to become Chartered Town Planners (MRTPI)
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Developed in partnership with industry leaders to fit business needs
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Embed your company culture from the very start
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Structured day-release learning with workplace and academic balance
of employers report apprentices make substantial contribution.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
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Employer partners Joe, Dan, Emma and Tim explain why ARU apprenticeships work so well for their organisations, and highlight the benefits for SMEs and larger businesses.
We'll help you progress your career.
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Attain Chartered Town Planner status (MRTPI) on completion
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Gain an RTPI-accredited Masters while you work
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Ideal if you're passionate about sustainable development
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Blend real-world job experience and academic training
gained the technical and specialist skills required for their job.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
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Let our amazing apprentices inspire you! Kerry, Grace, Izabela, Ben, Rachel and Fleur explain what they love about doing an apprenticeship with ARU.
Talent development
Secure the talent to create better places.
The Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship has been developed by employers representative of the sector. It balances business education with practical, real-time learning in the workplace. Your apprentice gains a full range of planning knowledge, skills and behaviours to achieve Chartered status.
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
- crafting job advertisements
- promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
- adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
- sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
Creating a world-class apprenticeship
See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.
Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve sustainable development and shape the towns, cities and villages we live in.
This apprenticeship is ideal if you're looking to enhance your career. It provides the training and experience you need to make a real difference as a Chartered Town Planner.
Programme content
Accredited by the RTPI
Chartered town planners represent the gold standard of planning practice. They are recognised by employers, clients and members of the public for their skills, expertise and professional practice.
Learn from expert academics and industry professionals, and gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to become an effective and ethical town planner.
The curriculum focuses on key areas of planning including sustainable development, planning law and stakeholder engagement. You’ll also learn how to undertake research, implement planning policy and manage projects.
Accredited by the RTPI
Chartered town planners represent the gold standard of planning practice. They are recognised by employers, clients and members of the public for their skills, expertise and professional practice.
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.
- A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion.
- Evidence of Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, eg GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, Functional Skills, or DfE-approved equivalents.*
- A first degree at second class honours (2:2) or above in a subject that is related to the field of town planning. It should incorporate study elements of some of space, environment, design social/urban analysis and public policy. Examples of subjects that are considered to be relevant are: Environmental Studies, Architecture, Urban Studies, Geography, Economics, Politics and Surveying.**
*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected].
**We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications if you have a significant amount of relevant experience, are well-supported by your employer, and demonstrate the ability to manage university-level study.
Fees and funding
The Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship programme costs £12,000. Funding eligibility has changed for Level 7 apprenticeships from 2026. Please speak to [email protected] to explore your options.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.
Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.
Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.
Finding an apprenticeship role
To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.