Thanks to funding from the British Chambers of Commerce's (BCC) Planning Skills Fund, Westminster will offer a full-fee scholarship in collaboration with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for home students studying on the University’s Urban and Regional Planning MA course.
The scholarships, which will be rolled out in several universities across the UK, aim to support individuals who might not otherwise have been able to pursue a career in planning, while also strengthening planning services in UK councils. This reflects the University’s Being Westminster strategic commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and ensures its students stand out as significant contributors to their communities.
As part of the award, the BCC and RTPI will offer mentoring and work experience opportunities to recipients in addition to paying their full tuition fees. In return, recipients are expected to work in a council planning role for at least two years after completing their studies.
Applications are now open for the first scholarship at Westminster, where the recipient will commence studies in September 2025 and be expected to start work in local authorities by Autumn 2026. Offer holders and non-offer holders are welcome to apply. One full-time Westminster student will be selected for the scholarship each year, taking into account academic achievements and personal statements.
About the scholarship Richard Patrick, Chief Operating Officer of RTPI, said: “The aim of the scholarship is to make a difference by providing opportunities for individuals to begin a career in planning and, at the same time, boost skills and capacity in the planning system, particularly at a local authority level. This is crucial to business success and economic growth for local communities. That’s why the RTPI is pleased to be working in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), whose members are funding the full-fee scholarships. Over the next three years, the BCC Planning Skills Fund will support at least 100 UK-wide scholarship recipients to undertake a one-year full time Master’s qualification.”
Dr Johannes Novy, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Urban and Regional Planning MA programme, added: “I’m delighted that we are able to provide this scholarship and grateful to the British Chambers of Commerce and the RTPI for their commitment to strengthening the planning sector. Planning is at the forefront of many key societal challenges, especially the climate emergency, and we need new, talented people to help meet these demands.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, said: “We are thrilled to launch the MA Urban and Regional Planning Scholarship, which represents an incredible opportunity for aspiring planners. Thanks to the generosity of the British Chambers of Commerce and our partnership with the RTPI, we can offer students the chance to develop the critical skills needed to shape sustainable, inclusive communities.”
Apply to the MA Urban and Regional Planning Scholarship.
Find out more about Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design courses at the University of Westminster.
To find out how you or your organisation can make a difference by supporting Westminster students, please get in touch with the Development Team or visit the Donate Westminster site.
