Spatial Planning and Rural Surveying at the University of Aberdeen offers, through its professional programmes, an outstanding teaching and research environment to equip graduates to contribute to the urban and rural development challenges of the 21st century. Aberdeen and its hinterland provide a superb and stimulating laboratory in which to study the use and management of resources, both urban and rural. Students take advantage of this in coursework where classroom based tuition is integrated with field based learning. Beyond Aberdeenshire, field courses in other parts of the UK and abroad in Europe and North America broaden your training. Many of the staff are professionally qualified planners and surveyors who are also engaged in research on matters acutely relevant to policy makers at all levels of government. As a result you will be taught by some of the leaders in the field, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest thinking. Reinforcing the practical nature of planning and surveying, classes are also taught by experienced practitioners who give unique insights.
Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Our courses are fully accredited by the governing professional bodies: The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) (www.rtpi.org.uk) and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (www.rics.org).
Postgraduate Research Opportunities
Research is based within the Centre for Planning and Environmental Research, an international centre for interdisciplinary research and teaching on the fostering and management of quality places that are economically , culturally and environmentally sustainable. The centre comprises of staff with a wide range of spatial planning, geographical and surveying expertise, particular specialisms include:
- Landscape research
- Cultural pluralism and contested space
- Design and regeneration
- Rural planning and management
- Environmental justice
It is the philosophy of the Centre that in an increasingly interconnected world roots in place remain important alongside the significance of character, distinctiveness, fairness and identity in the management of landscapes ,whether they be urban or rural. The goal of the Centre is to engage in research, consultancy and teaching of international standing and scope while responding to the spatial planning challenges and unique opportunities in Scotland and the Grampian region in particular. The success of Centre staff in pursuing this goal is manifest in the publication of a wide range of books, articles, research and consultancy reports and grants awarded.
More Information
More information about Spatial Planning and Rural Surveying and postgraduate opportunities at the University of Aberdeen can be found on the Centre for Planning and Environmental Management website.