Scotland is facing a severe shortage of town planners, with around 500 vacancies across the country’s 32 local authorities. In a move designed to address this shortage, a Town Planning Workplace Learning degree has been launched at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) with students having started the new course so they can earn while they learn.

Developed in collaboration with councils and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the four-year degree programme provides local authority employees with a unique opportunity to earn while they learn - helping to fill crucial gaps in Scotland’s planning workforce and support sustainable urban development.

The BSc (Hons) Town Planning programme is being run by UWS for early career builders and experienced working professionals already employed within local authorities and related sectors. By bringing together academic learning and real-world experience, the degree enhances both professional development and employability, preparing graduates to tackle contemporary planning challenges.

Usman Ahmad, Industry Engagement Manager at UWS, said: “This initiative is crucial not just for tackling the national shortage of planners but also for supporting local councils in delivering well-planned, sustainable communities.

“For individuals, it provides a clear, accessible route into a profession that plays a vital role in improving both the built environment and the natural landscape, ensuring our towns and cities are designed with the future in mind."

With local authorities struggling to attract and retain graduates in town planning roles, UWS offers a solution by providing a structured, work-integrated degree, that removes barriers to professional development and ensures Scotland’s planning workforce is equipped to meet future urban and environmental challenges.

Graduates of the programme will be well-positioned for a range of planning and development roles while the degree will also open doors to further study in areas such as urban regeneration, sustainable development, and environmental policy.

Ryan Hardy, who is among the first to join the new programme at UWS, works in planning and policy at Falkirk Council, says he believes the accelerated town planning degree is a vital pathway for those looking to advance in the profession while continuing to work:

The accelerated town planning degree is a fantastic opportunity for people like me who are already working in the sector and want to develop their careers without stepping away from employment.

Ryan Hardy, who has joined us as part of the first cohort

“I’ve always been interested in planning, and this course allows me to build on my experience at Falkirk Council, applying what I learn directly to my role. With a shortage of town planners in Scotland - particularly younger professionals - this kind of work-based learning is essential for opening up the profession to those who may not have been able to commit to a traditional four-year degree.

“I’m especially looking forward to exploring key issues like sustainability, net zero, and the future of our high streets—areas where planning can make a real difference."

Local authorities see the benefit of this new course, Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council, as in other local authorities across the country, faces challenges in recruiting new colleagues to fulfil town planning roles. We welcome the new Town Planning Workplace Learning degree and recognise the key role this can play in supporting those with the aspiration and enthusiasm to develop their careers while fulfilling a role in our council.

“I am delighted that two members of staff are already undertaking this course, taking their next steps on the progression routes that have been identified within our Planning Team. We are committed to support opportunities for colleagues to develop their professional careers that will secure the urban and environmental future of our region.”

As a Workplace Learning programme, applicants must already be employed in Scotland in a role relevant to town planning and have the support of their employer to undertake the course in its entirety. Entry requirements vary, and applications are assessed on an individual basis.

Claire Young, Senior Manager Workplace Learning at UWS said: “We’re delighted to launch this innovative and much needed programme. The support and engagement from our sector partners has been fantastic and we have invested in academic expertise to ensure we deliver an exceptional experience for our students.

This is part of a wider skills agenda at UWS to deliver more for our communities and be responsive in the creation of skills solutions for working people across Scotland.

Claire Young, Senior Manager Workplace Learning

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the degree course promotes responsible urban development.

For more information on how to apply, please visit https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-course-search/town-planning