Spatial Planning PgCert
This programme aims to help you acquire a broad foundation of knowledge in spatial and city planning, from which more detailed or specialist study can be developed. The aim of the programme is to relate academic thinking and research at the forefront of spatial planning to your own experiences, whether at work or in other endeavours.
- Academic contact: andrew.hoolachan@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- PgCert: 12 months full-time; up to 48 months part‑time: (on a modular basis)
Why this programme
- There is significant input from industry in our teaching programme, including teaching on some courses, guest lectures and seminars. There are also informal opportunities to meet people from industry at open events and recruitment presentations.
- If you satisfy the progression requirements, this qualification provides an entrance route to the MSc City Planning.
- You can gain this qualification in a manner that works best with your professional commitments, either through one year of full-time study or on a modular basis over two or more years.
- An optional field trip to London will provide you with an insight into the complexities of city planning in a World City. Past trips have included visits to The Shard, King’s Cross, Battersea Power Station and a number of grassroot projects that focus on community development.
Programme structure
You will take three core courses and choose from a range of optional courses. Courses will involve you attending lectures, seminars and tutorials and taking part in projects, labs, field visits and team work exercises. Core courses will provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of spatial planning and how to apply them to particular cases.
Core courses
Optional courses
- Community Empowerment and Engagement
- Digital Planning Systems and Tools
- Global Urban Challenges (10)
- Place Adaptation and Green Infrastructure
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure
- Sustainable Housing Development (10 Credits)
- Understanding Transport Choices
- Urban Conservation
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Career opportunities include positions in local and national government and private-sectors consultancies in spatial planning, development management and regeneration.
Entry requirements
3rd/Pass (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.
Applications are considered on an individual basis, with particular consideration given to the applicant's practical experience. If you satisfy the progression requirements, this qualification provides an entrance route to the MSc in City Planning.
You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow. See link below.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
September 2026
- All applicants: 21 August 2026
More information about this programme

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