The University of Aberdeen has launched a new postgraduate programme in planning and surveying, in direct response to increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the built and natural environment sector.
The Master of Science (MSc) in Rural Planning & Environmental Management is a 12 month taught postgraduate programme, which is dual accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The MSc is also being offered on a part-time basis over 24 months with students required to attend the University one day a week.
The programme has been established in response to a demand by the built environment profession for qualified graduates in town and country planning and surveying.
Explaining the impetus behind the creation of the degree Bill Neill, Professor of Spatial Planning, University of Aberdeen says: "Predictions suggest that the built and natural environment industry will experience a grave shortage of professionals within specific areas of the sector in the near future. The new degree has been introduced to the School of Geosciences' portfolio as an immediate reaction to this imminent skills shortage, with the aim of meeting the prospective needs of the industry.
"The degree has been developed with the requirements of the industry very much at the fore. The format of a 12 month Masters degree is specifically in response to feedback which we have received from employers within the field who will significantly benefit from the fast track element of the programme.
"The degree focuses on the University's long standing strengths in the rural and natural environment. With dual professional accreditation this new postgraduate degree offers students excellent opportunities to move into a prosperous career within the industry."
Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal & Head of the College of Physical Sciences, the University of Aberdeen says: "The University of Aberdeen has an exceptional track record in terms of employment opportunities for graduates within this field of academia, with many students securing employment prior to graduation. We are confident that this new degree will be welcomed by both prospective students and also importantly by the industry."
Applications for September 2008 enrolment are currently being accepted.
For further information about the MSc in Rural Planning & Environmental Management and full details on application requirements see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/geography/pg_menu/. For admissions information contact the Graduate School Admissions Unit, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen on 01224 272515 or by emailing href="mailto:cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk">cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk</a></p>