Planning is concerned with the management of change in the natural and built environment.
Urban planning requires knowledge about urban and regional change, the social, economic and physical environment, and an ability to apply this understanding to the formulation of policy and the implementation of development projects. Urban planners may act in a variety of roles, including local authority officer, civil servant, consultant, adviser to a property company, pressure group or infrastructure agency. Whether working in the public or private sector, they may also become involved in helping local community groups as a 'technical aid' adviser. Recent LMU graduates have gone on to work in the planning departments of local authorities, economic development units, housing associations, environmental charities, building societies, property companies and Training and Enterprise Councils. Many have used the course as a foundation for post-graduate study in the areas of town planning, urban design, surveying, geography and tourism.