Graduate Town Planner

Overview

We recognise that planning sits at the heart of complex debates about the future of our communities. At its best, development can deliver shared and sustained value – benefiting the local communities and environments which host development, whilst providing positive returns for those investing in these projects.

Arup shapes development proposals at each stage of the process. We provide policy and strategic advice, supporting local authorities in preparing Local Plans and their accompanying technical evidence base to shape how places grow and develop over time and to guide development management decision‑making. We give strategic advice on development proposals, manage consultation, assess impact, manage applications for planning consent and support applications through decision‑making and post‑decision processes.

We also provide stakeholder engagement, reporting and appeal services. Our holistic range of services ensures we can support a wide range of public and private sector clients.

With 150 town planners across 17 UK offices, we work on some of the most high‑profile and complex projects, providing end‑to‑end support and advice to public authorities, infrastructure developers, property companies and landowners through the planning and policy development process, engaging with communities to deliver more inclusive and sustainable towns and cities. Recent projects include the award‑winning redevelopment of Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Greater Manchester Places for Everyone Integrated Assessment, Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent Order, and research such as our ‘Cities Alive’ research which explores social, technological, economic and political drivers shaping future cities across the globe.

• Preparing applications for statutory consents, including under the Town and County Planning Act and the Planning Act (2008).
• Providing planning policy advice and developing policy, at both local and national level.
• Undertaking research and developing evidence bases to support Local Plans.
• Undertaking Impact Assessments in support of applications.
• Digital planning programmes and research.

Our town planners work collaboratively with specialists from a wide range of backgrounds, including environmental, design, energy, sustainability, legal, costing, engineering and infrastructure, and transactions to ensure our advice is pragmatic and delivers value.

We're looking for candidates who hold or are on track to achieve a Bachelor's degree in town planning or a related degree (2.1 or above). This role is ideally suited to candidates who are in the process of completing a Masters in an RTPI‑accredited course.

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world.
• Innovative minds: Critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: A growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: Ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026. Advert closing date: 15th November 2025. Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

While the role is based in the location specified in the job advert, we may have other opportunities that align with your profile. To help us assess this, please let us know which Arup office locations you would be interested in working in on your application form.

Candidates are permitted to submit only one application per recruitment cycle. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and selecting the role and location(s) that best align with your skills and interests before applying.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must be eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

Seniority level: Internship

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other

Industries: Design Services