I've always been interested in urban architecture/planning, and considering becoming an urban planner (Town and Country planner in the UK).

I suspect there may be planners on this forum, so does anyone have any tips/advice? Anything would be appreciated. For example;

-Are salaries good?
-Are there many overseas opportunities?
-Which country is best to study in?

Anything would be of great help, as I am trying to get an insight into what it would be like.

Thanks.

Cyburbia.org is a really good resource for planners and planning students. However it's currently down until Jan 30th.

I suspect there may be planners on this forum, so does anyone have any tips/advice? Anything would be appreciated. For example;

-Are salaries good?
-Are there many overseas opportunities?
-Which country is best to study in?


The salaries for planning graduates are ok IMO. The salary you'll command all depends on the job's description - matched by your skills & experience.
There's a real SHORTAGE of planners, so there are always plenty of job opportunities.

If you studied Planning and had some work experience in the UK you could find work in other countries, especially in the 'Commonwealth' countires like Canada, Australia, New Zealand. The planning degree from the UK is well recognised around the world (not sure if it's recognised in the US though).

As for planning schools there are plenty to choose from. I was recommended Oxford Brookes University (www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/be/planning! ) in the UK to do my postgraduate study in planning / urban design. The other school that has a good reputation is the University of London, Bartlett School.

I find there are lots of information at websites of planning organisations / institutes..

Royal Town Planning Institute (UK) http://www.rtpi.org.uk
Planning Institute of Australia http://www.planning.org.au
American Planning Association http://www.planning.org
Canadian Institue of Planners http://www.cip-icu.ca
New Zealand Planning Institue http://www.nzplanning.co.nz

Thanks for the info.