In a world facing environmental, social and economic challenges, how we manage changes to our natural and built environments will be crucial for our future. In our urbanised world, how we design and plan our cities impact our environmental sustainability, health and even happiness. This programme will equip you with the skills to be part of making progressive changes in your place.
In practice, there is a common tension between those developing and interpreting planning policy on the one hand, and the designers of cities on the other. This programme brings these groups together to engage in project-based learning. You will develop planning research, urban analysis and design skills before deciding whether to complete an urban design thesis or dissertation. Both of these options can be completed as work-based studies with opportunities for summer placements.
City Planning And Design Highlights
This course is unique having been driven by engagement with the practice rather than adhering to traditional academic subject areas. The core skills that urban designers and planners need have been clearly defined and form the basis for the course.
Global Opportunities
There are fantastic opportunities to work with planning and urban design both locally and globally. Belfast is a city that is developing rapidly and this reflects wider confidence in urban regeneration and development at a national level. Many recent graduates are working in planning authorities and consultancies throughout the UK and Ireland with others working in the related fields of housing, natural and built heritage and renewable energy.
Professional Accreditations
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited as a standalone programme. Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is accredited if completed following an accredited undergraduate planning degree.
Industry Links
As well as including employers in our teaching and development of projects we value the input of practitioners on our examination panels. Our employer links are further enhanced through formal partnership meetings with our accreditation bodies (RICS and RTPI) and by providing student prizes, for example, for the best independent research project. Therefore, course development is closely aligned to the requirements of the planning sector. Employers are often also consulted by students in the development of independent research projects. For example, we have developed strong relationships in Northern Ireland with the Housing Executive, and the Planning Division of the Department of Infrastructure. As part of the support activities embedded in the degree, employers contribute to regular careers events.
Internationally Renowned Experts
The members of staff responsible for delivering the MSc are from a variety of professional and research backgrounds. Staff expertise includes international development, sustainable development, development economics and planning policy and practice. Each member will give a different perspective within the course, such that both theoretical and applied elements will be fully developed and a rounded high-level education will result.
Student Experience
Significant emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills during live projects in this programme. The option of a work-based study for the thesis module reflects the local confidence within the planning and urban design sector of the quality of QUB student work. Placements can be in planning offices, architectural practices or with related heritage, environmental or community sector groups. The environs of the university are extremely pleasant: Northern Ireland and Belfast have been highlighted by The Sunday Times in 2018 as the best places to live in the United Kingdom. Belfast and the Causeway Coast have been listed as the best regions to visit in the world by Lonely Planet in 2018. Moreover, the manner in which Northern Ireland is positioned after Brexit may make it the most convenient location in the UK for ready interaction with the EU.
“In an increasingly urbanising world, cities represent both the greatest social, environmental and economic challenges and opportunities for planners and urban designers alike to create more sustainable environments and just societies.”Dr Neil Galway, Programme Director for MSc City Planning and Design
