Entry year
2023
2023
Entry requirements
2:2
2:2
Duration
1 year (Full Time)
2 years (Part Time)
1 year (Full Time)
2 years (Part Time)
Places available
50 (Full Time)
50 (Part Time)
50 (Full Time)
50 (Part Time)
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.
City Planning and Design highlights
This course is unique having been driven by engagement with 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 a 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
- This qualification can be upgraded to the MSc City Planning & Design, which is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as a standalone programme.
Internationally Renowned Experts
- The members of staff responsible for delivering the PG Cert 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 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 PG Cert in City Planning and Design
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Course content
Course Structure
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| Course Details | The PG Cert is designed to allow you to develop real world project management skills through the completion of live design projects for local authority and community sector clients. You will also acquire urban and data analysis skills that you can use to develop strategic regeneration policies and design solutions. The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics including: • Green infrastructure • The Inclusive City • Urban Technological Developments • Low carbon transition • Critical Heritage Perspectives • Cities and the e-economy • Planning the Urban-Rural dialectic • Demographic challenges • The future of urban housing • Health in future cities |
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People teaching you
Senior LecturerNatural and Built Environment
An expert on housing issues in the Global South.
Natural and Built Environment
A leading figure in global environmental sustainability research with on-going projects in India, Liberia and Brazil.
Teaching Times
| Dependent on module choices. |
Career Prospects
Introduction
Our graduates end up in leading positions in central and local government and as well as in planning consultancies in the private sector. Some of them have gone on to lead significant environmental campaigns such as opposition to fracking; work with NGOs such as Friends of the Earth; and work with communities to make their neighbourhoods better, such as with disadvantaged groups.
Employment after the Course
Examples of employment: Urban Design and Planning practices, Research institutions, GIS companies, Housing organisations, Community Advocacy Groups, Environmental and Community sector NGOs.
Employment Links
Graduate employers include: Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and other public and private sector planning consultancies.
Learning and Teaching
Learning and teaching is split into the following:
IT Tutorials
Demonstrator-led IT skills tutorials to ensure students develop GIS and data visualisation skills such as proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch Up.
Project sessions:
A key component to all group projects whereby tutors offer feedback on student ideas in small groups during the completion of live projects for professional clients.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Seminars
Student-led thematic presentations that address major global themes are a crucial part of this programme. Placing the emphasis to research and interpret relevant information on the student allows for the programme to incorporate and fulfil their interests.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
A combination of group reports, individual assignments, student presentations, portfolio submissions and role-play exercises.
Facilities
The Planning department has a devoted studio space and access to School IT suites.
Resources
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant subject.
Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirement but have appropriate acceptable experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2023. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Modules
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
Our graduates end up in leading positions in central and local government and as well as in planning consultancies in the private sector. Some of them have gone on to lead significant environmental campaigns such as opposition to fracking; work with NGOs such as Friends of the Earth; and work with communities to make their neighbourhoods better, such as with disadvantaged groups.
Employment after the Course
Examples of employment: Urban Design and Planning practices, Research institutions, GIS companies, Housing organisations, Community Advocacy Groups, Environmental and Community sector NGOs.
Employment Links
Graduate employers include: Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and other public and private sector planning consultancies.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £6,980 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £6,980 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £8,360 |
| EU Other 3 | £19,100 |
| International | £19,100 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
City Planning and Design costs
If selecting EVP7015 - International Planning Studies, students are required to undertake a compulsory field trip to a European city. They are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs and should budget for approximately £500.
Students undertaking a professional internship year will be required to pay a placement charge to the University in Year 2. When the placement charge for the academic year is published, it will be available on page 11 of the Tuition Fee Schedule at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/FileStore/Filetoupload,1527396,en.pdf.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Download Postgraduate Prospectus
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Fees and Funding