City Planning & Design

Overview
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 impacts 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.

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

Course Modules
Comparative Urban Design (20 CATS)
Spatial Literacy (20 CATS)
Urban Futures (20 CATS)
Future Planning Practice (20 CATS)
Planning for Sustainable Communities (20 CATS)
Approaches to Development (20 CATS)
Thesis (60 CATS)

Part-time Modules
EVP7039, EVP7040 & EVP7043 modules will be delivered in year one.
EVP7038, EVP7041, EVP7042 & EVP7044 modules will be delivered in year two.

Students failing more than 20 CATS points worth of taught modules will not normally be permitted to progress on to the Thesis Module. A student who has failed one 20 CATS taught module will normally be allowed to progress to the Thesis Module at the student's risk. If a student fails the Thesis Module on a second attempt, a post-graduate Diploma may be awarded.

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant subject.

Applicants with qualifications below 2.2 Honours degree standard, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, if they can demonstrate appropriate acceptable experience. Supplementary form to be completed along with application.

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 2024. 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.

A combination of group reports, individual assignments, student presentations, portfolio submissions and role-play exercises with a thesis based on an independent research project over the third semester.

1 year (Full Time), 2 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Our graduates end up in leading positions in central and local government as well as in planning consultancies in the private sector. Others are employed as urban designers and in related industries such as Housing, Climate Change, Community Advocacy, Renewable Energy, Heritage and Construction.

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.