Planning - Research

Overview

The discipline of Planning is now located in the School of Natural and Built Environment. In recent years the performance of the discipline has been quite exceptional in a range of surveys, e.g. National Student Survey, Times Higher Education Survey and Guardian League Table. Given this, Planning at Queen’s is very highly ranked within the UK's Russell Group Universities.



Our research programme is based on the concept of spatial planning and whilst our empirical work is partly grounded in the region, it is built on strong international, interdisciplinary and theoretical references. Our particular strength is the staff team who have built a track record in scholarly and applied research and a wide-ranging portfolio of publications, research grants and Doctoral studentships. Planning academics have built an international reputation and attracted a stream of major research funding linked to our main areas. We value the connection between our research and teaching programmes and the application of our empirical work in a learning environment, and continues to innovate and develop teaching programmes to reflect a rapidly changing market place, problem and policy context and changes in professional standards.



Subject Summary

Queen’s is ranked 14th out of 43 universities in the UK for Construction, Surveying and Planning (Guardian University Guide 2023), and Planning is ranked 11th in the UK in the latest Complete University Guide 2024. You’ll join a strong postgraduate group whose research strengths centre on two objective areas: interpreting the spatial planning implications of ethnic territoriality and community cohesion, connecting our analysis of contested places within the UK with international scholarship; and developing critical insights into the sustainable creation of place and the role of participatory governance in regulating the shaping of social and environmental space.



Mode of study / duration

Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).



Course structure

An MPhil is awarded for original research in a topic chosen by the student. MPhil studies may be undertaken on a full (2 years) or part-time (4 years) basis. To complete with an MPhil qualification you will be required to submit a thesis of no more than 50,000 words.



This independent research is complemented by postgraduate skills training organised by Queen’s Graduate School, and other internal and external training courses organised through your supervisor.



Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.



The part time route is a suitable option for those unable to study for an MPhil full time. This may be due to family commitments or those already in employment. On the former, studying part time for an MPhil can be very accommodating in juggling different responsibilities. On the latter, part time candidates often choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.



If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

MPhil studies may be undertaken on a full (2 years) or part-time (4 years) basis.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2025/26

Career Prospects

Many of our MPhil graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability. For further information on career opportunities at MPhil level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.