MSc City Planning and Design Higher Level Apprenticeship at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

A work/study MSc in City Planning and Design for people already employed, or with a firm job offer, in a planning-related sector. Students attend one day a week and develop planning research, urban analysis and design skills before completing an urban design thesis or dissertation, which can be work-based. The course is RICS accredited as a standalone programme and RTPI accredited if completed after an accredited undergraduate planning degree.

Department: Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 2 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year (late September start) | Study mode: part-time (apprenticeship route) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Project-based learning in planning research, urban analysis and urban design, followed by a thesis or dissertation that may be work-based.

Career pathways

Recent graduates work in planning authorities and consultancies across the UK and Ireland and in related fields including housing, natural and built heritage and renewable energy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (below 2.2 considered case by case with appropriate experience). Applicants upload a combined CV and employer letter of support stating the employer supports the application, will release the student for one day per week, and (for existing employees) that the qualification is needed for a new role. Applicants must be of minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland, eligible to work in Northern Ireland, settled in Northern Ireland and ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years (or have indefinite leave), and work for a company with a Northern Ireland base. Fully funded by the Department for the Economy and not open to international applicants; subject to funding renewal.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years part-time

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