MSc Planning and Development at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc Planning and Development is a one-year conversion Master's for graduates of any subject, leading to accreditation as a planner. It is professionally accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Students work on live planning problems, including a Development Plan exercise for a client local authority, and learn GIS, design software and statistical analysis. 20 full-time and 20 part-time places are available.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences | Department: School of Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Intake: September 2027 (academic year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include Introduction to Planning Theory and Practice, Planning Skills and Ethics, Design in the Built Environment, International Planning Studies, Property Development, Professional Practice Project in Environmental Planning (20 credits), GIS and Spatial Analysis (20 credits), Community Planning and Regeneration, Planning and Environmental Governance, Planning Law and Practice and an Independent Specialist Project (60 credits). The degree includes a week-long study visit outside Northern Ireland, work shadowing on the planning appeals process and a two-day planning practice study visit in Great Britain or Ireland.

Career pathways

Planning offers a wide range of employment across the natural, physical, economic, social and cultural environments; the degree provides the route to becoming an accredited planner.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 honours degree or above, or equivalent, in any discipline. Applicants below 2.2 are considered case by case if they can demonstrate appropriate experience acceptable to the School, with a supplementary form submitted with the application. Apply ideally no later than 30 June 2027; a deposit is required to secure a place. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (taken within the last 2 years) or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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