PgCert City Planning and Design at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This programme brings together planning policy-makers and urban designers through project-based learning, developing planning research, urban analysis and design skills. It is driven by engagement with planning and urban design practice rather than traditional academic subject areas. The PgCert can be upgraded to the MSc City Planning and Design, which is RICS accredited as a standalone programme.

Department: Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year (late September start) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Project-based learning in planning research, urban analysis and design skills, with live projects that emphasise problem-solving.

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. Applicants without this but with appropriate acceptable experience are considered case by case, completing a supplementary form. Apply ideally by 30 June 2027 for a late-September start. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last two years), or an equivalent qualification; UK visa English requirements also apply.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,083 a year. Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fee, per year of study. A compulsory European field trip (about £500) applies if Comparative Urban Design is selected; not included. Source

International applicants: GBP 8,133 a year. International and EU Other fee, per year of study, listed for 2027/28 entry. A compulsory European field trip (about £500) applies if Comparative Urban Design is selected; not included. Source

Intake: September 2027

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

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