City Planning and Design

Overview

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.

City Planning And Design Highlights

This City Planning and Design programme at Queen's University Belfast is unique having been driven by engagement with practice rather than adhering to traditional academic subject areas. The core skills that urban designers and planners need have been clearly defined and form the basis for the course.

Global Opportunities

There are fantastic opportunities to work with planning and urban design both locally and globally. Belfast is a city that is developing rapidly and this reflects a wider confidence in urban regeneration and development at a national level. Many recent graduates are working in planning authorities and consultancies throughout the UK and Ireland with others working in the related fields of housing, natural heritage and renewable energy.

Professional Accreditations

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited as a standalone programme. Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited if completed following an accredited undergraduate planning degree.

Career Prospects

Our graduates end up in leading positions in central and local government as well as in planning consultancies in the private sector. Some of them have gone on to lead significant environmental campaigns such as opposition to fracking; work with NGOs such as Friends of the Earth; and work with communities to make their neighbourhoods better, such as with disadvantaged groups.