Master in City Planning Design Pgcert

At Queen's University Belfast, tuition fees are 10,465 USD per year, and applications for the Sep 2027 intake close on Jun 15, 2027.

Graduates from this programme frequently progress into leadership roles within central and local government, as well as private-sector planning consultancies. The curriculum is specifically designed to bridge the gap between those who develop planning policy and those who design the built environment, fostering a unique, practice-driven approach to urban development.

Students engage in live, project-based learning that addresses urgent real-world issues, from the future of urban housing and low-carbon transitions to health in future cities and the complexities of the e-economy. By working with community sector clients and local authorities, you will refine your urban analysis and design capabilities, gaining the practical skills necessary to shape more sustainable and inclusive environments.

Distinctive Programme Features

• Practice-Led Curriculum: Unlike traditional academic models, the course content is defined by the core competencies required by modern urban designers and planners.
• Belfast as a Living Laboratory: Leverage the rapid urban regeneration occurring in Belfast to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant, historic, and evolving city.
• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Learn from a diverse faculty specializing in international development, sustainable economics, and planning policy, ensuring a well-rounded and globally informed perspective.
• Professional Flexibility: This qualification serves as a standalone certification but can also be upgraded to an MSc, which is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.