Queen's University Belfast United Kingdom

Planning, Environment and Development

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Planning, Environment and Development Bachelors Degree at Queen's University Belfast is designed for aspiring professionals ready to shape the future of our built environments and communities. You will explore the complex interplay of economic, social, political, and ethical dimensions that underpin effective planning practice and development management. This degree is ideal if you are passionate about addressing contemporary urban and rural challenges, from sustainable development and climate change adaptation to housing and infrastructure, and seek a comprehensive understanding of how planning operates globally.

This full-time, on-campus program spans three years, immersing you in the practical and theoretical aspects of planning. You will develop essential skills in areas like spatial planning policy, development control, and the use of specialist software such as GIS, through engaging projects and a week-long field study to a European city. Your final year culminates in an independent research project, allowing you to delve deeply into a specific area of interest. You will graduate with the accredited professional skills to pursue diverse careers in planning practice, development management, and related fields worldwide.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This course explores the multifaceted relationship between planning, the environment, and development. You will examine historical and contemporary issues in urban and rural planning, including design principles, health and well-being, and the institutional context of planning practice. The curriculum delves into development management, spatial planning policy, and the impact of climate change, culminating in an independent research project and practical studies. Optional courses offer specialized knowledge in areas such as built environment conservation or infrastructure and transportation planning.

1 Stage 1

Planning health and well being
Planning skills and gis
Design principles in the built environment
The history of planned settlement
Contemporary issues in urban and rural planning
Institutional and policy context of planning practice

2 Stage 2

Site layout and design
Theory and practice of development management
Planning theory and society
Planning and climate change
Economy and space
Theory and practice of spatial planning policy

3 Stage 3

Legal studies in planning
Independent research project
Planning practice study visit
Themes in spatial planning
Research methods and place

4 Stage 3 Optional Courses

Conservation of the built environment
Infrastructure and transportation planning

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,564.00 USD 30,278.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 86,121.00 USD 90,834.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 785.00 - USD 1,416.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 7,249.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 4,833.00
Estimated Total USD 9,667.00 - USD 15,304.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfast Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Crop Production & FarmingEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareInsurance & Risk ManagementMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementPublic Health & EpidemiologyPublic RelationsSupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AECOM

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

CCEA

Cafre

Citi

European commission

Farrans Construction

United Nations

Why Study Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Queen's University Belfast in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks if enrolled in a degree course. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English test requirements, you can choose from several options. For instance, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall is required, alongside specific scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant, Development Officer, and Transport Planner.

What will I actually study in this course?

Planning is about changing the places within which we live. How we can transform and improve our cities, towns, villages, neighbourhoods and communities. It affects our everyday lives and is an exciting discipline to study at university.

A planning degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to be able to make decisions that shape the processes of growth and development. We currently face many urban challenges – attracting investment, creating jobs, protecting the

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Planning, Environment and Development course is September. Ensure you apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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