City Planning and Design Higher Level Apprenticeship MSc

Queen's University Belfast

United Kingdom, Belfast

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Home/United Kingdom/Belfast /Queen's University Belfast/City Planning and Design Higher Level Apprenticeship MSc

Queen's University Belfast

United Kingdom , Belfast

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines8-Jan-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Next Intake 8-Jan-2024

City Planning and Design Higher Level Apprenticeship MSc

About

In a world facing environmental, social and economic challenges, how we manage changes to our natural and built environments will be crucial for our future. In our urbanised world, how we design and plan our cities impacts our environmental sustainability, health and even happiness. This programme will equip you with the skills to be part of making progressive changes in your place.

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. This programme brings these groups together to engage in project-based learning. You will develop planning research, urban analysis and design skills before deciding whether to complete an urban design thesis or dissertation. Both of these options can be completed as work-based studies with opportunities for summer placements.

Please note: This course is subject to renewal approval by the Department for the Economy.

ABOUT YOU

The HLA is a work / study programme so you will already be in employment, or have a firm offer of employment from a company in a planning-related sector which supports your application. Related sectors include: community development, environmental, housing, architecture, landscape architecture, renewable energy, built heritage, legal, development and construction.

You will have a keen interest in planning, urbanism and placemaking. You may already have experience of working in the field – hands on experience is not necessary for starting the course, but it can be useful.

Course ContentThe MSc is designed to allow you to develop real world project management skills through the completion of live design projects for local authority and community sector clients. You will also acquire urban and data analysis skills that you can use to develop strategic regeneration policies and design solutions.

The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics including:

• Green infrastructure
• The Inclusive City
• Urban Technological Developments
• Low carbon transition
• Critical Heritage Perspectives
• Cities and the e-economy
• Planning the Urban-Rural dialectic
• Demographic challenges
• The future of urban housing
• Health in future citiesCourse ModulesComparative Urban Design (20 CATS)
Spatial Literacy (20 CATS)
Urban Futures (20 CATS)
Future Planning Practice (20 CATS)
Planning for Sustainable Communities (20 CATS)
Approaches to Development (20 CATS)
Thesis (60 CATS)Part-time ModulesYear 1, Semester 1

EVP7039 - Spatial Literacy (20 CATS)
EVP7040 - Urban Futures (20 CATS)

Year 1, Semester 2

EVP7043 - Planning for Sustainable Communities (20 CATS).

Year 2, Semester 1

EVP7038 - Comparative Urban Design (20 CATS)

Year 2, Semester 2

EVP7041 - Approaches to Development (20 CATS)
EVP7042 - Future Planning Practice (20 CATS)

Year 2, Semester 3

EVP7044 - Thesis (60 CATS)

Students failing more than 20 CATS points worth of taught modules will not normally be permitted to progress on to the Thesis Module. A student who has failed one 20 CATS taught module will normally be allowed to progress to the Thesis Module at the student's risk. If a student fails the Thesis Module on a second attempt, a post-graduate Diploma may be awarded.

Course Structure

Course Content	The MSc is designed to allow you to develop real world project management skills through the completion of live design projects for local authority and community sector clients. You will also acquire urban and data analysis skills that you can use to develop strategic regeneration policies and design solutions. The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics including: • Green infrastructure • The Inclusive City • Urban Technological Developments • Low carbon transition • Critical Heritage Perspectives • Cities and the e-economy • Planning the Urban-Rural dialectic • Demographic challenges • The future of urban housing • Health in future cities
Course Modules	Comparative Urban Design (20 CATS) Spatial Literacy (20 CATS) Urban Futures (20 CATS) Future Planning Practice (20 CATS) Planning for Sustainable Communities (20 CATS) Approaches to Development (20 CATS) Thesis (60 CATS)
Part-time Modules	Year 1, Semester 1 EVP7039 - Spatial Literacy (20 CATS) EVP7040 - Urban Futures (20 CATS) Year 1, Semester 2 EVP7043 - Planning for Sustainable Communities (20 CATS). Year 2, Semester 1 EVP7038 - Comparative Urban Design (20 CATS) Year 2, Semester 2 EVP7041 - Approaches to Development (20 CATS) EVP7042 - Future Planning Practice (20 CATS) Year 2, Semester 3 EVP7044 - Thesis (60 CATS) Students failing more than 20 CATS points worth of taught modules will not normally be permitted to progress on to the Thesis Module. A student who has failed one 20 CATS taught module will normally be allowed to progress to the Thesis Module at the student's risk. If a student fails the Thesis Module on a second attempt, a post-graduate Diploma may be awarded.

People teaching you

Dr Neil Galway

Lecturer

Natural and Built Environment
As well as being Director of the Postgraduate Education in Planning, Neil is a chartered urban planner who has experience in strategic planning policy, plan preparation and regeneration.

Dr Urmi Sengupta

Senior Lecturer

Natural and Built Environment
An expert on housing issues in the Global South.

Professor Geraint Ellis

Professor

Natural and Built Environment
A leading figure in global environmental sustainability research with on-going projects in India, Liberia and Brazil.

Teaching Times

1 day of teaching per week.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Our graduates end up in leading positions in central and local government as well as in planning consultancies in the private sector. Others are employed as urban designers and in related industries such as Housing, Community Advocacy, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Heritage and Construction.

Employment after the Course
Examples of employment: Urban Design and Planning practices, Research institutions, GIS companies, Housing organisations, Community Advocacy Groups, Environmental and Community sector NGOs.

Employment Links
Graduate employers include:- Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and other public and private sector planning consultancies.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching is split into the following:

IT Tutorials

Demonstrator-led IT skills tutorials to ensure students develop GIS and data visualisation skills such as proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch Up.

Project sessions:

A key component to all group projects whereby tutors offer feedback on student ideas in small groups during the completion of live projects for professional clients.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Seminars

Student-led thematic presentations that address major global themes are a crucial part of this programme. Placing the emphasis to research and interpret relevant information on the student allows for the programme to incorporate and fulfil their interests.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are described below:

Methods of assessment will comprise a combination of group reports, individual assignments, student presentations, portfolio submissions and role-play exercises. A major component of this degree will involve the completion of a thesis based on an independent research project over the third semester, supervised by a member of research staff.

Facilities

The Planning department has a devoted studio space along with state of the art IT facilities.

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Modules

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

The application procedure varies for undergraduate and postgraduate students, so we publish separate information for each. You'll also need to be able to provide evidence of a specified level of ability in the English language.

Entry to graduate diploma or taught Masters programmes usually requires either a UK upper second-class (2:1) or a lower second-class (2:2) undergraduate degree. For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor degree may also be considered. Please check our Course Finder for exact entry requirements.

The comparable Jordanian qualifications are as follows:

UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)

A four-year Bachelor degree awarded by a recognised University, with an average of 70% or GPA 3.0/4.

UK Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)

A four-year Bachelor degree awarded by a recognised University, with an average of 65% or GPA 2.8/4.

Supporting Documentation

When submitting your application, please ensure that you upload copies of official transcripts for completed programmes as well as those currently in progress. Degree award certificates for programmes already complete should also be provided.

Borderline Cases

Sometimes, it may be possible to exercise flexibility in the case of applicants who have completed their degree with slightly lower grades than those outlined in their offer letter. In these cases, the decision will be at the discretion of the Academic Selector.

On completion of your degree, please forward a copy of your official transcript and award certificate to [email protected] confirm the award of your qualification and the overall grade. Unfortunately we cannot advise you further until we receive this documentation.

INTO Queen's Preparation Courses

If you are interested in Computing, Finance and Management courses, but do not meet the entry requirements, you may wish to consider a a pre-masters Graduate Diploma offered by INTO Queen's.

PhD Study

Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Masters degree programmes awarded by a recognised university, in addition to a strong research proposal.

How to Apply

Applications for Postgraduate Taught Masters and PhD programmes must be made using the University's online application system. There is no application fee to apply for Postgraduate programmes.

All Masters degree programmes at Queen’s begin in September each year.

Postgraduate research programmes can begin at different times throughout the academic year. The start date has to be agreed with your PhD supervisor.

Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

More information on how to apply for postgraduate programmes.

English Program Requirements

Applicants will normally need to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet based test). However, some degree programmes have higher or lower requirements (please check individual courses for programme requirements). The full list of acceptable English Language qualifications is available here.

Improve your English language skills to prepare for further academic study or the level required for your degree.

Academic English
For students who need to increase their IELTS level in order to progress to university.

Pre-sessional English
For students who are academically qualified and hold an offer from Queen’s but need to improve their English language skills to the level required for their degree.

Career

Career Prospects

Employment Links
Graduate employers include:- Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and other public and private sector planning consultancies.

Additional Awards Gained

Students are required to undertake a compulsory field trip to a European city. They are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs and should budget for approximately £500-£700.

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Graduate plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Fees and Funding

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus

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Fees and Funding