Enter OTP
The MA in Planning and Development at the University of Galway equips students with a deep understanding of how places are shaped, managed, and sustained in ways that support economic activity, protect the environment, and enhance social quality. This programme suits graduates who aspire to influence planning practice, policy, and sustainable development in both public and private sector contexts, blending theoretical insight with real-world application.
Curriculum Structure:
The programme unfolds over a single academic cycle, with full‑time students completing 90 credits that integrate core planning theory, practice, and professional development. In the first semester, students build foundational expertise in planning systems through modules such as Planning for Built and Environmental Systems, Economic and Social Dimensions of Spatial Planning, and Environmental Legislation, developing skills in policy analysis and understanding the regulatory frameworks shaping spatial planning. Over the course of the year, students also engage with Geospatial Techniques to master tools for spatial analysis and learn about Infrastructure and Natural Resource Management alongside elective options that enhance specialised knowledge. The programme culminates in a Research and Professional Development Portfolio that synthesises academic learning with professional growth, readying graduates for the practical demands of contemporary planning practice.
Focus Areas: Planning theory and policy, sustainable spatial development, regulatory and legal frameworks, geospatial analysis, infrastructure and resource planning.
Learning Outcomes: Ability to critically assess planning systems, apply legal and policy frameworks in development contexts, employ geospatial techniques for analysis, communicate planning solutions effectively, and integrate sustainability principles into planning practice.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This MA is accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and affiliated with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which supports professional recognition in planning and related careers.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Galway is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally according to QS World University Rankings and is ranked first in Ireland for sustainable development by Times Higher Education, reflecting strong institutional quality and focus on sustainability.
Students in the MA (Planning and Development) at University of Galway engage in deeply practical learning that goes far beyond lectures. This programme bridges theory with real-world planning work through site visits, international field trips, community case studies, and optional workplace placements. It equips students with professional competence in spatial planning, sustainability, and development practice that employers value: from policy application to geographical problem-solving. Students work with GIS and spatial analysis tools, supported by the university’s GIS facility for processing, analysing, and visualising spatial information. The coursework includes planning reports, reflective essays, design tasks, and group projects, helping students build teamwork, communication, and technical skills relevant for planning practice. Through connections with local authorities, private planning consultancies, and professional networks, students gain valuable insights into planning careers during and after their degree.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
GIS and spatial data work: Hands-on practice using Geographic Information Systems supported by the University’s GIS Training Suite for spatial analysis and mapping tasks.
Site visits and fieldwork: Structured field excursions and case study site visits provide direct exposure to real planning environments and projects.
International field trip: Opportunity to participate in an organised European field visit that allows students to see planning practice in different contexts and meet practitioners abroad.
Workplace placement: Competitive internship options with local authorities or private planning firms where students contribute to development management and forward planning tasks.
Project-based collaboration: Group planning projects and studio assignments that develop collaborative problem-solving and professional communication skills.
Accredited professional pathway: Accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and affiliated with RICS, preparing students for professional planning careers and chartered pathways.
Why This Programme is a Smart Choice
The MA (Planning and Development) offers a blend of academic insight and career-focused practice. Students explore modules such as Urban Design and Placemaking, Geospatial Techniques, and Planning for Built and Environmental Systems — all grounded in the realities of shaping sustainable towns, cities, and regions. The curriculum ensures graduates are ready to take on planning roles in local government, private consultancies, community development groups, and sustainability agencies.
Students gain professional expertise in planning law, policy interpretation, spatial analysis, and environmental systems.
The programme fosters communication, analytical thinking, and technical proficiency through applied coursework and research portfolios.
With a small cohort and close faculty engagement, students benefit from personalised mentorship and networking opportunities.
Study in the Heart of Galway
University of Galway’s campus provides top-tier study and research facilities, anchored by the James Hardiman Library’s extensive collections and digital resources for planning, policy, and spatial research. Students also have access to PC suites, high-speed campus Wi-Fi, and advanced software including ArcGIS for spatial data projects.
Graduates of the MA (Planning and Development) at University of Galway typically move into rewarding professional roles in both public and private sectors, helping shape sustainable communities and physical environments: they enter careers such as Graduate Planner with local authorities, Planning Consultant with private practices, Regional or Community Development Officer, and Sustainability and Environmental Planner upon graduation. With strategic support from the university’s career services and strong academic training, graduates are well positioned to build solid careers that address contemporary planning challenges across Ireland and internationally.
Graduate Outcomes & Professional Support:
Career services & employability support: University of Galway’s Career Development Centre provides tailored career guidance, job fairs, employer networking, and Careers Connect tools to help students transition into roles in planning and development fields.
Typical career paths: Planning roles in local and national planning authorities, private planning and consultancy firms, regional development bodies, and sustainability-focused organisations.
Professional accreditation value: Degree is professionally accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), affiliated with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) — recognised accreditation that supports credibility in planning and related roles.
Practical exposure & networking: Field trips, guest lectures, and networking events with planning practitioners build real-world insight and professional connections integral to future employability.
International & industry engagement: Opportunities such as the Údarás na Gaeltachta bursary enable engagement with regional development projects and professional experience with industry partners.
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing the MA, the student could consider advancing to research-focused degrees such as a PhD in Urban Planning, Regional Development or Geography, or pursue specialist postgraduate certifications in sustainable development, environmental policy, or urban design — deepening expertise for leadership roles in planning, policy analysis, or academic research.
NFQ Level: This programme is classified at NFQ Level 9, which represents a postgraduate master’s level qualification in Ireland and signifies advanced academic learning, analytical ability, and professional competence aligned with international standards.Places / Average Intake: The programme has an average intake of 15 students, ensuring a small cohort size that supports personalised academic guidance, stronger faculty interaction, and a more collaborative learning environment.Ireland Degree Requirement: Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification with a minimum overall standard of H2.2, while a higher achievement of H2.1 is required in a relevant academic discipline.IELTS Requirement: Applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component score falling below 6.0 in listening, reading, writing, or speaking.TOEFL Requirement: Applicants submitting TOEFL scores must obtain a minimum overall score of 88, with sectional requirements of Listening 18, Reading 18, Speaking 21, and Writing 22.Indian Degree Requirement: Applicants are required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall score of 55%, while graduates from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Calcutta, Anna Universities, and top 100 NIRF-ranked institutions (2025) are eligible with a reduced requirement of 52%.American Degree Requirement: Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution in the United States, with a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, which is considered equivalent to an Irish H2.2 standard.China Degree Requirement: Applicants from Tier 1 universities, including 211/985 Project and Double First Class Universities, must achieve a minimum score of 70%, while applicants from Non-Tier 1 universities are required to have at least 75% overall.ArchitectLandscape ArchitectUrban DesignerUrban PlannerSustainable Design ConsultantGreen Building ConsultantEnvironmental Design SpecialistConservation ArchitectHeritage ConsultantArchitectural TechnologistBIM SpecialistDesign ManagerProject ArchitectSite ArchitectPlanning ConsultantPublic Realm DesignerLandscape PlannerEnvironmental PlannerHousing Design SpecialistInfrastructure Design Consultant
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