Urban Research: Focus on Regional and Urban Planning

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Planning professionals are the people who get to decide the shape and scope of Ireland’s environmental and infrastructural development. Anybody interested in getting into this area might well consider a postgraduate qualification in Planning and Development.

The UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy runs a number of postgraduate courses in this area. A popular choice is the Masters in Regional and Urban Planning. The MRUP offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and values useful for those interested in pursuing a career in planning. The degree structure includes lectures, studio-based learning and independent study. It is the only postgraduate planning qualification available in Ireland with professional accreditation from both the Irish Planning Institute and the UK Royal Town Planning Institute.

This is a two-year, full-time, taught postgraduate course. There is no real undergraduate equivalent and applicants can have an honours degree in a broad range of subjects relevant to planning. These can be drawn from a wide range of interests and include geography, economics, public policy, social policy, sociology, politics, business studies, commerce, environmental studies, agriculture, engineering, architecture, architectural science, surveying or law, or other qualifications approved by the University. Professional experience is also useful.

The syllabus is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the environmental, social and economic aspects of the human environment, and of the relevant systems of government and organisations of society. Courses and modules focus on specific areas including Urban Design, Development Planning, Retail Strategies, Housing strategies, Environmental Assessment, Development Control, Geographical Information Systems, Building and Construction Technology, Project Management Techniques and Research and Report Writing Skills.