MSc Planning and Development

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

1. Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.
2. Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
3. Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
4. Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.
5. Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
6. Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

Graduates of the MSc Planning and Development program are well-prepared for impactful careers in urban planning, development agencies, and governmental organizations. Their specialized knowledge and practical experience position them for diverse roles. 

1. Urban Planner: Graduates can work as urban planners, collaborating with municipalities and development firms to create comprehensive plans for sustainable urban growth.

2. Housing Policy Analyst: Those interested in housing and community development can analyze housing policies, advocate for affordable housing, and design strategies for equitable housing distribution.

3. Environmental Planner: Graduates can focus on environmental sustainability, developing plans that balance urban development with conservation efforts and green infrastructure.

4. Regeneration Specialist: With expertise in urban regeneration, graduates can revitalize urban areas, repurpose brownfield sites, and promote community-driven revitalization projects.

5. Transportation Planner: Graduates can contribute to transportation planning, designing efficient and accessible transportation systems that reduce congestion and environmental impact.

6. Consultant: Some graduates may pursue roles as planning consultants, providing expert advice to public and private sector clients on land use, zoning, and sustainable development practices.