Planning & Development

Course Overview

This MA prepares graduates for careers in planning, surveying, community planning, regional planning, sustainable planning futures and related geographical careers.



Planning as a branch of geographical thought focuses on ensuring that the most suitable development occurs in the right place at the right time. This development should benefit communities and other interests such as the economy in a sustainable way. Planning is central to identifying what development is needed and where. As a discipline planning considers which areas need to be protected and which need to be enhanced, and in making these judgements it assesses the suitability of each proposed development on its own merits in relation to the context at hand. Therefore planning plays an important role in our society.



When taking this masters programme, students will consider how planning can make the best use of our resources and examine the various contexts that allow necessary and worthwhile development to proceed. Students will consider how the environment and heritage of our towns, cities and countryside is protected. They will be fully cognisant of global phenomena such as climate change, technological change, and migration trends, and their significance for planning. Public participation holds a key role in planning and is a central focus of the programme.



The programme is directed primarily at graduates from Social Sciences and related disciplines who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in planning, place making and sustainable development of our towns and cities, their hinterlands and associated communities.



Course Outline

The course’s primary focus is on creating professional, qualified planning practitioners who can work in a variety of planning environments. To achieve this, modules explore a myriad of content. These include; core modules which focus on the spatial dynamics of planning including land use planning, forward planning, planning and policy development; specialized modules that cover key planning and development and surveying relevant topics including agriculture, service provision, industry and tertiary sector dimensions including tourism planning and development.



Certain modules also allow students to shape their own learning environment in terms of choice of module assessments based on specialist interests. Through semester three graduates also have the opportunity to work with an organisation in order to deliver a project/plan/portfolio, in a co-creation of knowledge approach.

A Level 8 degree, or equivalent, with a standard of H2.2 overall, with H2.1 in a relevant discipline.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be able to consider careers in a number of areas dealing with rural innovation, development and planning, including the following sectors:

- Government Departments.

- Public Service Organisations.

- Local Tourism and Heritage Organisations.

- Local Development Organisations.

- International Aid Organisations.



Further study opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be able to continue their studies to PhD level in a range of disciplines at University of Galway.