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.



On the successful completion of this programme students will be able to:

- Evaluate contemporary planning issues—theory, practice, and policy - particularly from a critical geographical perspective.

- Competently and critically debate contemporary thinking on planning and surveying, from a theoretical, policy and practice perspective.

- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of futures planning theory and methodologies.

- Demonstrate skills in public participation and engagement in the process of innovative planning, including engagement with communities and stakeholders at local and national levels.

- Apply these skills and knowledge in ways that reflect a civically-engaged, ethical position on knowledge acquisition and application.

- Undertake an independent research project through all key design stages, demonstrating creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Demonstrate the capacity to take the lead on initiatives as part of programme-related or other externally-based activities.

- Apply these skills and knowledge competently in practice-based contexts.

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

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year, full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

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.