BSc Planning, Environment and Development
About this course
BSc in Planning, Environment and Development, an undergraduate degree centred on urban and rural planning, spatial policy, and the built environment. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Legal Analysis, Historical Research, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course includes an optional 12-month professional placement year in a planning-related organisation. The first year covers the foundations of planning through Planning Health and Well Being, Planning Skills and GIS, Design Principles in the Built Environment, The History of Planned Settlement, Contemporary Issues in Urban and Rural Planning, and Institutional and Policy Context of Planning Practice. The second year examines development management and policy via Site Layout and Design 2, Cities and Climate Change, Economy and Space, Theory and Practice of Development Management, Planning Theory and Society, and Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning Policy. The final year focuses on legal studies, fieldwork, and independent research through Legal Studies in Planning, Planning Practice Study Visit, Independent Research Project, Themes in Spatial Planning, and Research Methods and Place. Optional modules allow students to further specialise in areas such as conservation, infrastructure, and comparative urban research.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBB + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 IB: 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level + if not offered at Higher Level/GCSE, then Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 70%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 90%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.
- Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Modules
- Planning Health and Well Being
- Planning Skills and GIS
- Design Principles in the Built Environment
- The History of Planned Settlement
- Contemporary Issues in Urban and Rural Planning
- Institutional and Policy Context of Planning Practice
- Site Layout and Design 2
- Cities and Climate Change
- Economy and Space
- Theory and Practice of Development Management
- Planning Theory and Society
- Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning Policy
- Planning Work Placement
- Legal Studies in Planning
- Planning Practice Study Visit
- Independent Research Project
- Themes in Spatial Planning
- Research Methods and Place
- Conservation of the Built Environment 3
- Infrastructure and Transportation Planning
- Remaking Cities: Comparative Urban Research
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £33,000. The £30,000 median after fifteen months is £500 more than the UK median for Planning (urban, rural and regional).
What do graduates of BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 125 UCAS points.
Is BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership. Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Does BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.