Program Overview

Overview

The discipline of Planning is located in the School of Natural and Built Environment. In recent years, the performance of the discipline has been quite exceptional in a range of surveys. Planning at Queen's is very highly ranked within the UK's Russell Group Universities.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Year: 2025/26
• Entry Requirements: 2.1

Course Content

Research Information

Staff in Planning have built a strong postgraduate group which is effectively integrated into our research projects, teaching, and School activities. We offer dedicated support and mentoring within the School to complement training available from the wider University.

Projects

• Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions in Planning Sustainable Communities
• Heritage and Placemaking
• Spaces of resilience
• Urban informality, transformation and housing in Global South

Career Prospects

Many of our MPhil graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector, or within NGO's.

People Teaching You

• Dr. Cristian Silva
• Dr. Philip Boland
• Dr. Richard Waldron
• Dr. Sarah Ferguson
• Dr. Urmi Sengupta
• Dr. Wesley Flannery
• Professor Brendan Murtagh
• Professor Geraint Ellis

Learning Outcomes

A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field.

Course Structure

An MPhil is awarded for original research in a topic chosen by the student. MPhil studies may be undertaken on a full (2 years) or part-time (4 years) basis. To complete with an MPhil qualification, you will be required to submit a thesis of no more than 50,000 words.

Assessment

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.

Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance Requirements

• Graduate: The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £5,006
• EU Other: £20,500
• International: £20,500

Funding and Scholarships

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study-related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a Supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

Planning Costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional Course Costs

• All Students: Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
• Bench Fees: Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work.