Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and Sustainable Development

The Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and Sustainable Development is an introductory graduate-level course in spatial planning and development for cities, regions, towns, rural areas, and neighbourhoods. It has an international flavour and exposes students to the kind of real-world sustainability and environmental challenges that are found in public, private and community settings throughout the world.

Course Outline

The course will be of particular interest to students from developing countries who want to gain a foundation training in Planning and Sustainable Development as well as other international students who have a particular interest in studying in Ireland and have a wider interest in the theory and practice of planning. Students who do not feel able or ready to commit to two years study for the accredited qualification will find that the Course is an excellent way to gain a foundation qualification and fully assess their motivation to progress to the second year of the accredited MPlan Course.

Modules will cover various topics including:

• place-making and design
• community engagement
• spatial planning at various different scales
• environmental awareness
• development in urban areas
• legal and political know-how
• International and global planning issues and processes
• technical competence and an understanding of the realities of sustainable development.

Course Practicalities

This programme is taken on a full time basis over two 12-week teaching terms. Lectures will be scheduled on four to five days per week and there will also be afternoon studio sessions or tutorials each week, all supported by individual study / reading time.

Field Trips

There will be residential and day fieldtrips, both within and outside Ireland, and students will be asked to contribute towards the cost of these.

Assessment

Modules are assessed almost entirely through coursework: essays, designs, field journals, tutorials, team projects, written reflection, individual presentations and individual projects. Around 25% of the modules also have a short written examination at the end of the relevant teaching period, making up 30-40% of the marks available for the module.

Who teaches this course?

The core of this course is taught by the full-time and part-time staff of the UCC Centre for Planning Education and Research (which is a full member of Association of European Schools of Planning) and by other UCC Departments. Additional teaching contributions are made by professional practitioners and guests as required.

Why Choose This Course

The UCC Centre for Planning Education and Research is known for the high quality of its graduates and its broad-based approach to learning. This Diploma is ideal for early- or mid- career students who have a personal or career interest and engagement in this subject area but are not in a position to commit to a full two-year master's programme.

Skills and Careers Information

This Diploma is an ideal postgraduate platform for those of you who wish to build on your primary degree into an applied and relevant subject area. This means that an initial foundation in geography, arts, social science, politics, law, design, humanities, science or other fields can be built on in ways that enable a real contribution to how cities, towns, regions and places can be designed and managed into the future in the interests of society and the common good.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or higher, in arts, social science, architecture, engineering, science, commerce, law, health, or equivalent subject. All applicants must also provide a high standard of personal motivational statement and a sound academic reference.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €8,900. The Non-EU fee for this course is €19,900.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted through the online application portal. Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC. Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required, should also be uploaded.

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please enter the details of a referee who can provide a reference for previous relevant academic performance, qualifications and aptitude.

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Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and Sustainable Development is an introductory graduate-level course in spatial planning and development for cities, regions, towns, rural areas, and neighbourhoods. It has an international flavour and exposes students to the kind of real-world sustainability and environmental challenges that are found in public, private and community settings throughout the world. The course is designed to provide students with a foundation training in Planning and Sustainable Development, and it is particularly relevant for students from developing countries.

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Outline:

The course is taken on a full-time basis over two 12-week teaching terms. Lectures are scheduled on four to five days per week, and there are also afternoon studio sessions or tutorials each week. The course includes residential and day fieldtrips, both within and outside Ireland.

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Modules:

The course covers various topics, including:

• Place-making and design
• Community engagement
• Spatial planning at various different scales
• Environmental awareness
• Development in urban areas
• Legal and political know-how
• International and global planning issues and processes
• Technical competence and an understanding of the realities of sustainable development.

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Assessment:

Modules are assessed almost entirely through coursework: essays, designs, field journals, tutorials, team projects, written reflection, individual presentations, and individual projects.

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Teaching:

The course is taught by the full-time and part-time staff of the UCC Centre for Planning Education and Research (which is a full member of Association of European Schools of Planning) and by other UCC Departments. Additional teaching contributions are made by professional practitioners and guests as required.

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Careers:

This Diploma is an ideal postgraduate platform for those who wish to build on their primary degree into an applied and relevant subject area. Graduates will have opportunities to work in the public, private, education, and community sectors. Their skills and competencies are recognized by a range of employers in a wide variety of contexts both in Ireland and internationally.

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Other:

The UCC Centre for Planning Education and Research is known for the high quality of its graduates and its broad-based approach to learning. This Diploma is ideal for early- or mid-career students who have a personal or career interest and engagement in this subject area but are not in a position to commit to a full two-year master’s programme. With an international focus and a disciplinary ethos which straddles the physical sciences, the social sciences and the humanities, it is a course that is also suitable for English-speaking graduates from North America, Asia and from the Global South who are interested in furthering their education in a progressive European university.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.