COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends environmental, economic, and social dimensions of spatial planning. In Year 1, students complete 90 credits through a combination of required and optional modules designed to build expertise in planning theory, environmental legislation, and practical skills. Core modules include Environmental Legislation, Legislation for Environmental Scientists, Planning for Built and Environmental Systems, Economic and Social Dimensions of Spatial Planning, Urban Design and Placemaking, Infrastructure and Natural Resource Management, and the Research and Professional Development Portfolio. These modules equip students with the knowledge to manage sustainable development, evaluate legal and policy frameworks, and apply geospatial techniques to real-world planning challenges. Optional exemptions are available for previous year completions, allowing flexibility for students with prior relevant experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing graduates to work in public agencies, private planning consultancies, or international organisations addressing urban, regional, and environmental planning issues. Students develop the ability to balance economic development with social equity and environmental protection, ensuring that planning decisions enhance the quality of life for communities and the sustainability of the built and natural environment. This combination of theoretical understanding, technical competence, and professional development equips graduates to tackle complex planning problems, contribute to policy-making, and engage in interdisciplinary teams to implement innovative, evidence-based solutions across diverse planning contexts.