Our degree in City Planning & Environmental Policy is about solving complex issues that we experience in our everyday lives. How can we provide housing for everyone? How can we reduce our climate impact and conserve our natural environment? Where should we build our schools and shops?

This unique degree brings together a focus on the city, the environment and design and links them with clear routes to professions and careers. So, if you are considering a career as a qualified planner, urban designer or environmental policy analyst this degree is for you. These professions allow you to visualise new patterns and ideas for cities and to bring this vision to reality by activating social change and promoting sustainable development. This course gives you the skills to enable real world change.

This degree integrates an interdisciplinary approach that will deepen and broaden your understanding of environmental, social and economic issues, and sets these in a practical policy context. On entering first year, you will be introduced to a host of new ideas and concepts. Building your knowledge and skills throughout the first year of the course, you will progressively gain insight into the complexity of our taken-for-granted world and how we can constructively and sustainably respond to the challenges we face. A small class size and the interactive learning environment ensures an enjoyable experience that stimulates creativity and ownership of your career path.

The degree in City Planning & Environmental Policy includes modules in:

First Year

• Introduction to City Planning
• Environmental Change & Policy
• History of City Planning
• Urban Design
• Environmental Economics
• Inequality & Social Justice in Irish Society
• Planning & Development Studio

Second Year

• Local Planning Studio
• Community Development & Planning
• Geographical Information Systems
• Comparative Planning
• Urban & Regional Economics
• Case Studies in Environmental Policy
• Social Spacial Dynamics
• Rural Change, Development & Planning

Third Year

In Third Year students develop the skills to translate knowledge into practical solutions for future sustainable and smart cities. Modules may include:

• Environmental Management
• Climate Policy & Politics
• Transport, Environment and Sustainability
• Smart Cities

Fourth Year

In Fourth Year students will deepen their technical and practical knowledge of planning and environmental policy and will develop their critical thinking skills to prepare for their future career. Modules may include:

• Planning Methods and Leadership
• Planning Design and Development
• Planning Law
• Environment and Planning
• Plan Making Studio
• Housing Planning and Property

The modules are delivered in a variety of formats, including lectures, labs and studios. They provide opportunities for interdisciplinary research, field work and guest lectures from leading researchers, advocates and practitioners. Dublin and the surrounding region are viewed as a living lab for students learning.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

Students have the opportunity in the second trimester of third year to pursue a workbased project (either through an internship or independent research project) or to study abroad. Students have previously studied in countries such as France, Netherlands, USA.

On completion of this degree students will gain the necessary professional accreditation to pursue a career as a professional planner. If students wish to develop further skills and knowledge they may choose to pursue graduate study, through either an MSc or PhD.

Graduates find employment in:

• Government and local authorities
• Planning and environmental consultancies
• Local and regional development organisations
• Private companies (marketing/location/real estate/ infrastructure)
• Non-governmental organisations (environmental/heritage/international development)

• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  

UCD Engineering & Architecture College Office
Engineering & Materials Science Centre
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
Email: katie.oneill@ucd.ie