The Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and Sustainable Development is a full-time taught programme running for two semesters from the date of first registration.

Applicants should normally have a degree at Second Class Honours level (or higher) in an appropriate subject in the fields of Science, Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Law, Commerce, Engineering, Architecture, or Government or similar. Selection will be based on academic achievement, an interview and relevant work experience (if any). Applicants who hold a degree at a level lower than Second Class honours may also be accepted subject to the requirement that they demonstrate, at interview, a high level of engagement and interest in the subject and a clear capacity for carrying out studies at postgraduate level.

English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent

Students take 60 credits as follows:

55 credits as follows:
PD6105  Housing, Social Change and Community Needs (5 credits) 
PD6110  Foundations in Planning and Sustainable Development (5 credits)
PD6111 Contemporary Concepts in Planning Theory (5 credits)
PD6112 Communication and Observation Skills (5 credits)
PD6113  Information and Engagement Skills in Planning (5 credits)
PD6114 Planning Processes, Administration and Participation (5 credits)
PD6115 Global Planning practice and issues (5 credits)
PD6116 Urban and Metropolitan Spatial Planning (5 credits)
PD6117 Regional, National and Transnational Planning (5 credits)
PD6118 Principles of Urban Design and Place-making (5 credits)
LW6101 Introduction to Planning Law (5 credits)

Plus either

PD6106 Infrastructure and Transport in Land Use Planning (5 credits) 
or PD6209 International Planning systems and Approaches (5 credits)
(Note: Electives are to be chosen in consultation with the Programme Director, subject to availability and timetable requirements in any given year or teaching period).

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2018 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2017/2018.

Transfer to the MPlan
Students who pass all modules with an aggregate score of 50% (i.e. 600 out of 1200 marks) may opt not to be conferred with the Postgraduate Diploma and may transfer their registration to the Second Year of the Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (MPlan2) in the following academic year (full-time). Such students must inform Student Records and Examinations Office (exams@ucc.ie) that they will not be conferred with the Postgraduate Diploma and opt instead to progress to  Second Year of the Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (M.Plan2) in the following academic year (full-time).

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and Sustainable Development, (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate effective and informed analysis and communication of issues in planning and sustainable development;
• Communicate an informed appreciation of the values, social obligations and environmental considerations which govern the practice of planning in contemporary times throughout the world;
  
• Identify the main principles that govern the spatial coherence, quality and design of contemporary cities, towns, regions and neighbourhoods throughout the world;
• Describe the key legal, economic, global development and political contexts and principles within which planning operates;
• Show an appreciation of how stakeholders and communities engage in contemporary planning in different places;
• Demonstrate a critical capacity for working with others to address spatial planning challenges at various scales;
• Explain the relationship between key principles, debates and techniques of sustainable development as they relate to spatial planning and development.