Higher Level Apprenticeship in Planning & Development
A work-study programme combining on-the-job training with part-time university study in planning and development sectors.
Best for:Best for professionals in planning, development, or related sectors who seek to advance their careers through a funded, work-integrated Master’s-level qualification.
Overview
This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) at Queen’s University Belfast is designed for professionals already employed in planning-related fields. Participants work full-time in their current role while attending part-time university classes one day per week. The programme covers planning, development, environmental, housing, and construction sectors, blending practical experience with academic study. Applicants must secure employment with a Northern Ireland-based company supporting their application. The programme is fully funded by the Department for the Economy and exclusively available to domestic applicants.
What you'll do
- Work full-time in a planning-related role while attending part-time university classes one day per week.
- Develop practical skills in planning, development, and related sectors through on-the-job training.
- Engage in academic study covering theoretical and practical aspects of planning and development.
- Collaborate with employers to integrate classroom learning with workplace challenges.
- Complete coursework, projects, and assessments aligned with the Master’s programme curriculum.
Requirements
Degree required: Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above in any discipline, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants with lower qualifications may be considered if they demonstrate relevant experience.
Degree offered: Master’s degree (UK Level 7)
Language: English; IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component (or equivalent qualification).
Instruction: English
- Proven employment or a firm offer of employment in a planning-related sector (e.g., community development, environmental, housing, architecture, renewable energy, built heritage, legal, development, or construction).
- Ability to commit to one day per week of study release from work.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing career through this qualification.
- Open only to applicants with a base in Northern Ireland.
- Not open to international applicants.
- Applicants must secure employment with a Northern Ireland-based company supporting their application.
- Funding renewal subject to Department for the Economy approval.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-06-30 (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must submit a CV and a combined letter of support from their employer. The letter must confirm employer support, release for one day per week of study, and the need for the qualification for a new or changed role. Apply early via the university’s postgraduate application portal.
- CV
- Combined letter of support from employer (must include employer’s confirmation of support, study release, and role advancement)
Contact
Queen’s University Belfast Admissions· Postgraduate Admissions Office
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