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The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has awarded Accredited Planning School status to University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies. The award also includes accreditation of the University's MA in Planning and Development, which means students on the programme will earn an RTPI-accredited qualification, supporting graduates seeking to build professional careers in planning in Ireland, the UK and internationally. The one-year, full-time, MA in Planning and Development combines practical planning skills with critical planning theory and regulatory knowledge. Rachel Fisher, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Planning has a critical role to play in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing communities, from housing and infrastructure to climate change and economic growth. Ensuring that the profession has a strong pipeline of highly skilled planners is therefore essential, and this accreditation is an important addition to planning education in Ireland.” John Sturzaker, Director of Careers and Education at the RTPI, said: “RTPI accreditation recognises planning programmes that meet the high academic and professional standards needed to prepare students for a career in planning. “The University of Galway’s MA in Planning and Development combines the theoretical, practical and regulatory understanding that future planners need. We look forward to working with the University and supporting its students as they develop their careers in the profession.” President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “University of Galway is very cognisant of its vital role in promoting and facilitating planning development for the region and more broadly. This professional accreditation award from the RTPI reflects an endorsement of the quality and success of the University’s contributions in this regard, and of its ongoing commitment to planning education.” Professor Rebecca Braun, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway welcomes this partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute. We look forward to the opportunities it presents to deliver professionally-accredited graduates to the growing range of industry sectors seeking planning professionals here and abroad, and to address this identified critical skills gap in the region and nationally.” Read more about the MA in Planning and Development course here. Ends