MA Urban Design | Part-time

About this course

LJMU's Urban Design MA enables you to explore your creative potential to change the landscape of cities and urban spaces and our experience within them.

• Join a strong research-focussed academic community
• Develop your work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within the RIBA award-winning John Lennon Art and Design Building
• 2022 Liverpool School of Art and Design MA online degree show
• Visit the School of Art and Design MA Microsite

In a world of rapidly rising and migrating urban populations, there is a palpable need for smarter, more inclusive approaches to city planning, adaptation and spatial design.

Study Urban Design in a resurgent, UNESCO recognised city of cultural significance and advance your skills to create spaces that solve modern problems in cross-cultural contexts. This programme has strong links with the RIBA North and the Liverpool Biennial which, every two years, delivers an international programme of exhibitions and projects that lead to a rediscovery of the city.

The programme is nourished by Liverpool School of Art and Designs burgeoning research in Urbanism and close association with the University's European Institute for Urban Affairs.

The curriculum has creative place-making at its core and we welcome applicants from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds such as architecture, planning, landscape architecture, art and spatial design.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.

Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.

Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

• Final Major Project - Urban Design (60 credits)
  • This module guides students in creating a self-directed and substantial project aligned with their interests, improving their project management, critical engagement, and communication skills. While students initiate the study focus, supervisors may provide guidance for relevance, methodology, and structure.
• Sustainable Urban Design: the evaluation and reflective development of sustainable communities (30 credits)
  • This module provides students with an understanding of sustainable design principles and objectives, and why they matter. You will explore a range of contemporary best-practice case studies of sustainable urban design in an international context.
• Theory and Research 1: theoretical studies and research methods (30 credits)
  • This module will explore critical methods in Architectural and Urban Design and the connections of Art and Architecture. You will have the opportunity to define a research question and develop an understanding of different research methods appropriate for your subsequent specialist study.
• Urban Design 1: Creative urbanism and regeneration within an analytical and theoretical context (30 credits)
  • The module commences with a series of urban design lectures that manifest in a design theory essay. Concurrently, analytical studies and creative tasks lead into the group urban design project, proposing the regeneration of an urban area, which is underpinned by a theoretical position derived from the design theory exercise. An individual urban design study follows on, such that the whole module effectively delivers an entire urban design process of research, analysis, theoretical positioning, design at different scales, and communication.
• Practice and Legislation: Understanding the designer's role in the contemporary built environment (30 credits)
  • An exciting opportunity to reflect upon contemporary, ethical design practice and also to be directly involved in 'live' architectural projects within the North West region. You will be working, in groups, with real clients on a variety of projects identified by them with a member of staff as a mentor. You will act as a 'mini practice' and resolve and advise your respective clients on professional issues.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

An insight into teaching on your course

• Study hours
  • The majority of contact time takes place on Tuesdays, with sessions on Fridays and the cross-school Collaborative Practice module sessions at the beginning of semester one. This module culminates in an exhibition of student work in April.
• Teaching methods
  • Teaching is individually tailored to each student. Each week is divided between lectures, seminars, tutorials, studio supervisions and workshops.
• Applied learning
  • LJMU academics bring real world experience to the programme, working with nationally recognised urban design practitioners, local authority planning and urban design departments and international academic partners on urban projects, public exhibitions and related publications. These interactions help to ensure that our curriculum is kept up-to-date and that you secure the knowledge and skills required to succeed professionally on graduation.

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

Assessment methods on this programme include: a major project proposal report, practical project work, a major project thesis and a personal development plan. You will also be assessed for the quality of your drawings and model making.

Where you will study

The programme is based in the Liverpool School of Art and Designs John Lennon Art and Design building, part of the Mount Pleasant Campus. This purpose-built facility in Liverpool city centre encourages interaction between different disciplines and the sharing of ideas and expertise.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

As a graduate of this programme, a number of career paths will be open to you. Most aligned with your formal education is the practice of urban design work in specialist agencies or public sector bodies. These roles consider how structures and systems function within existing landscapes and how they can be manipulated to offer the best living and working solutions.

Many graduates have successfully secured employment at world-class practices throughout the UK and further afield, while others have remained in Liverpool contributing to its evolution by taking key roles in leading practices that have reshaped the city over the last decade.

For those interested in taking their learning to the next level, this programme also offers the opportunity to progress to PhD study and embark on a career teaching Urban Design.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Part-time per credit: £49.85

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

You will need:

Home

• Qualification requirements
  • a 2:1 degree in a related discipline
• Additional requirements
  • Interview required
    • a portfolio of work to be presented at interview
    • to attend an interview

International

• IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Further information

• Extra Requirements
  • a sample digital portfolio submitted at the point of application
  • a reference
  • In exceptional circumstances applications by mature graphic designers, illustrators and artists without sufficient qualifications will be considered
• RPL
  • RPL is accepted on this programme

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your application should demonstrate that you have a sufficient level of knowledge to embark upon the programme (including the required linguistic competence) and complete it within the time limits. You will need to provide evidence of your learning capability at interview stage. You will also need to demonstrate your commitment to a postgraduate programme of study.

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MA Urban Design Program Extraction:

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Degree Overview:

LJMU's Urban Design MA program aims to empower students to explore their creative potential in shaping the urban landscape and enhancing the experience of city spaces. The program emphasizes research-focused learning within a supportive academic community. It provides access to state-of-the-art facilities within the RIBA award-winning John Lennon Art and Design Building. The program addresses the growing need for innovative and inclusive approaches to urban planning, adaptation, and spatial design in a world of rapidly expanding and migrating urban populations. It offers a unique opportunity to study Urban Design in a UNESCO-recognized city of cultural significance, Liverpool, and develop skills to create spaces that solve modern problems in cross-cultural contexts. The program benefits from strong connections with the RIBA North and the Liverpool Biennial, which fosters a dynamic environment for exploring urban design concepts. It is also nourished by the Liverpool School of Art and Design's burgeoning research in Urbanism and its close association with the University's European Institute for Urban Affairs. The curriculum prioritizes creative place-making and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including architecture, planning, landscape architecture, art, and spatial design.

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Outline:

The program is structured around a series of core modules, offering a comprehensive exploration of urban design principles and practices.

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Core Modules:

• Final Major Project - Urban Design (60 credits): This module guides students in developing a self-directed and substantial project aligned with their interests.
It focuses on enhancing project management, critical engagement, and communication skills. While students initiate the study focus, supervisors provide guidance on relevance, methodology, and structure.
• Theory and Research 1: theoretical studies and research methods (30 credits): This module delves into critical methods in Architectural and Urban Design, exploring the connections between Art and Architecture.
Students have the opportunity to define a research question and develop an understanding of different research methods relevant to their subsequent specialist study.
• Urban Design 1: Creative urbanism and regeneration within an analytical and theoretical context (30 credits): This module combines urban design lectures, analytical studies, and creative tasks to lead into a group urban design project focused on regenerating an urban area.
The project is underpinned by a theoretical position derived from the design theory exercise. An individual urban design study follows, encompassing the entire urban design process of research, analysis, theoretical positioning, design at different scales, and communication.
• Practice and Legislation: Understanding the designer's role in the contemporary built environment (30 credits): This module offers a practical experience by engaging students in "live" architectural projects within the North West region.
Students work in groups with real clients on various projects, acting as a "mini practice" to resolve professional issues and advise clients.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to cater to the diverse content and learning preferences of students.

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Assessment Methods:

• Major project proposal report
• Practical project work
• Major project thesis
• Personal development plan
• Assessment of drawing and model-making quality

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Teaching:

The program offers a blend of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, studio supervisions, and workshops.

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Studio supervisions
• Workshops

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Faculty:

The program boasts a dedicated faculty committed to high standards of teaching and learning. Dr. Aliki Myrto Perysinaki serves as the Programme Leader, and Ian Wroot is the Director.

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a range of career paths within the field of urban design.

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Potential Career Paths:

• Urban design work in specialist agencies or public sector bodies
• Roles focusing on the functionality of structures and systems within existing landscapes and their manipulation for optimal living and working solutions

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Outcomes:

• Graduates have secured employment at world-class practices throughout the UK and internationally.
• Many graduates have contributed to the evolution of Liverpool by taking key roles in leading practices that have reshaped the city.
• The program also offers the opportunity to progress to PhD study and pursue a career in teaching Urban Design.

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Other:

The program is based in the Liverpool School of Art and Design's John Lennon Art and Design building, a purpose-built facility in Liverpool city center that encourages interaction between different disciplines and the sharing of ideas and expertise.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.