Program Overview

Urban Design Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Urban Design Postgraduate Diploma is a one-year course that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the rapidly expanding profession of urban design. The course has a strong vocational focus and an excellent reputation within the industry.

Course Structure

The course consists of 120 credits, with students taking a total of six modules. The core modules are:

• The Dynamic City: Urban Design and Planning in Context (20 credits)
• Urban Form and Growth (20 credits)
• Urban Design and Development Process (20 credits)
• Urban Design Project (20 credits)
• Place and Experience in Design of Urban Spaces (20 credits)
• Urban Design Field Trip (no credits)
• Sustainable Cities and Neighbourhoods (20 credits)

Students also choose one option module from a range of topics, including:

• Information Management Applications for Urban Planning
• Emerging Landscapes and Urban Ecologies
• Environmental Policy, Assessment and Climate Change
• Conservation and Heritage
• Communities Towards Sustainability: Public Engagement
• Housing and Urban Regeneration
• Planning for Urban Risk and Resilience
• Sustainable Neighbourhood Development and Management
• International Spatial Planning Practice
• Streets, Places and Active Transport
• Land Use Planning and Transport
• Destination Development: Case Study Perspective

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in architecture, landscape architecture, town planning, or another related discipline
• Practical or professional experience in their own field or in urban design
• A portfolio of work
• IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0 (for international students)

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £6,750 (price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £10,750 (price per academic year)
• Funding available through Student Finance England (SFE) and other sources
• Scholarships available for eligible postgraduate students

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and practical application
• Assessment methods include practical work, coursework, and presentations
• Scheduled hours: 18%
• Independent study: 82%
• Practical assessment: 13%
• Coursework assessment: 87%

Research Groups

• Max Lock Centre

Facilities

• Architecture studios
• Fabrication Laboratory
• Marylebone Library

Location

• Marylebone Campus, University of Westminster
• Opposite Baker Street tube station
• Within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street

Related Courses

• Urban Design MA
• Architecture MA

Careers

• Urban designer
• Master planner
• Strategic planner
• Urban design officer
• Conservation officer
• Urban architect
• Urbanist
• Environmental planner
• Public realm designer
• Employers include AECOM, Barton Willmore, Broadway Malyan, Broxbourne Council, DAR Group, Design Council, Gensler, Greater London Authority, Grimshaw, Hawkins Brown Architects, IBI Group, Levitt Bernstein, London borough councils, Proctor & Matthews Architects, PRP Architects, Public Practice, Tibbalds, Urban Initiatives Studio, and WSP.