Program Overview

Urban Design Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Urban Design Postgraduate Diploma is a two-year part-time 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 a good reputation within the industry, with excellent employment prospects for graduates.

Course Structure

The course consists of 120 credits, with students taking a total of six modules. The 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)

Option Modules

Students choose one option module from the following:

• Information Management Applications for Urban Planning (20 credits)
• Emerging Landscapes and Urban Ecologies (20 credits)
• Environmental Policy, Assessment and Climate Change (20 credits)
• Conservation and Heritage (20 credits)
• Communities Towards Sustainability: Public Engagement (20 credits)
• Housing and Urban Regeneration (20 credits)
• Planning for Urban Risk and Resilience (20 credits)
• Sustainable Neighbourhood Development and Management (20 credits)
• International Spatial Planning Practice (20 credits)
• Streets, Places and Active Transport (20 credits)
• Land Use Planning and Transport (20 credits)
• Destination Development: Case Study Perspective (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) in architecture, landscape architecture, town planning, or another related discipline, together with practical or professional experience in their own field or in urban design.
• Applicants are required to submit a portfolio.
• If the first language is not English, applicants should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £1,211 (price per 20-credit module)
• International tuition fee: £2,000 (price per 20-credit module)
• Funding options are available, including Student Finance England (SFE) and scholarships.

Research Groups

• Max Lock Centre

Facilities

• Architecture studios
• Fabrication Laboratory
• Marylebone Library

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and practical application.
• Assessment types include written exams, practical assessments, and coursework.

Location

• The course is based at the Marylebone Campus, which is home to the Westminster Business School and the Architecture, Planning, and Tourism courses.

Related Courses

• Urban Design MA
• Architecture MA

Careers

• Graduates of this course typically find employment as urban designers in private consultancy or local authorities.
• Many find the course useful when developing careers in architecture, planning, or landscape architecture.
• The course has a strong vocational focus and a good reputation within the industry, with excellent employment prospects for graduates.