Program Overview

Urban Design MA

Overview

The Urban Design MA is a postgraduate course that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the rapidly expanding profession of urban design. The course is one of the longest established in the UK and has an excellent reputation in the industry.

Course Structure

The course is divided into core and option modules, with a total of 180 credits per year for full-time postgraduate students.

Core Modules

• 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)
• Dissertation / Major Project (40 credits)

Option Modules

• 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)
• Extended Essay Option for Planning, Transport and Urban Design (no credits)

Professional Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the RTPI as a Specialist Course, which is effectively half of the accreditation required for eligibility to take the APC (Assessment of Professional Competency) for full membership of the RTPI.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second class honours 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 your first language is not English, you 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: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
• The fee includes the cost of a residential field trip.
• Alumni discount available.
• Funding options available, including Student Finance England (SFE) and scholarships.

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 practical and coursework.
• Year 1: 16% scheduled hours, 84% independent study; 12% practical, 88% coursework.

Research Groups

• Max Lock Centre

Supporting You

• Study support
• Personal tutors
• Student advice team
• Extra-curricular activities

Course Location

• Marylebone Campus

Related Courses

• Urban Design Postgraduate Diploma
• Architecture MA