MSc International Urban Design

Overview

On this course you will gain an advanced design skillset that will enable you to create innovative solutions to the complex social, economic and environmental factors affecting cities. The course is designed to develop your spatial understanding of current theories and principles whilst challenging you to respond to the cultural issues, spatial traditions and histories of city form and design, and the global challenges in 21st century urbanisation.

We will teach and support you to take risks and creatively explore ideas to  tackle  complex problems and produce critical work.  The curriculum concludes with a ‘thesis’ module, a chance to use your conceptual understanding of design to transform urban contexts and independently plan tasks at a professional level.

You will learn to articulate, communicate and illustrate complex city analyses and proposals, underpinned by current practice, theories, and understanding of global urban issues. Graduates will be ideally placed for careers in city planning and architectural design offices, and urban and commercial development consultancy. Upon your graduation you will also be able to join the Urban Design Group as a member and as a recognised practitioner.

The mode of delivery considered appropriate in individual modules will vary, as will the assessment regime, so that both are carefully matched to the learning outcomes. The course provides a learning environment that enables students to develop an integrative approach to their learning as the course develops. A primary learning environment is the architectural design studio, in which students will be supported by a design tutor, typically on a weekly basis whilst undertaking design and or strategy based assessments. Other teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, field visits, case studies, and directed reading. The academic team is committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support which is mainly project based giving you the opportunity to work as individuals and in groups.

Assessment and feedback is ongoing and is usually carried out during workshops and reviews. Assessment of the main projects takes place at the end of the term or the academic year and looks at your ability to analyse and implement your knowledge in the projects and will be measured against the learning outcomes of each module.

Graduate careers

The skills and capacity to address challenges of sustainable architecture and development are in high demand by city planning and architectural design offices and urban and commercial development consultancy. Our graduates have successfully joined international practices and government organisations. Graduates will also be able to join the Urban Design Group as a member and recognised practitioner.

The sophisticated research skills you will develop on this course also provide excellent preparation to progress onto a PhD.