Course description

MSc Urban Design and International Planning provides a specialist understanding of the relationship between urban design and planning by focusing on issues that are of international significance.

It will provide you with the core knowledge and competencies needed to become a chartered planner and specialise in urban design and international planning.

The course is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and is an Educational Member of the Urban Design Group as part of the Recognised Practitioner in Urban Design pathway.

Aims

• Allow you to tailor the course to your professional interests by choosing from numerous optional course units.
• Provide you with the practical skills to deliver a comprehensive urban design proposal.
• Provide you with an international perspective on overseas fieldwork.

Teaching and learning

A number of professional practitioners are engaged in teaching on this course, making for a theoretically informed, practice-orientated approach to teaching and learning.

An overseas field visit is a core part of the course. Recent locations have included Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin, Seattle, Toronto, and Vienna.

Fieldwork may be scheduled at any point during the course, and this may include time during University vacations. Successful applicants are expected to be available to attend.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment methods are largely individual-based, but may also involve some elements of group work and submission.

You are continually assessed via a range of methods including essays, portfolios, presentations, and topic papers.

You will be required to submit a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words that can focus on crucial planning debates in an international context, urban design debates, or a combination. Alternatively, you may submit a design study supported by a report of 10,000 words.

Career opportunities

This course has been specifically designed to equip you for professional practice in urban design and planning in a fast-moving international market.

Opportunities will arise in both the private and public sectors across global consultancies, development companies, government departments and agencies, and third sector organisations.