MSc Urban Design
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
Study with us
- study theories and approaches to the design and management of the city in relation to current and predicted urban challenges
- designed for both students and practitioners, the course treats the city as a complex, dynamic system
- work in a multidisciplinary, international and design-centred learning environment where ideas and theories will be tested through design, via live commissions with clients
Why this course?
Recent data and predictions on the forthcoming rate of urbanisation make cities the most common living environment now and in the future. What kind of life will it be for the seven billion people who will live in existing or developing cities? Cities hold tremendous potential, but at the same time are sources of stress, inequalities and pollution.
In 2015, the United Nations recognised this through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which included 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Goal 11 is dedicated to urban settlements, with the aim to 'Make Cities Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable'.
This means that getting the design of cities right has never been so important. The questions are: what kind of design should we adopt, and who should be in charge? Our course explicitly addresses these questions, and teaches how to design responsive, resilient, sustainable cities for all their inhabitants, thus preparing socially responsible urban design professionals of the future.
This innovative course is based on the Urban Design Studies Unit's cutting-edge research in design, urban analytics, morphology and theory.
Course video
Find out what our staff and students say about this course:
The course was definitely one of the only places in Scotland to do it, but it was the Studio Project that drew me to it. I hadn't seen anything like that anywhere else.
Amy Thorogood, student
What you'll study
The course is closely linked to the Urban Design Studies Unit (USDU) research agenda. Everything taught in classes and the studio is based on our excellent research record.
The course is delivered through studio work, lectures, seminars and a research project.
Taught classes take place over Semesters 1 and 2, and include compulsory and optional choices. Compulsory classes will teach you the basic principles of what makes a sustainable and resilient city. Optional classes offer you the chance to specialise in an area of interest.
By the end of the programme, you'll have the skills to design the 'resilient city'; in particular you'll be able to appreciate and design in detail portions of such city, paying attention to the experience of its users and residents
Studio
The major topic of studio is the design of the resilient city. We will address this at all scales, from the metropolitan to the neighbourhood with all its special places. We normally work on a authentic client commission, therefore the work is real; you will work against deadlines and in multidisciplinary teams, employing professional methods. Your designs will be based on UDSU’s approach to city design called ‘Masterplanning for Change’.
Taught classes
Taught classes give you the theoretical grounding for everything you do in studio and inform the next phase of research. They take you through the history and theory of ideas that shaped cities up to the present day. They illustrate the current challenges faced by cities, with all the approaches available to tackle them This culminates with the very unique principles behind our Masterplanning for Change approach to the design of the city. These classes also aim to provide you with the basic skills to develop and express urban design ideas at best. Finally, they provide you with an understanding of the political, economic and practical realms of urban design.
Research
The Masters thesis is a substantial piece of student-led work on a topic of particular personal interest, or suggested by staff to advance the Urban Design Studies Unit agenda.
Facilities
Studios
We have two fully-networked design studios; one dedicated to student self-study, the other to interactive design teaching.
Library
In addition to the main University library, we have our own, on-site, reference library. Our collection is developed in direct response to the teaching delivered in the department.
Workshop
A full range of hand and portable power tools are available (complete with instruction). We offer plotter printing, scanning and laser cutting services.
Course content
Taught classes occur over Semesters 1 and 2, including compulsory and elective choices.
Compulsory classes will teach you the basic principles of designing a resilient and sustainable city.
The four classes within Urban Design Studio will run over both semesters and be your 'living laboratory' where theories and ideas can be tested in a design-oriented masterplanning structure.
Urban Design History and Urban Theory provide a historical overview of all major changes in the form of cities, with a focus on their social, political and economic contexts. The principles and theories of sustainability are explored as well as the practice and policy of urban design theory on the shape and density of cities.
Your design skills will be enhanced by a class dedicated to the latest software packages for visual urban design representations.
Optional classes offer you the chance to specialise in an area of interest. These include:
- project management
- legislation with a particular focus on conservation
- foundations of environmental impact assessment and geographic information systems
- a hint of network analysis in social sciences
The course director helps each student build up their curriculum based on their background and interests.
Urban Design Studio
Urban Design Studio is a cycle of four classes with a total of 60 credits.
Semester 1:
- Analysis (10 credits)
- Strategy (10 credits)
Semester 2:
- Framework & Coding (20 credits)
- Masterplan & Place Design (20 credits).
We generally use Glasgow as a 'living laboratory' for our studio project. You will learn to develop appropriate design strategies for resilient and sustainable urban development, which take social, political, economic, environmental, architectural and experiential aspects into account.
You'll work on the design of a complex urban area, generally on the commission of a real client (local authority, housing association, community group or private developer). In addition, you'll work at the interconnected levels of the entire city, the neighbourhood and the individual public space defined by urban architecture.
Studio meets once a week in Semesters 1 and 2 with design development work taking place between sessions. Work is fast-paced but also in-depth.
Urban Design History
10 credits
The class covers how elements such as streets, squares, urban blocks have changed through time and what factors shaped them. It's organised over three days of intensive workshops, where lectures from staff are alternated with students’ presentations of preparatory readings and interactive sessions.
Urban Theory
10 credits
You'll look at how urban ideas, theories and approaches have responded to contextual conditions in time and how they have shaped human lives and the environment for generations to come. Also explored are the current urban challenges and the fit of current urban design tools and approaches.
The class is delivered online a-synchronously, with online interactive sessions.
Urban Design Representation
10 credits
You’ll develop skills in illustrating Urban Design analyses and proposals in a clear, convincing and attractive manner. The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of five essential software programs, each of which is addressed in a dedicated session, and to build the necessary skillset to succeed in the fields of architecture and urban design.
The module focuses on an array of computer design programs that are helpful to professionally represent ideas, project and theories of urban design and offers a first important insight on how to combine them in the overall representation process. The module aims in particular at meeting the needs of students who do not have a design background and/or graphic design skills.
The class is delivered online a-synchronously, with online interactive sessions.
Sustainability
10 credits
The class is aimed at integrating an understanding of environmental, social, and economic sustainability with aspects of engineering and architectural practice and theory. During the class, you'll work with your tutor and your class peers within this Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Lecture and seminar material on various aspects of the syllabus will be made available below during the semester.
You'll choose no fewer than 20 credits chosen from the following options:
Project Management
10 credits
This class aims to provide students with skills and knowledge relating to the use of engineering practices in Project Management, with particular respect to the project triple constraint: time, cost and quality.
Legislation & Regulations
10 credits
This class aims to give the regulatory and statutory framework, internationally, nationally and locally, for the conservation of historic buildings, historic areas and towns, archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, allowing you to learn from their development in different countries.
It covers planning and funding aspects as well as the importance of recording, including explanation of the role of the Heritage at Risk Register in England and the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.
Environmental Impact Assessment
10 credits
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made.
This class introduces to the methods used to predict environmental impacts and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions. Participants evaluate the quality of Environmental Statements and of the EIA process using the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) methodology.
Geographical Information Systems
10 credits
This class introduces geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis.
It covers the key theory with a strong focus on practical applications. You'll develop skills to apply GIS independently to real-world datasets and problems. You'll need to independently develop spatial research questions, find or collect relevant data and perform a state-of-the-art spatial analysis.
Networked Institutions, Technology & Infrastructure
10 credits
The class aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of networks using multiple perspectives. This requires that we understand how networks shape local and global governance, consider how a variety of different network types can be encoded for further analysis, and how networks are structured by the people and organisations which create them.
MSc students only
Dissertation Project
60 credits
On completion of Semesters 1 and 2, you'll undertake a written thesis over the third semester.
In previous years, students have produced exceptional work including the study and comparison of urban form, the role of urban design in disaster scenarios, the design and management of infrastructure, and informal urbanism.
The production of the thesis results in innovative outlooks which combine the students’ interests with the Unit’s very special take on urban design. The tutoring team is open and supportive, always ready to nurture new ideas and to share its current work.
Learning & teaching
Courses are taught through lectures, seminars and studio work as well as a piece of research (MSc students only).
Lectures and seminars are delivered through a variety of modes including short intensive sessions to allow for flexible booking by CPD and part-time students. Ther are also occasional site visits.
The taught element of the course starts from a solid grounding in urban design history and theory. It then concentrates on current urban challenges, from climate change to the pressures for development in both developed and developing countries. It culminates with the research work carried out in the Urban Design Studies Unit and teaches you the unit’s ethos and approach to urbanism.
Guest lectures
The Urban Design Studies Unit has an extensive international network of collaborators who often visit to give lectures and take part in debates. Our students are always invited to these events In the past speakers have included included environmental psychologist Professor Robert Gifford, UN Habitat Salvatore Scellato, Urban Designers Robert Adam, George Soeters, DPZ Director Andres Duany, URBED Director Ravid Rudlin, authors and urbanists Andy Cameron (WSP), Chuck Wolfe, Besim Hakim, Kelvin Campbell.
Our students often organise series of events themselves and are able to attract excellent speakers for lectures or debates on the nature and roles of urban design (eg Robert Adam and Malcolm Fraser).
Assessment
Assessment criteria are linked to the learning outcomes set for each individual class and these are published in the modules descriptors which are available to students. The criteria is also explained by staff at the start of each class, to make sure that you're comfortable and clear with what is expected of you.
The assessment of studio work is developed collaboratively between staff and students. Learning outcomes are linked to criteria and performances. This increases your sense of ownership of the learning process and is integral to the course.
On successful completion of studio and classes, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. If you complete an additional research element you’ll receive an MSc in Urban Design.
Student competitions
Students have previously won:
- The Urban Design Group Award – students from the course are regular finalists in the Urban Design Group National Student Award and have won it on three occasions in recent years
- RTPI Scotland Chapter Award
- Urbanpromo International Jury Design 1st Prize
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements/experience | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the built environment and the city (eg architecture, planning, engineering, and other built environment disciplines). Candidates with alternative professional experience may also be considered. The course is open to students with various backgrounds related to the built and natural environment. If you come from design-based disciplines (ie. Architecture, landscape architecture), please submit a portfolio of design work, to illustrate the range of scales and variety of projects you've been involved in, as well as your graphic skills. If you come from a non-design based discipline, please explain in your Statement of Purpose where your interest in urbanism comes from, and try and give us an overview of your knowledge in the area. We would be delighted to review a portfolio, if you have one, of any work you might have collected relevant to the subject of the course. |
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| English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Chat to a student ambassador
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | £10,800 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £10,800 |
| International | £23,850 |
| Additional costs |
Visa & immigration: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarships
If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your fees, which will typically be up to £4,240. We also have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards for our postgraduate taught applicants. These scholarships are worth £5,000 and £8,000 and will be offered to exceptional applicants at postgraduate taught level only. Applicants need only to submit one application and will be considered for all levels of postgraduate taught scholarships.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee-paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught course at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2024-25), this can be in September 2024 or January 2025.
The deadline for applications for the Dean’s International Excellence Award is 28 June 2024.
Careers
Graduates leave us with a detailed knowledge and innovative skills in an area now in great demand. Our graduates are now working in:
- large practices (eg Rogers and Associates, Llewelyn & Davies)
- government
- academia, as teachers and researchers
- local non-governmental organisations
- local authorities
- their own practices
Job titles include:
- Senior Street Design Officer
- Lecturer
- Researcher
- Community Engagement Officer
Employers include:
- Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners
- Llewelyn and Davies
- Architecture and Design Scotland
- Glasgow City Council
- University of Buffalo
- University of Strathclyde
- Anderson Bell and Christie
- Edinburgh Council
- TCV Scotland
- Highland Council
- Transco
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Apply
During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
- if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualifications.
- if still studying, provide this after completing your qualification
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for, and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a personal statement
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees
- provide, for academic assessment by the Course Director, a detailed personal statement illustrating your motivation and suitability for admission to the chosen programme
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
Start date: Sep 2024
Urban Design
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