Course summary
Our Urban Design MA brings together theory and design practice to develop your urban design skills. Urban Design applies to worldwide locations facing contemporary global issues. It combines the form production processes of place and socio-economic drivers that shape the urban realm. And links theory, practice and the urban experience. You'll be part of an international cohort of students from planning, architecture, landscape architecture and other backgrounds. You will work in design studios with support from professional practitioners and research tutors. The urban design skills you develop apply to a spectrum of locations and issues and you will be able to create liveable places for tomorrow. You'll also engage with contemporary and future urban issues such as:
- intensification and population growth
- climate change
- cultural design context
- biodiversity and landscape urbanism
- affordable housing
- urban public realm in the digital age.
Assessment method
The course's teaching and learning methods are chosen to help develop the student’s capacities as a reflective practitioner. As a result, they are concerned with both the practice of urban design and the processes of reflection on this. We believe that the practice of urban design is best learned through project work and this forms the central emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy. Through live projects you will study design sites from across the world, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to learn how processes operate in practice across a variety of contexts. You’ll develop tools for understanding and critique through lectures, seminars and workshops, and through the writing of papers that are designed to develop your ability to construct reasoned and critical arguments about complex urban design topics.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Architects Royal Institute of British
- Town Planning Institute, Royal
Entry requirements
The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related design & planning discipline. We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees or an alternative subject, who can provide a suitable portfolio and/or evidence relevant work experience. Mid-career professional candidates with practice experience are also encouraged to apply.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 with at least 6.0 in each component
If English is not your first language then, please see here for our requirements and accepted alternative English language qualifications
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £1090 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1090 | Module |
| Scotland | £1090 | Module |
| Wales | £1090 | Module |
Additional fee information
Please note tuition fees may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Provider information
Oxford Brookes University
Gipsy Lane
Headington
Oxford
OX3 0BP