University College Dublin
An Coláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath
MSc Urban Design
& Planning (W332)
Urban design lies at the interface of architecture and urban planning, with both disciplines contributing complementary but contrasting approaches to urban design theory and practice. This Masters programme is focused on the role of urban design in the context of urban planning, and is delivered with an emphasis on the distinct methodologies, professional perspectives and pedagogies of that discipline.
It provides specialist knowledge and skills in: urban design theory; urban conservation; risk; resilience and sustainability; as well as social science research methods applied to the built environment. The programme will enable graduates to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to create better places through urban design. Students will also have the opportunity to draw upon the School’s specialist research and teaching in environmental policy, to place urban design centre-stage in tackling wider environmental risks
While the programme will be of interest primarily to students from a planning background, it will also appeal to graduates from a variety of other disciplinary backgrounds wishing to specialise in urban design and planning, including those with qualifications in geography, anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, engineering, property economics, surveying, politics, social science, and law.
Highlight: This programme is accredited as a specialist qualification by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
Why UCD
UCD is highly attractive to students due to the exposure to world leading
researchers and the significant career prospects.
- UCD is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutes worldwide.
- Degrees with high employability with dedicated careers support.
- Ireland’s largest and most international university.
- Established in 1854 with 160 years of teaching and research excellence.
what will i study?
The MSc Urban Design and Planning involves lectures, design labs, a research thesis, and professional development skills training.
Indicative Module List:
- Introduction to Design Theory
- Planning Methodology
- Urban Design Theory
- Comparative Planning Systems
- Research Methods for the
Designed Environment - Research Studies
- Design Lab 1: Plan Making
- Design Lab 2: Urban Design Studio
- MSc Thesis
- Conservation History, Theory and Policy
- The Urban Environment: Risk, Resilience and Sustainability
- Postgraduate Studio
- Nature-based Solutions
- Geographical Information Systems for Policy and Planning (GIS)
- Research Design and Methods
- Placemaking *
*Graduates of the BA Planning, Geography and Environment programme who register for the MSc Urban Design and Planning, and who have already taken the module Placemaking, will take the module Introduction to Urban Design in its place.
Ireland’s largest and most international university
Entry Requirements:
A 3-year Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalent in cognate discipline, including planning, geography, anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, engineering, property economics, surveying, politics, social science, and law.
Other courses of interest:
MSc Environmental Policy Master of Regional and Urban PlanningMore Information:
See course details Apply Now Ms Laura Egan-O'Brien laura.egan-obrien@ucd.ie 01 716 1916 Connect with us© University College Dublin. All Rights Reserved.
