Urban Design Newcastle University

Our Urban Design MA, PGDip is aimed at built environment professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of urban design. It equips you to contribute towards an improvement in the quality of the built environment.

The course is structured around three main design projects. Each explores key contemporary issues in urban design:

• urban regeneration
• housing
• public space and engagement

These projects are underpinned by theoretical and practical lectures, seminars and workshops. The course is primarily studio based and there is an emphasis on independent learning. You are encouraged to cultivate a studio atmosphere within your year group where you will benefit from each other's diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Building on the strengths of the multidisciplinarity of its cohort, the course complements existing skills and experience in built environment related disciplines with new skills in understanding and designing in physical, social and economic contexts.

The course can be studied as a nine month Diploma route from Town Planning. It can later be upgraded to an MA through studying the Thesis Only route, involving a dissertation or Design Thesis. The Diploma can be undertaken by students from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, including:

• architecture
• planning
• landscape architecture
• property development
• art
• community engagement

Delivery

The programme is structured around three main design projects that each explore key contemporary issues in urban design, currently: urban regeneration; housing; and public space/engagement. These projects are underpinned by theoretical and practical lectures, seminars and workshops. The programme is therefore heavily studio based and there is an emphasis on independent learning. Year groups are encouraged to cultivate a studio atmosphere where students benefit from each other's diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Accreditation

The Urban Design MA is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a specialist qualification. This is a professional accreditation and allows membership to RTPI, which will enhance your career whether you are a student just starting out on your professional journey or an experienced planner at the peak of your career.

Facilities

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent studio teaching facilities and our research suite provides designated space and equipment for each postgraduate researcher. Our facilities include:

• studios
• exhibition spaces
• print room
• seminar rooms
• IT suites

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject, such as:

• architecture
• landscape architecture
• design
• environmental design
• urban planning
• geography
• property development

We will also consider your application if you have a degree in a different subject, lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience. If you have a non-traditional background you could be offered a place on the PGDip. On achieving the required grades you could then transfer to the full MA.

Newcastle University graduates

Do you hold an Architecture and Urban Planning BA Honours (K190) degree?

• 2:1 or above - you don't need to submit a portfolio, we will automatically offer you a place when you apply
• 2:2 - submit your application and portfolio and we will consider you for an interview.