International Urban Design MSc

Modules

Term one

Introduction to Urban Design                                                                           

The module introduces the subject of urban design including key theories and concepts relative to urban design research and practice. The content is constructively aligned with an assignment that is based upon an urban design project.

Research Methods and Urban Design Theory

The module involves focussed study of classic urban design text(s). Study is led by small group seminars in which tutors facilitate informed debate and discussion based upon directed research. The seminars prepare students for a written assignment that requires critical analysis of a key text.

International Design Research Studio

The module offers students studio-based learning focussed upon a design ‘project’ or ‘challenge’. The ‘project’ will be devised in response to ‘live’ context in a UK city, and address issues that resonate with international, topical urban pressures and issues. The module content introduces techniques, methods and skills which are then revisited in the Semester 2 design studio module; it prepares the student for the Semester 2 design studio module.

Term two

Urban Design Studio

The module introduces Urban Design as a set of practices drawn from the fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning. This is primarily a studio-based module. Studio exercises are constructed around case studies, models, and scenarios within which students develop both a technical proficiency with, and a conceptual understanding of, design as tool for transforming urban contexts.

Comprehensive Dissertation

The Dissertation allows students an opportunity to undertake a detailed investigation of a chosen architectural topic.

(Optional: Year Industry Placement between term 2 and term 3)

Term three

Urban Design Thesis

This ‘Major Project’ Module offers opportunity for students to demonstrate clearly that they have exercised initiative, personal responsibility, complex decision making and have acted autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. The module has two pathways: whilst both focus upon ‘design’, one offers opportunity to conclude your studies in an extensive written thesis, whilst the other offers opportunity to conclude your studies in a thesis comprising of drawn/ modelled/ illustrated outputs in combination with a shorter written text.

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

Overview

The mode of delivery considered appropriate in individual modules will vary, as will the assessment regime, so that both are carefully matched to the learning outcomes.  The course provides a learning environment that enables students to develop an integrative approach to their learning as the course develops. A primary learning environment is the architectural design studio, in which students will be supported by a design tutor, typically on a weekly basis whilst undertaking design and or strategy based assessments. Other teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, field visits, case studies, and directed reading. The academic team is committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support which is mainly project based giving you the opportunity to work as individuals and in groups.

Assessment and feedback is ongoing and is usually carried out during workshops and reviews. Assessment of the main projects takes place at the end of the term or the academic year and looks at your ability to analyse and implement your knowledge in the projects and will be measured against the learning outcomes of each module. 

Contact hours

In your first two terms you will normally attend around 8 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 27 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.