MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design
The capacity to develop planning and urban design solutions, to analyse them critically and to provide guidance in regard to their implementation is one for which there is a growing demand. Furthermore, 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. In this context, the MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design has been specifically tailored to enable fully-qualified architects to further develop, build upon and enhance relevant pre-existing professional knowledge, understanding, and skills, to specialise in both spatial planning and urban design.
The programme also draws upon the particular research strengths of the School, providing students with the opportunity to engage with innovative approaches to sustainable and resilient urbanism, exploring emerging challenges surrounding the role of urban design in mitigating or adapting to climate change, in promoting ‘healthy’ cities or neighbourhoods, and the incorporation of ‘nature’ into design (e.g. nature-based solutions) to address habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss.
This programme is open to Architects on the RIAI Register of Architects or persons eligible to seek registration as an architect in Ireland without further assessment.
Module Information:
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.
Curricular information is subject to change
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
This is an intensive, taught graduate programme (90 ECTS), comprising core modules in spatial planning, and in the specialist area of urban design, encompassing key areas of theory and practice, three major studio modules, research methods training, a thesis / design thesis, and professional development skills training. For full-time students, the programme is one year’s duration (three semesters / 12 months), and lectures, studios, etc., take place throughout the week. For part-time study options, please contact the college admissions office (eamarketing@ucd.ie) for further details.
Indicative Module List:
Semester 1 modules (30 ECTS):
Planning Methodology, Planning Society and Diversity, Urban and Regional Development, *Introduction to Urban Design, Plan-Making Studio
Semester 2 modules (30 ECTS):
Planning Law APEP, Urban Design Studio, Nature-Based Solutions, Research Design and Methods
Semester 3 modules (30 ECTS):
Thesis or Design Thesis
*Graduates who have previously completed the module Introduction to Urban Design must select one of the following in its place: Economics and Property Markets (5 credits) Geographical Information Systems for Policy and Planning (5 credits)
The MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design programme is a one-year professional planning programme, providing fully-qualified architects with the requisite skills and knowledge appropriate to becoming a professional planner, and to specialisation in urban design. 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. The programme seeks to instil values in graduates that are appropriate to a career in planning and urban design, specifically: a critical, reflective and intellectually confident approach to learning, research and practice; self-motivation; an appreciation of evidence-based solutions and social equity in decision-making; respect for the contrasting and complementary contributions of other specialist areas, professions and the role of the wider public; and a recognition of how these values impact upon practice and upon wider society.
The programme aims to train, mentor and support fully-qualified architects in developing core, transferable and specialist skills and knowledge in urban design, conservation and sustainable and resilient urbanism, as well as social science research methods applied to the built environment, and will enable graduates to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to create better places through urban design. While interactive lectures and seminars introduce students to key concepts, theory and approaches in planning and urban design, studio modules provide experience of working with other disciplines to solve complex planning and urban design challenges. Teaching, learning and assessment approaches include debates and discussions, presentations, case studies, graphic communication, group project work, independent research and academic and professional writing, to provide graduates with the requisite skills and knowledge needed in the rapidly changing global environment facing planning and urban design.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
Graduates will have the option of continuing a career in architectural practice, but with a specialism in the sought-after areas of spatial planning and urban design. However, alternative career paths include roles in the public, private and community sectors, including planning and urban design consultancies, local authorities, development firms, regeneration companies, and environmental and other NGOs.
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design (T324) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9810
nonEU fee per year - € 27720
***Fees are subject to change
Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see http://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/scholarships/.
The College of Engineering & Architecture also offer scholarships for non-EU students, for more information see: www.ucd.ie/eacollege/study/noneuscholarships.
The MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design is fully accredited (both spatial and specialist) by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The School has an established international track record as a leading research centre in spatial planning and is in the Top 100 QS World University Rankings by subject area. UCD has over 50 years’ experience delivering high quality planning education and the School is a member of the Association of European Schools of Planning.
- The programme is open to Architects on the RIAI Register of Architects or persons eligible to seek registration as an architect in Ireland without further assessment.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
The MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design is a new intensive one-year master’s degree programme aimed at fully-qualified architects who wish to specialise in both planning and urban design. The course is fully accredited (both spatial and specialist) by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and thus provides a route towards full chartered membership of the RTPI via the Licentiate Assessment of Professional Competence (L-APC). Part-time registration is available, allowing registered students to continue to also work in practice on a part-time basis alongside their studies.
Assistant Professor Arthur Parkinson - Programme Director
- Master of Architecture
- MSc Architecture, Urbanism & Climate Action FT
- MRUP FT
- MSc Environmental Policy FT
- MSc Urban Design & Planning FT
The School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy offers dedicated studio space for its students, a dedicated architecture library and map room, access to fully equipped computer facilities, a building laboratory space with a wide range of equipment including laser cutters and a CNC router, and access to monitoring and simulation equipment in the Earth Institute.
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Planning, Development & Urban Design FT (T324)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
