MA Urban Design

The aim is for participants in the programme to:

• Gain an informed critical view of the process of urban design internationally, but with particular reference to the UK and the rest of Europe
• Learn skills and technologies in the appraisal and resolution of problems posed by the built environment in towns and cities
• Explore knowledge at the boundaries of the field of urban design relevant to architectural design
• Gain the ability to practice urban design in a multi-disciplinary context.

A postgraduate Certificate in Urban Design is earned after 60 credit points of study. A postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design is achieved after 120 points of study. The programme comprises the following modules:

Postgraduate Certificate

• Introduction to Urban Design 4 credit points
• Related Option (chosen by the student) 4 credit points
• Related Option (chosen by the student) 4 credit points
• Research Methods 12 credit points
• Urban Design Theory 12 credit points
• Urban Design Project A 24 credit points.

Postgraduate Diploma

• Urban Design Research Project 36 credit points
• Urban Design Project B 24 credit points.

The programme provides an overview of key concepts of theory and practice within urban design applied to the evaluation of the contemporary urban environment, and a critique of 'urban renaissance' in the UK. Theory seminars examine how people use cities and the impact of urban design on the quality of life, and the issues this raises for urban regeneration, economic viability and social exclusion. The processes of design, management and maintenance that create the urban environment are investigated, along with the impacts of politics and professionalism in the urban design process and the participants in that process. Finally, a range of design approaches and methods for comparing urban space are explored.

The studio programme is set up to give each student some experience of every level of urban decision-making, from city-wide master planning to the detailed design of individual buildings, learning how large scale decisions can impact upon small scale designs and vice-versa. Design projects are generally live projects or address issues of contemporary concern in a real context. 

The University’s location offers a diverse range of potential urban projects within the region and particularly in the cities of Hull and Lincoln.

The flexible nature of the course enables students to build on previous professional education and experience and prepares them for high level careers.

To earn the MA in Urban Design the participant will demonstrate ability as an urban designer through the completion of a dissertation or design project plus supporting document worth 60 credit points, exhibiting rigorous analysis, critical enquiry, clear written and graphical expression and independent judgement. The piece of work should normally integrate the various taught elements of the programme with current work experience.

For information about fees, scholarships and bursaries please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding

Dr. Kathleen Watt
Telephone: +44 (0)1522 837171
enquiries@lincoln.ac.uk