The programme seeks to instil values in graduates that are appropriate to a career in urban design and planning, 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. While the programme will be of interest primarily to graduates from planning, architecture, landscape architecture backgrounds, it is also aimed at those from other related disciplinary backgrounds wishing to specialise in urban design and planning. It aims to train, mentor and support graduates 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 urban design and planning, design labs provide experience of working with other disciplines to solve complex urban design problems within the wider context of urban planning. Teaching, learning and assessment approaches include debates and discussions, presentations, case studies, graphic communication, as well as group project work.
- School
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Graduate Taught
- NFQ Level
- 9
- Award
- Master of Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Dr Aura Istrate
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 90
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 90 Electives: 0 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 90
Curricular information is subject to change.
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 delivery of this master's programme draws on the distinct methodologies, professional perspectives and pedagogies of both urban planning and architectural disciplinary areas within the school. It provides specialist knowledge and skills in urban design theory and practice, urban conservation; nature-based solutions, and the relationship between research and design.
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 research expertise to place urban design centre stage in tackling a range of pressing environmental and other issues. The programme will appeal to graduates from closely related disciplinary backgrounds wishing to specialise in urban design, including those with qualifications in architecture, landscape architecture, and planning.
Applications will also be considered from graduates with other related disciplinary backgrounds (e.g. geography, engineering, property economics, surveying) where the applicant has a particular interest the specialist area of urban design (as opposed to planning more broadly).
The UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy has an established international track record as a leading research centre in spatial planning. The School is a member of the Association of European Schools of Planning.
All students undertake modules worth 90 credits. These establish the context and theory for urban design, provide the opportunity for engagement with core themes within a studio-based context, introduce key research skills, and allow students to pursue their own specialist interest through the completion of a thesis. Please note that some modules listed may not be available in a given year.
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.
2 - Demonstrate an appreciation of multidisciplinary research in urban design, planning, environmental policy, and related fields, exhibit skills as autonomous researchers, and recognize the value of research in enhancing urban design policy and practice.
3 - Demonstrate an advanced ability to apply concepts, theory and research skills to generate integrated and evidence-based responses to urban design and planning challenges, including those associated with environmental risks and urban resilience.
4 - Demonstrate personal and time management skills, and the ability to work effectively both on their own and as part of a team in a multidisciplinary context.
5 - Demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluative and design skills, and the ability to rigorously formulate and propose robust evidence-based strategies and solutions in response to urban design problems at a range of urban spatial scales.
6 - Effectively and fluently communicate concepts, knowledge, conclusions and arguments through verbal, written and advanced graphic means, to peers, specialist and non-specialist audiences within a multidisciplinary environment.
7 - Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges, responsibilities and diverse consequences of design and development decisions, an openness to critically evaluate, debate and reflect on these, and an appreciation of the importance of values, ethics and professionalism in urban design.
8 - Appreciate the relevance of societal diversity and equality of opportunity in stakeholder involvement, and in urban design policymaking and practice more generally.
The MSc Urban Design and Planning is aimed at graduates from a variety of disciplinary and professional backgrounds wishing to specialise in urban design and planning. The programme is therefore designed to train, mentor and support graduates in developing their specialist knowledge and understanding, along with transferable skills and tools, for careers related to the field. These include roles in the public, private and community sectors, including planning and urban design consultancies, local authorities, development firms, regeneration companies, environmental and other NGOs, as well as research and teaching.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ARCT40660 | Street Life: Urban Design, an Introduction | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ARCT40680 | Postgraduate Studio | Autumn | 15 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PLAN40630 | Planning Methods, Skills & Techniques | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ARCT40690 | Urban Design Studio | Spring | 15 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ARCT41240 | Urban Resilience and Ethics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PLAN40570 | Conservation and Placemaking | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: All students must select one of the following Thesis Modules: |
PLAN40210 | Design Thesis | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: All students must select one of the following Thesis Modules: |
PLAN40240 | Thesis | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: AUDIT MODULE (as required): Students are required to audit this module if they have NOT COMPLETED the UCD BSc City Planning & Environmental Policy Degree OR another prior third-level planning qualification obtained in Ireland and fully accredited by the IPI or RTPI. If you are required to select this module, the Programme Director will confirm this to the College Office, and your registration will then be updated to show you must take this module on an Audit-only basis. |
PLAN40640 | Planning Institutions & Govern | Autumn | 10 |
Module Weighting Info
| Award | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
| MTENA001 | Stage 1 - 100.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
| Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
| Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
| Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |
|||