| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
This Urban Design master's prepares you to contribute towards an improvement in the quality of the built environment.
We've structured the course around three main urban projects. Each explores key contemporary issues in urban design:
Theoretical and practical lectures, seminars and workshops underpin these projects. The course is primarily studio based. There is an emphasis on independent learning. You're encouraged to cultivate a studio atmosphere within your year group. You'll learn from each other's diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
The Urban Design master's builds on the strengths of the multidisciplinarity of its cohort. It complements existing skills and experience in built environment-related disciplines. You'll develop new skills in understanding and designing in physical, social and economic contexts.
Students from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds could take this course; including:
Our Urban Design master's, PGDip has strong links with the Urban Design Group (UDG). One of our graduates won the student prize at the National Urban Design Awards 2014. Sarah Cawrse talks about her winning submission ‘Designing Incentives for Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting food access, physical activity and social interaction through design’. Sarah based this project on Elswick in Newcastle.
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
What you'll learn
The programme is structured around three main design projects that each explore key contemporary issues in urban design, currently:
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Urban Design MA modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Urban design and the use of design codes | 20 |
| Housing Alternatives | 40 |
| Design studio | 40 |
| Design thesis | 60 |
| Urban Design Seminars | 10 |
| Principles and Practice of Urban Design (MAUD) | 10 |
Specialist RTPI acccreditation is available to Newcastle University graduates following completion of the BA Urban Planning course, or through the BA Architecture and Urban Planning + Certificate in Planning Practice + MA Urban Design pathway, who successfully complete a planning-related placement year and the Certificate in Planning Practice prior to starting MA Urban Design and the Reflexive Practitioner module.
Urban Design PGDip modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Urban design and the use of design codes | 20 |
| Housing Alternatives | 40 |
| Design studio | 40 |
| Urban Design Seminars | 10 |
| Principles and Practice of Urban Design (MAUD) | 10 |
Overview:
Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *
Careers Service:
Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *Library:
Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *Student Support:
Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *Accommodation:
Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *Sport:
Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality research and teaching:
Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.Strong focus on employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Vibrant and diverse campus community:
Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.Excellent location:
Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.Academic Programs:
Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *
Science, Agriculture & Engineering
*Humanities & Social Sciences
*Medical Sciences
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
- It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
- Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject, such as:
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
If you hold an Architecture and Urban Planning BA Honours (K190) or an Architecture BA Honours (K100) degree at 2:2 or above from Newcastle University, you don't need to submit a portfolio. We will automatically offer you a place when you apply.
