Urban Planning and Design with Foundation BA Honours - Courses

Program Overview

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This interdisciplinary Urban Planning and Design BA combines urban design, architecture, landscape, and environmental planning to develop a comprehensive understanding of urban planning. Through studio-based learning and practical projects, students gain the skills to manage cities sustainably and design inclusive, climate-resilient, and healthy built environments. The program is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and prepares graduates for careers in urban planning, design, and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This interdisciplinary course brings together urban design, architecture, landscape and environmental planning. The Urban Planning and Design BA explores the processes of city transformation, city climate mitigation and adaptation while enabling you to reimagine the urban realm in a creative manner. You’ll be given the skills needed to manage cities sustainably and learn to design diverse built environments, to enhance the lives of those who inhabit and work in them. The course aims to enable future urban planners to play a leading role in shaping climate-resilient, sustainable, healthy and inclusive cities.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• Recording Place: This module introduces students to the methods and techniques of recording and analyzing urban spaces.
• Making Practices: This module focuses on developing practical skills in design and fabrication, using the Fabrication Laboratory on campus.
• Reading Spaces: This module explores the theoretical and historical contexts of urban design and planning.
• Major Project: This module culminates in a design project that draws on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the Foundation year.

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Year 1:

• City Design Studio 1: This studio-based module introduces students to the principles of urban design and planning through practical projects.
• Contemporary Issues in City Planning and Design: This module examines current challenges and trends in urban planning and design.
• Introduction to Design and Skills: This module provides a foundation in design principles and techniques.
• CC1: A History of Architecture: This module explores the history of architecture and its influence on urban development.

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Year 2:

• CC2: Architectural History and Urbanism: This module continues the exploration of architectural history and its relationship to urban form.
• City Design Studio 2: This studio-based module builds on the skills developed in Year 1, focusing on more complex urban design projects.
• Economics of Cities: This module examines the economic forces that shape urban development.
• Urban Heritage and Townscape Conservation: This module explores the principles and practices of preserving and managing urban heritage.

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Placement Year (Optional):

• Industry Placement Year: This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of urban planning and design through a year-long work placement.

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Year 3:

• City Design Studio 3: This studio-based module culminates in a major design project that integrates the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.
• Research Report: This module requires students to conduct independent research on a topic related to urban planning and design.
• Resilient and Healthy Cities: This module examines the challenges of creating resilient and healthy urban environments.
• Work Experience and Professional Practice: This module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their professional development and prepare for their future careers.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Studio-based projects: Students are assessed on their design work, which is presented in the form of drawings, models, and written reports.
• Essays and reports: Students are required to write essays and reports on a range of topics related to urban planning and design.
• Presentations: Students are assessed on their ability to communicate their ideas effectively through presentations.

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Teaching:

• Studio-based learning: The program emphasizes a studio-based approach to learning, where students work on practical projects in small groups.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced practitioners and academics who are active in the field of urban planning and design.
• Guest speakers: The program features guest speakers from industry, government, and academia, who share their expertise and insights with students.
• Field trips: Students have the opportunity to participate in field trips to visit urban planning and design projects in London and beyond.

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Careers:

Graduates from this course will have opportunities to work in the field of urban planning. These include but are not limited to, landscape and environmental design, urban regeneration and economic development, city climate adaptation, mitigation and community engagement. They can also become urban planners and designers or work as environmental consultants. Graduates from this course will meet the specific needs of employers for planners who have a good understanding of design issues and are capable of working in collaborative and interdisciplinary practices.

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Other:

• The course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a spatial degree and is an initial step towards qualifying as a Chartered Town Planner.
• The program is designed to tackle climate change, urban health, and the broad challenges of urban sustainability.
• The Westminster Employability Award gives students the chance to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development activities and achievements.
• The University offers a range of international study and work experiences, including semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world, international summer schools, and field trips.

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UK Fees:

£9,250 (Price per academic year)

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International Fees:

£17,000 (Price per academic year)