Urban Design & Planning

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.



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.



What Will I Learn?

• Appreciate the relevance of societal diversity and equality of opportunity in stakeholder involvement, and in urban design policymaking and practice more generally.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Demonstrate knowledge of urban design activity within the context of political, institutional, and legal frameworks, and understand its wider physical, environmental, economic, social, and cultural context, and its relationship with spatial planning in contributing to sustainable urban development.

• 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.

• 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.



NFQ Level: 9 (90 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science

Stage 1 Core Modules

ARCT40660: Street Life: Urban Design, an Introduction

ARCT40680: Postgraduate Studio

PLAN40630: Planning Methods, Skills & Techniques

ARCT40690: Urban Design Studio

ARCT41240: Urban Resilience and Ethics

PLAN40570: Conservation and Placemaking



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

All students must select one of the following Thesis Modules:

PLAN40210: Design Thesis

PLAN40240: Thesis



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

Entry Requirements

• An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalent in planning or cognate discipline, including architecture and landscape architecture. Applications from graduates with a degree in another related subject area will also be considered, including geography, engineering, property economics, and surveying.

• 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.

• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

90

1 year full-time

Delivery: On Campus

MSc Urban Design & Planning (W332) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7885

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


***Fees are subject to change

W332: MSc in Urban Design & Planning

Master of Science



Full-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The MSc Urban Design and Planning is aimed at graduates from a variety of disciplinary and professional backgrounds wishing to specialise in urban design. 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.