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.

Stage 1 Core Modules

ARCT40680 Postgraduate Studio Autumn 15

PLAN40630 Planning Methods, Skills & Techniques Autumn 10

ARCT40660 Street Life: Urban Design, an Introduction Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

ARCT40690 Urban Design Studio Spring 15

ARCT41240 Urban Resilience and Ethics Spring 5

PLAN40570 Conservation and Placemaking Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)30CR:

REQUIRED SUMMER OPTION: THESIS OR INTERNSHIP - ALL students must select from the following Required Options: Either a Thesis module PLAN40210 Design Thesis (30cr), OR PLAN40240 Thesis OR PLAN40600 Internship (20cr) PLUS PLAN40590 Practice Based Project (10cr); PLEASE NOTE that internships are assigned on a competitive basis and the number of internships available in any given year may vary. On this basis, ALL students must select either PLAN40210 Design Thesis (30cr), OR PLAN40240 Thesis in the first instance. Once internships are assigned in Spring Trimester, those offered places can be manually dropped from their Thesis module, and registered to both PLAN40600 Internship and PLAN50590 Practice Based Project by the College Office upon confirmation by the Programme Director. Students who are not offered an internship will remain registered to undertake their choice of Thesis module.



PLAN40210 Design Thesis Summer 30

PLAN40240 Thesis Summer 30

PLAN40590 Practice Based Project Summer 10

PLAN40600 Internship Summer 20



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

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 for further information. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time

Delivery: On Campus

W332: MSc in Urban Design & Planning Master of Science

Commencing September 2026

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.