Prospective Students

Urban Design (MA)

Course Aims:

To offer knowledge and expertise in key ideas and approaches to urban design; approaches to appraising and understanding the context for urban design interventions; the aims of developers and the operation of development processes, and their impact on urban design endeavours; the history of urban form; design processes; urban design outputs and products; three-dimensional thinking and the ability to creatively manipulate space; the ability to critically appraise developments; the ability to analyse the qualities of localities and places and respond to complex and often contradictory community aspirations for change in the built environment; the ability to conceptualise and draw development proposals at the district, neighbourhood and block scales; the ability to test developments for their sustainability, economic viability and acceptability to a wide constituency.

Course Description:

The course starts with Urban Design Foundation (10 credits) during the first 4 weeks. This introduces students to basic concepts and techniques. Following this students study theoretical/knowledge based modules Urban Design Thinkers (20 credits) and Research Methods and Techniques (10 credits) and they also work on Studio 1 (30 credits). In semester 2 students carry on with Research Methods and Techniques, and start the module Design Guidance and Control (20 credits). They also start Studio 2 (30 credits).

Taught modules are followed by a four-month period of individual study directed towards the 60 credit Research Based Design Project.

At the start of the programme there will be a visit to a UK city to explore recent urban design and development initiatives. At Easter students will participate in a European field trip.

Assessment: 100% coursework, including two major design studios and the research based design project.

For further details, please visit www.rtpi.org.uk or Urban Design (ARCHI) for more course and module information

Classes are run on Tuesdays and Thursday each week. Students work in design studio on Tuesdays, and have other modules on Thursdays.

Special Features:

• Recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• All the design modules are complemented/re-inforced by field visits.
• Strong links are established with practice in all stages of the course.

Entry Requirements:

A First or Second Class class Honours degree in an appropriate subject is usually required. The course is suitable for graduates in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Design and Engineering. Graduates from other disciplines will be considered for entry.

All applicants will be required to demonstrate a competency in graphics or design by way of a portfolio.

A minimum standard in English language of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent will be required from students whose first language is not English. No offers will be made until the IELTS score has been submitted with the application.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

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Funding:

Cardiff School of City and Regional Planning is able to offer a scholarship (for reduction in programme fees) of £500 to all Cardiff University Undergraduate UK/EU students progressing to postgraduate taught programmes and studying full-time. For progressing Cardiff University Undergraduate UK/EU students studying part-time a scholarship of £250 is available for each year of the course.

The fees below are those before bursaries have been deducted

• Visit our Open Evening on 9 February and find out more about Cardiff University

Next intake: September 2012

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