University of Westminster

The MA in Urban Design programme provides preparation for professionals entering urban design practice in a flexible format. This programme is designed to combine practical experience with advanced professional training, supported by a structured approach to theory and method. Much of the teaching is project based, exploring the urban context and design solutions at differing scales. The courses provide an opportunity to work collaboratively with people from differing backgrounds, including architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, transport planning and environmental design.

We offer three courses:

• The MA in Urban Design (part or full time) attracts highly motivated and students seeking a solid basis for urban design practice. It attracts mid-career professionals wishing to consolidate experience or specialise, as well as recent graduates from home and abroad.
• The Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design (part or full time) includes all the taught components of the MA but excludes the dissertation. It is attractive to students looking for a bridging course in urban design, especially those who already hold a master’s degree.
• The Postgraduate Certificate in Urban Design (part time only) provides practitioners in the urban environment with the essential skills to interface with urban design effectively. It is attractive to students who do not wish to commit to the full MA programme; some students this as an entry point and later transfer to the MA.

We also provide short courses, CPD and in-house training for private and public organisations, and independent students can take single modules.

The urban design academic staff undertakes related research on topics including the night-time city, crime and sustainable development. Funders range from major charities such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, to local authorities and other bodies. There is also a number of full-time and part-time PhD research students engaged on urban design topics.