Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
16 Sep 2024
Urban design recognises architecture and the city as a collective form of knowledge. It brings together professionals from a range of backgrounds who share a passion for improving the design of our urban environments.
Whether you have studied urban design, architecture, interdisciplinary design or planning, this course will enable you to network with practitioners, planners, architects and landscape architects to explore the role of urban design in the city.
This course will employ a research-by-design approach to understanding national and international cities. You will study governance as a spatial design concern and will gain a deep understanding of the formation of the city within diverse political, economic, social and cultural contexts. By developing your ability to apply theory to practice, you will appreciate the complexity of creating spaces across different structural layers.
You will study the latest methods and design theories relating to urban environments, exploring the development and resolution of projects and focusing on achieving environmental sustainability. Working with landscape architecture and town planning students, you will also address briefs provided by external clients, developing your ability to work as part of a team and making a significant contribution to innovative designs.
During your advanced modules, you will have the option to choose a design-focused research project which addresses alternatives to mainstream paths and ethical concerns, or you may wish to take the research pathway looking at urban themes in connection with interdisciplinary practice, social sciences and design.
For examples of the work produced in our architecture studios, check out our Leeds School of Arts website, our End of Year Show Guide 2019, or our 2019 Research Yearbook; Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4 & Volume 5. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
INSIDE/OUT
The INSIDE/OUT lecture series offers historical, theoretical and critical analyses of art, architecture and design and welcomes internationally recognised practitioners to come and talk about their practice. Find out about forthcoming events on the INSIDE/OUT webpage.
This is a flexible studio-based course which will give you the opportunity to work and learn with students from a range of backgrounds, sharing experiences and building professional networks. There will be opportunities to attend activities such as the Architecture Open Lecture Series, symposia, workshops and interdisciplinary related events alongside fellow architecture and landscape students.
We have links across the industry, from local authority planning departments to urban design and landscape architecture practices. The course is also accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute and will prepare you for professional membership.
The course will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with extensive practice-based experience. Visiting professionals will also share their experience and expertise by leading sessions
You will benefit from a range of field trips and our new multi-media studios equipped with computers, pin-up areas and dedicated desk areas. In addition, you will have access to the school 3D model shop and a 24/7 library.
Why study Urban Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- Course accredited by the Royal Town Planning institute
- Study the latest methods and design theories relating to urban environments, exploring the development and resolution of projects and focusing on achieving environmental sustainability
- Flexible studio-based course which will give you the opportunity to gain experience and build professional networks
- Leeds Beckett University is home to Project Office, our own in-house RIBA chartered architectural practice
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses and 170 years of inspiring, challenging and innovative practices
- Take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the the school; gain access to a vast range of ideas, skills and facilities which will allow you to shape your practice to suit you
An example of MA Urban Design student work Peter Livings - Milton Keynes Site visits and Model making
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Town Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Engineering Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Graphic Design or Visual Arts, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Town Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Engineering Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Graphic Design or Visual Arts, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
This module establishes the need for systematic understanding and creative analysis of urban environments as a prerequisite for design. It will challenge you to apply theories and select analytical techniques to imaginatively communicate site-based group work and urban design analysis on a given site.
Develop a critical awareness of interdisciplinary skills and practises necessary to advance emergent urban design practices via a design project.
Building on the project themes instigated in Design Studio One, you will develop a research informed urban design project via experimental and contextual analysis and design strategies.
This module will introduce a range of practice-based and theoretical research methods. These methods will inform your specialist practice in urban design and will provide the requisite skills to enable you to write your reflective practice submission.
This module considers the unprecedented scale and complexity of conditions that are shaping the urban environment globally, creating the need for a critical evaluation of the methods, tools, and design culture that surrounds the practice of urban design.
Carry out an in-depth study of an urban design topic of your choice which develops your personal interests and reflects your career aspirations.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,900
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,900
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including 3D workshop and multi-media design studios with a dedicated CAD suite and specialist software
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) student membership
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- External printing for final reports (£60)
- Design studio site visits and study trips, various options including overseas trip (£60-600)
- Stationery / model-making materials (£150)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including 3D workshop and multi-media design studios with a dedicated CAD suite and specialist software
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) student membership
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Essential Costs
- External printing for final reports (£60)
- Design studio site visits and study trips, various options including overseas trip (£60-600)
- Stationery / model-making materials (£150)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Hyun Jun Park
Course Director / Leeds School Of Arts
Hyun Jun Park is a practitioner, writer, curator, and Course Director of Postgraduate Architecture at the Leeds School of Architecture.
architecture research group
Our research themes include building performance and energy, civil engineering water research, spatial and neighbourhood planning and architectural history and theory. All our research is linked closely to industry through partnerships and professionally supported activities.
Career Prospects
We will encourage you to engage in the diverse landscapes of this sector and address the wide range of tasks that urban design practitioners participate in. Having successfully completed this course, you could go on to work in a private urban design practice within an architect’s practice specialising in urban design, or in planning for local authorities.
- Urban designer (public sector)
- Urban designer (private consultancy)
- Urban designer (voluntary sector)
- Urban designer (research and teaching)
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
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