Urban Design (MA)

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Cardiff University

Comments about Urban Design (MA) - At the institution - Cardiff - Cardiff - Cardiff - Wales

• Objectives
  To offer knowledge and expertise in key ideas in 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.
• Entry requirements
  Entry Requirements:
  
  A First or Second Class class UK 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.
  
  Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to pass either IELTS/TOEFL exams, obtaining a minimum score of IELTS band 6.5 or 570 in TOEFL (230 for computer-based marking).
• Academic title
  Urban Design (MA)
• Course description
  Course Description:
  
  The course is divided into 6 compulsory modules worth 20 credits which run for 8 weeks each, occupying the two semesters between September and June. The modules are divided between those that have theoretical/knowledge base and those which have a design studio focus.  Students studying on the full-time route will undertake both types of module concurrently. 
  
  A part-time route allows students to come in for one day per week and receive all necessary tuition, and the modules are arranged to alternate between theoretical and studio work to provide a balance of content and learning experience.
  
  Taught modules are followed by a four-month period of individual study directed towards a 60 credit research dissertation, design guidance research project or design project.
  
  The course will include two induction weeks where students will develop their graphic, presentation and CAD skills, and also participate in a short orientation field trip.
  
  At the start of the final group of modules, students will participate in a European field trip. This will be used as a basis for design work in the module Design Studio: Urban Block and Public Space Design.
  
  Course is run jointly with the Welsh School of Architecture.
  Assessment:
  
  100% coursework, including three design studios and a research project
  
  Special Features:
  
      * Recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a 'specialist' Master's for those who have completed at least a three-year RTPI recognised undergraduate degree in planning, allowing completion of the RTPI's educational requirements for membership.
      * Includes a study visit designed to inform the Design Studio: Urban Block and Public Space module.

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