Master in Urban Design

Prepare for your future urban design career through integrated and applied studio learning that connects theory, real‑world skills, and live development contexts. rosette Industry recognised Recognised as a RTPI specialist-accredited degree, plus with three years’ professional urban design experience you are eligible to apply for the Urban Design Group’s Recognised Practitioner designation. star Holistic studio approach Taught through an integrated studio model where theory, research, and creative practice are fused into a single learning experience. tick Highly ranked Delivered by Schools which rank among the top 50 in the world and top 10 in the UK in Planning and Architecture. briefcase Professional-led and skills linked Practitioner-led input and skills-based training develop professional competencies aligned with industry expectations. globe Real-world design contexts Engage in local site visits and an international field-study visit to hone your urban design skills. microchip Industry standard software Access to a range of specialist software, including AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite. Our Urban Design (MA) programme offers a robust pathway into professional design and planning practice while equipping you with the critical, creative, and analytical skills needed to address the complex challenges facing contemporary cities and regions. You’ll be taught the foundational concepts, analytical tools, and digital design skills required for advanced urban design practice, with support to progress confidently through our design-led curriculum. You’ll learn to conduct advanced urban design analysis, applying spatial concepts, frameworks, and techniques to interpret urban form and activity across multiple scales. You’ll also develop the ability to communicate design insights visually and textually through drawings, diagrams, maps, written analysis, and graphic outputs. Building on this analytical foundation, you’ll explore how to develop spatially grounded, contextually sensitive design interventions, testing ideas through iterative design work in a studio environment. This will be inspired by theory and practice, use precedent studies, evaluation, and comparative analysis to inform and refine your design work. Experiential learning enriches the programme: you’ll benefit from site visits, practitioner-led workshops, and an international field study visit, enabling you to engage directly with real-world design contexts and gain insight into innovative approaches to urban transformation across different cultural settings. Our professional accreditation by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) supports your progression to Associate or, depending on past educational experience, Chartered Planner status. The programme also makes you eligible to apply for the Urban Design Group’s Recognised Practitioner designation following at least 3 years professional urban design experience. ### Accreditations - Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) > "My time in the Urban Design (MA) programme at Cardiff University has been both academically rewarding and personally enriching. With a curriculum designed for diverse academic backgrounds, the programme is enriched by resourceful, supportive faculty and small-group studio sessions." Simheca Ilango Urban Design (MA 2023) Where you'll study