The MA Urban Design programme provides advanced postgraduate training for design professionals in architecture and the built environment (landscape architects, environmental designers, strategic planners, etc) who wish to engage with cities and urban landscapes through multidisciplinary design practice and research.
Students undertake design projects at various scales and themes, ranging from strategic frameworks to site-specific interventions, and from landscape design to housing typologies. Our interdisciplinary and synthetic approach is guided by ecologically-minded design principles rooted in real-world scenarios. This is further enriched by the programme's close relationship with the LI-accredited MLA and strategic partnerships with innovative design practices across London and beyond.
In 2024–2025, we launched a collaboration with leading design form Stantec London, continuing our tradition of offering students hands-on experience that bridges academic learning with real-world urban challenges.
Mode | Duration | Attendance | Start date |
---|---|---|---|
Full time | 1 year | 2–3 days a week | September 2025 |
Part time | 2 years | 1–2 days a week | September 2025 |
Main Location | Kingston School of Art, Knights Park |
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
In this course, you will develop the technical and theoretical skills needed to understand and positively influence the design of our cities and the built environment. The course focuses on public spaces, patterns of habitation, green and blue infrastructures and adaptive urban strategies to foster sustainable and resilient cities.
You will explore these themes through a blend of rigorous design training, theoretical reflection and engagement with industry leaders, tailored to your personal interests and career aspirations.
30 credits
This module examines the concept of placemaking through design-led research and representation for a given site and brief. Emphasis is placed on identifying urban character, significant existing features and uses, the diversity of users, and the narratives of place-key elements that inform successful urban design interventions. The module explores materials and spatial qualities, as well as temporal changes and intangible social aspects that shape the use of space. A significant component involves studying precedent urban design projects as a learning tool.
30 credits
This module explores urban design across all relevant scales, from strategic planning and regional frameworks to site-specific interventions and detailed design resolutions. Students are encouraged to develop independent design proposals based on analysis and critical exploration, engaging in both individual work and group assignments. Through research and design exercises, the module engages students with key contemporary issues and agendas in urban design.
30 credits
This module explores the contexts and relationships of urban design practice, which are increasingly interdisciplinary, transnational, and inclusive of co-design and co-production. It highlights:
The module provides an overview of the diverse activities involved in urban design and related professions—from analysing the land and interpreting a brief to specific technical aspects such as ground modelling, drainage, surface materials, planting, microclimate, and lighting. It emphasises the selection and application of materials and techniques that address contemporary challenges and opportunities, such as flooding and resilience. Additionally, the module examines the ongoing maintenance, management, and stewardship of urban spaces through the lenses of appropriateness, ethics, and sustainability. Effective representation of information is explored through case studies and working drawings.
30 credits
This module introduces students to the research process and enables them to acquire a critical knowledge of the concept and theory of research methodologies and to develop a theoretical grounding and literacy in urban design, to support research-informed design practice. It provides students with practice of conducting research via secondary sources. The subject area is relevant for students of architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and texts are drawn from each of these disciplines. Much of the synthesis of the material will rely on seminar discussion and independent study. The module focus is the bringing together of different disciplines with the urban as forum for discussion, rather than the ‘built' form.
60 credits
The Masters Project serves as the capstone of the MA Urban Design programme, representing the culmination of the student's educational journey. This module provides an opportunity to explore a theme or interest that has emerged from previous coursework. With tutor guidance, students will develop an individual research question or project brief, defining a specific focus within the interdisciplinary field of urban design as both a research area and a practice.
The final output may vary but will include a precedent and literature review, as well as primary and secondary research relevant to the chosen theme. A design component will also be an integral part of the project.
The project will be presented in a format appropriate to its theme and intended audience, whether for publication, exhibition, or another medium. Students are encouraged to set ambitious agendas that address contemporary economic, environmental, and social challenges while defining their own goals within this dynamic field.
You'll be taught in classroom-based seminars, tutorials and lectures, alongside site visits to the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, museums, galleries, auction houses and other creative professional environments.
Teaching is delivered by a team of ambitious and creative design practitioners and researchers.
The team includes senior academics and professionals, many of whom have their own architectural practices and industry contacts.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Knights Park campus is situated on the Hogsmill River, with a restaurant and bar opening on to the waterside. The relatively small campus has a friendly, creative feel and includes a reception area with a gallery, art shop and the light and airy open-plan library.
We are proud to collaborate with leading design firm Stantec London in the context of our postgraduate Urban Design and Landscape Architecture modules. This partnership provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, connecting academic learning to real-world urban challenges.
Graduates of this course can work in a variety of sectors, including public, private, and non-profit organisations; as design practitioners in architectural/urban design/landscape architecture practices; as researchers in academia or in industry-based research and development sectors; and in consulting roles that value design thinking.
Many of the staff in the Kingston School of Art are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.