Study Urban Design Abroad

Explore urban design programs abroad

Urban design degrees abroad

With more people living and working in cities than ever before, the global demand for urban designers has skyrocketed. Urban designers are responsible for shaping the arrangement of urban spaces and facilities so that they’re safe, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing.

You’ll learn how to devise urban spaces that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of citizens. As well as studying the theory and processes behind effective urban design, you’ll put what you’ve learned into practice by working on real-world briefs. You’ll examine contemporary issues in the sector, like efficiency, sustainability, and overpopulation, and offer creative solutions to manage these challenges.

Studying abroad will take your knowledge of urban design to the next level. Not only will you get to experience some of the world’s most beautiful towns and cities, but you’ll also learn how to modify your designs according to different geographical landscapes, environmental conditions, structural requirements, and population needs.

Urban design program structure

It’s possible to study urban design as a three or four-year bachelor’s degree, but these programs are offered at a limited number of universities. If you choose to study as an undergraduate in the US, you’ll declare a major in urban design after the second year of your four-year degree.

You’re much more likely to find master’s programs in urban design. To be accepted onto a master’s course, you must already have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, like architecture or town planning. You can study full-time over one year, or part-time over two.

If you’re eager to further build your knowledge, MPhil and PhD programs are offered at several institutions. You’ll conduct a piece of research that contributes to the academic study of urban planning over several years.

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, design studios, and field trips. Assessment methods include design projects, presentations, essays, and reports.

The content of your program will be determined by the university and elective modules you choose. However, most institutions cover these core units:

Urban design processes
Urban design thinkers
Urban policy and planning
Environmental sustainability
Historic and modern architecture
Public management
Research methods and techniques
Contemporary challenges and debates in urban design

Alternative urbanism degrees

Urban Planning

Best countries to study urban design

- Ireland
- UK
- USA
- Australia
- Lebanon

Best universities to study urban design

See all universities offering urban design programs

How to study urban design abroad

Universities & programs
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations
Application assistance
Be guided through your application process
Visa & embassy guidance
Maximise your chances of being granted a visa
Enrollment & travel advice
Get support all the way to your first day at university

Speak to a personal advisor (free service)

Urban design study abroad programs

Urban design graduate programs

Future urban design careers

As an urban design graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to launch your career in almost any corner of the world.

Your eye for detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills will be transferable to countless roles across public, private, and voluntary sectors, but here are some of the positions you’d be most suited to:

Urban designer
Town/city planner
Politician
Landscape architect
Housing officer
Transport planner
Planning and development surveyor
Sustainability consultant

If you’re unsure of what direction to head in after graduation, drop into your university’s careers office. They can help you map out your ambitions, find work experience, and write your resume.

Explore urban design programs abroad

Bachelor's programs inurban design

Master's programs inurban design

PhD programs inurban design