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Study urban design abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect urban design programs abroad

Find urban design programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in urban design

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.

Why use Studee?

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  3. We assess within 48hrs

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Carbon compensation - We'll plant trees in your name to compensate for the carbon generated by all your flights to and from university.

All our services are 100% free as we're funded by universities. You pay deposits and tuition fees directly to the university.

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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

Urban Design study abroad programs

Urban design undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in urban design

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    Urban Design - BUD Florida Atlantic University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,192 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, May, August
    Show program overview about Urban Design

Urban design graduate programs

Master's in urban design

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    Architecture: Urban Design - MSc New York Institute of Technology, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    48,600 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Architecture, Urban Design, M.S.
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    Urban Design - MUD RMIT University, Australia

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    48,960 AUD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Master of Urban Design
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    Urban Design - MSc University of Colorado Denver, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    44,744 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Master of Urban Design
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    Urban Design and Planning - MA London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,900 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Urban Design and Planning
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    Urban Design (Tempe Campus) - MUD Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International), USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    43,044 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Urban Design, MUD

Certificate in urban design

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    Urban Design - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,891 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January, May
    Show program overview about Urban Design

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.