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      Study urban design abroad

      An in-depth guide to studying urban design as an international student.

      Find urban design programs

      Explore urban design programs abroad

      See 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.

      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

      Best countries to study urban design

      Best universities to study urban design

      See all universities offering urban design programs

      How to study urban design abroad

      1. University & program search

        Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

      2. Application guidance

        We'll get you to the right place to start your application

      3. Visa & travel advice

        Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

      Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Urban design study abroad programs

      Urban design graduate programs

      Master's in urban design

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        Urban Design - MUD Arizona State University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        29,168 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 29,168 USD

        Start date
        August
        Show program overview about Urban Design
      • false

        Urban Design - MSc University College Dublin, Ireland

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        30 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 25 EUR

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Urban Design
      • false

        Urban Design - MUD American University of Beirut, Lebanon

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        30,060 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 30,060 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Urban Design
      • false

        Urban Design (by coursework) - MSc RMIT University, Australia

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        32,332 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 41,820 AUD

        Start date
        February, July
        Show program overview about Urban Design (by coursework)
      • false

        Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design - MSc University of Dundee, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        23,594 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design
      See all master's degrees in 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.