Master in Urban Design

At Cardiff University, tuition costs 29,950 GBP per year.

Urban Design MA at Cardiff University

This master's programme is Urban Design (MA). It lasts for 1 year. The yearly tuition is 29,950 GBP. The language of instruction is English. Cardiff University is in Cardiff.

What You Will Study

This course prepares students for a career in urban design. It uses studio learning that connects theory and real-world skills. Students learn foundational concepts and analytical tools. They develop digital design skills for practice. The programme teaches how to conduct urban design analysis. Students learn to interpret urban form and activity. They communicate design insights visually and textually. The course explores developing design interventions. These are tested through iterative design work in a studio. Students learn from theory, practice, and precedent studies.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need a 2:2 honours degree. The degree must be in a relevant subject. Examples include architecture, geography, or urban planning. An equivalent international degree is also accepted. Students must provide an IELTS certificate. The score must be 6.5 overall. All sub-skills must have a score of 6.0. Evidence of an accepted equivalent is also accepted.

Course Details and Fees

The programme is full time. It starts on 28 September 2026. The duration is 1 year. The yearly tuition fee is 29,950 GBP. The course is delivered at the Welsh School of Architecture. It is also linked to the School of Geography and Planning.

Cardiff University, established in 1883 and located in the capital of Wales, is a research-led institution with a global reputation for high-quality, innovative scholarship. Home to more than 33,000 students, including over 9,000 international students from more than 100 countries, the university offers a vibrant, multicultural campus within a dynamic city. Teaching is informed by cutting-edge research, ensuring students learn from academic leaders who are active in advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.

The university provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties, with roughly 266 programs available that span the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health disciplines. Cardiff emphasizes a student-centered approach, offering strong academic support, opportunities for study abroad, and industry partnerships that help students gain practical experience. Many undergraduates benefit from international exchanges and placements that enhance employability and global perspective.

Cardiff’s civic mission prioritizes community engagement, sustainability, and public good, with initiatives that contribute to regional health, wealth, and wellbeing. The campus environment supports extracurricular involvement, research internships, and student societies that enrich campus life. For international applicants seeking a research-intensive university in a welcoming capital city, Cardiff combines academic rigor, global connections, and extensive support services to help students thrive.