Building and Urban Design in Development MSc
University College London
Student rating
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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

UCL (University College London)

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

UCL (University College London)

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

UCL (University College London)

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Civil Engineering
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Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design
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Architecture
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Course info

An intensive 12 month programme that immerses students in the critical theory and practice of urban design. It is designed to recalibrate mainstream practices towards a new mode of inquiry and action, one that centres on the political relevance and social processes of design towards a transformative just and sustainable urbanism. The programme is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminar presentations, group exercises and workshops. The Building and Urban Design in Development ...Read more

An intensive 12 month programme that immerses students in the critical theory and practice of urban design. It is designed to recalibrate mainstream practices towards a new mode of inquiry and action, one that centres on the political relevance and social processes of design towards a transformative just and sustainable urbanism. The programme is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminar presentations, group exercises and workshops. The Building and Urban Design in Development (BUDD) MSc includes an overseas practice engagement with an urban reality of the Global South, developed in partnership with local organisations, networks of communities, slum dweller federations, universities and governments alike. Students are encouraged to explore different tools, concepts and ideas throughout the programme and test these during the practice engagement. Assessment is through coursework, design work, written examinations and the 10,000-word report.

Careers

The programme enables graduates to work in NGOs and local government – facilitating community organisations and households to improve their living conditions. Graduate destinations range from UK-based organisations in the public, private and community sectors, to governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, which operate in a development capacity in the South. Recent graduates have also been employed by international NGOs and aid and development agencies and architectural and design practices. Some graduates return to their home countries and engage in urban design and architecture practice, teaching, or research of urban development there; others have successfully sought employment away from their own countries.

Key stats

Civil Engineering
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
10th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
9th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
09 Jan 20

Super..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
08 Jan 20

love..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

The normal minimum qualifications are a good second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Consideration will also be given if the qualification is a degree of lower than second-class Honours standard, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in a subject appropriate to the programme, plus relevant work experience. Applicants who do not hold a first degree may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to the programme if they are able to demonstrate considerable senior-level professional experience in planning or a related field.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£19,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£31,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£31,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Urban Studies reviews

Urban Studies
Urban Studies
Building Design / Architecture
SR
Student Reviewer
09 Jan 20
Super...
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SR
Student Reviewer
08 Jan 20
love...
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How Urban Studies students rated:

Student rating
( 3.7) 7 reviews
5 star
15%
4 stars
57%
3 stars
14%
2 stars
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1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 704 reviews
5 star
28%
4 stars
58%
3 stars
13%
2 stars
1%
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Uni info

University College London
University College London , London

UCL (University College London) is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world, conducting leading research across...

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
9th
University College London
Gower Street London Camden WC1E 6BT United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Euston  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.2 miles away
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