MSc Urban Design in Belfield Ireland | University College Dublin

The School presents an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Urban Design (City Urbanist Masters) through research, launching in September 2023 to address growing national demand for 'City Urbanist' professionals. This program welcomes graduates from Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, and related fields with appropriate academic backgrounds. It aims to enhance students' theoretical knowledge, research capabilities, and practical urban design skills. With an international perspective, the curriculum explores emerging theories, global best practices, and case studies from Europe and worldwide, while also examining Ireland's urban landscape to develop tailored, innovative solutions. The program investigates urban design approaches to complex contemporary challenges, including climate-responsive design, participatory placemaking, political-economic factors, and the evolving specialization of urban designers. As Ireland's sole fourth-level Urban Design research master's, this UCD program has continually developed since its 1997 inception.

UCD's MSc Urban Design targets professionals with relevant experience or specialized urban design/urbanism research knowledge. Applicants typically submit samples of prior published or completed work during the application process.

The program's foundation rests on four core objectives:

establishing strong theoretical foundations in urban design
delivering thorough understanding of contemporary methods and practices
equipping students with practical urban design competencies, and
advancing urban design research within Ireland.