Urban Design, BA Hons
Study an urban design degree to explore the design of cities, from urban strategies to architectural interventions, addressing concerns of environmental justice and urban equity.
This new urban design degree explores the speculative design of future cities and urbanisation, informed by site-focused research, within specific local, regional and global contexts. You'll discover more about ecological justice and urban inequalities, from urban strategies to architectural interventions.
The course brings together three distinct areas. One is a focus on inventive design projects, from future cities to historic urban precedent. Second is ecological justice and urban equity, which is how we make environmental and social issues the main priority when designing cities. We explore shared public spaces, who has access to these, how the wider city is developed, and how fair this development is. Third, we address urban change across vast scales of space (planetary to material) and time (from daily lives to generational struggles).
UCAS points
120 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
K302 G BA/UD
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School
Location
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 5 years part-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2023/24
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
You will be taught by an experienced team of Urban Design experts in small classes in the world-class facilities of the Stockwell Street building. Teaching is informed by research and practice, from urban design, social justice and environmental consultancy to horticulture, living wall, and green roof research. About the staff team.Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
For entry in September 2023, you will require:
- 120 UCAS points from A-Levels (we also accept UCAS points from alternative Level 3 qualifications including: BTEC Nationals, the International Baccalaureate and Scottish and Irish Highers)
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. We also consider equivalent qualifications in English and Maths at Level 2 in place of GCSEs.
At both Level 2 and Level 3, Art and Design subjects are preferred but are not a requirement.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Further information about entry
Please note: All applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio of art/design work and to attend an online or on-campus interview.
If you have any query on - and for more information about - our entry requirements, please contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or call 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For entry: applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This varies depending on level of study and where modules are shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. You can use our Stockwell Street Library and online resources to support you in these activities.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
In a typical week, you receive around 16 contact hours, which are split between design studio, with 1-to-1 tutorials, as well as lectures and seminars.
The design studio is the focus of the course, where you will develop projects. Other modules of lectures and seminars will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
Study visits are a core part of the learning, visiting places to understand the nature of the city. Local study visits as part of courses are complimented with optional study visits abroad.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Part time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2023/24 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Trips: Any compulsory field trips are funded by the school. Trips organised by the programme team are not compulsory, but you bear the costs if you choose to attend.
Resources: You will produce portfolios of large format plots plus CNC/3D printed models etc. Costs will vary but could reach £250 a year for printing, £100 for model making, and £50 for visiting the sites.
Software: We provide Adobe software and Lynda.com online video tutorials. You will also have access to Nvivo, SPSS Modeler and SPSS Amos. Any licenses for software outside of our range will come at your own cost.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
In the second year, there is a module that is designed to help you gain experience with professional practices. Our team works with urban design, landscape architecture and architecture practices to support this work experience.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The course prepares graduates for opportunities as urban designers, within urban planning and design studios, architecture, or landscape architecture practices. Graduates can also expect to gain opportunities with government agencies, local authorities, and NGOs.
Do you provide employability services?
Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and Employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer who provides specific opportunities relevant to your own course. They work closely with professionals in industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the workplace and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
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