BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
The BSc Acoustics and Music Technology program at The University of Edinburgh offers a ...
MSc Urban Strategies and Design
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Urban Strategies and Design program at the University of Edinburgh offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex challenges and opportunities facing contemporary cities, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and critical perspectives needed to engage with urban issues and contribute to sustainable urban development. The MSc Urban Strategies and Design program equips students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools, and practical skills to address the complex challenges facing contemporary cities and contribute to the creation of more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. Through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiences, graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions to urban policy, design practice, and community development initiatives worldwide.
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Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from urban planning, architecture, geography, sociology, economics, and environmental studies. Students explore the multifaceted nature of urbanization, examining the social, economic, environmental, and spatial dimensions of urban development.
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Critical Analysis of Urban Challenges: Through a series of core and elective courses, students critically analyze key urban challenges such as rapid urbanization, social inequality, housing affordability, transportation congestion, environmental degradation, and climate change resilience. They examine case studies from cities around the world, exploring diverse approaches to urban planning and design.
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Design Thinking and Urban Innovation: The program emphasizes design thinking and urban innovation, encouraging students to develop creative and sustainable solutions to urban problems. They engage in design studios, workshops, and collaborative projects, applying theoretical concepts to real-world urban contexts and developing innovative strategies for urban regeneration, placemaking, and community engagement.
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Urban Policy and Governance: Students explore urban policy and governance frameworks, analyzing the roles of government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and private sector actors in shaping urban development processes. They examine issues of urban governance, participatory planning, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making in the context of urban policy implementation.
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Professional Skills Development: The program enhances students' professional skills in research, analysis, communication, and project management, preparing them for careers in urban planning, design consultancy, public sector administration, non-profit organizations, or academia. They have opportunities to undertake internships, fieldwork, or collaborative projects with external partners, gaining practical experience and building professional networks.
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Global Perspectives on Urbanization: Students gain insights into urbanization trends and practices across different global contexts, studying cities in both developed and developing countries. They explore issues of urbanization in the Global South, megacity dynamics, informal settlements, cultural heritage preservation, and post-industrial urban transformations, gaining a nuanced understanding of urban diversity and complexity.
Location
Central Campus
Score
IELTS: 7
Tuition Fee
£ 29900
Postgraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduating from the MSc Urban Strategies and Design program at the University of Edinburgh opens up a diverse range of career opportunities in urban planning, design consultancy, policy-making, and research.
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Urban Planner/Designer: Graduates can pursue roles as urban planners or designers in public sector planning departments, private architectural firms, or urban design consultancies. They contribute to the development of urban design schemes, masterplans, and regeneration projects, applying their knowledge of design principles, spatial analysis, and community engagement to create livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments.
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Urban Policy Analyst/Researcher: With their understanding of urban governance, policy frameworks, and socio-economic dynamics, graduates can work as policy analysts or researchers for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutes. They analyze urban policies, evaluate their effectiveness, and propose evidence-based recommendations to address urban challenges such as housing affordability, transportation planning, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
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Community Development Officer: Graduates may pursue roles as community development officers or project managers, working with local communities, neighborhood associations, or grassroots organizations to empower residents and facilitate participatory planning processes. They engage in community outreach, stakeholder consultation, and capacity-building initiatives, fostering collaboration and collective action to address community needs and aspirations.
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Sustainability Consultant: Given the growing emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience in urban development, graduates can work as sustainability consultants or environmental planners, advising clients on sustainable building design, green infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and climate adaptation strategies. They conduct environmental assessments, develop sustainability plans, and support clients in achieving green building certifications and carbon reduction targets.
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Policy Advisor/Advocate: Graduates may pursue roles as policy advisors or advocates for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, or think tanks, influencing urban policy agendas and advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and equitable urban development. They conduct policy analysis, engage in advocacy campaigns, and mobilize public support for policy reforms that promote fairness, equity, and resilience in urban governance.
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Academic/Researcher: Some graduates choose to pursue further studies or academic careers, undertaking doctoral research or teaching positions in universities or research institutions. They contribute to the advancement of knowledge in urban studies, urban planning theory, and design research, conducting original research projects and publishing scholarly articles in academic journals.
