Building and Urban Design in Development

Build the future from the ground up with the MSc in Building and Urban Design in Development at University College London. This innovative programme is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by developing countries in creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive built environments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore the essential principles and practices of architecture, urban planning, and development, with a particular focus on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to design adaptable urban systems and buildings that meet the diverse needs of communities. Informed by both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, the programme equips students with advanced knowledge in areas such as low-cost construction, urban regeneration, infrastructure development, and climate resilience. Engagement with real-world projects and collaborations with international agencies provide invaluable hands-on experience, fostering innovative solutions tailored to the unique contexts of developing regions. Taught by leading academics and industry experts, the course combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and site visits, ensuring a comprehensive educational journey. Graduates of this programme are prepared to work in a variety of settings including NGOs, government agencies, international development organizations, and consultancy firms, contributing to the sustainable development of urban environments worldwide. With its global perspective and emphasis on practical impact, the MSc in Building and Urban Design in Development embodies UCL’s commitment to applying academic excellence to address pressing global challenges and improve quality of life through better built environments.

The programme will equip students with a political economy understanding of space; a comprehension of the needs, abilities, aspirations and forms of resistance of urban dwellers; the ability to respond with strategically co-ordinated proposals to leverage local abilities to meet local needs; and an ability to critically engage with the practice of urban design and architecture in developmental processes – particularly in the Global South.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a development and planning report (60 credits).

Core modules

• Transforming Local Areas: Urban Design for Development
• Participatory Process: Building for Development
• The BUDD Studio: Building and Urban Design Practice

Optional modules

• Critical Urbanism Studio I. Learning from Informality: Case studies and alternatives
• Critical Urbanism Studio II: Investigative Design Strategies for Contested Spaces
• Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities
• Post Disaster Recovery: Policies, Practices and Alternatives
• Housing Policy, Programme and Project Alternatives
• Housing as Urbanism: Housing Policy and the Search for Scale
• Adapting Cities to Climate Change in the Global South
• The Political Ecology of Environmental Change
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Services in Development
• Urban Water and Sanitation, Planning and Politics
• Social Policy and Citizenship
• Gender in Policy and Planning
• The City and its Relations: Context, Institutions and Actors in Urban Development Planning
• Urban Development Policy, Planning and Management: Strategic Action in Theory and Practice
• Transport Equity and Urban Mobility
• Industrialisation and Infrastructure
• Food and the City
• Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: Knowledge Systems in the Global South
• NGOs and Social Transformation

Please note, the availability of some modules may be dependent on student numbers

Dissertation/report

All MSc students submit a 10,000-word report on a topic related to the main themes of the programme. The topic can be chosen to enhance career development or for its inherent interest.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminar presentations, group exercises and workshops. The BUDD studio includes a fieldwork project in 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 field project. Assessment is through coursework, design work, written examinations and the 10,000-word report.

The normal minimum qualifications are a good second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
A second acceptable 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.

The Building and Urban Design in Development Master's program at University College London offers a comprehensive overview of financial aspects related to urban development projects. Although specific details about tuition fees and funding opportunities are not provided directly on the program's webpage, UCL generally offers a range of financial support options for prospective students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's fee status and residency; international students typically pay higher fees compared to domestic students. For the current academic year, master's program fees at UCL generally range from approximately £20,000 to £30,000 for international students, with domestic students paying lower rates.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries, and loan options available through UCL, the UK government, and external funding bodies. UCL offers several scholarships specifically for international students, which can significantly offset the costs. Additionally, students pursuing this master's program may consider applying for funding from development agencies, heritage organizations, or industry partnerships, which sometimes provide financial support for students engaged in development and urban design research. Prerequisites for financial aid eligibility often include academic merit, project proposals, or financial need.

Apart from tuition fees, students should consider additional expenses such as accommodation, study materials, travel, and insurance. UCL provides guidance and resources to help students estimate living costs in London and plan accordingly. Many students adopt a combination of personal savings, part-time work, and funding support to finance their studies. The university's Careers Service also offers advice on part-time employment options suitable for postgraduate students, as well as internships and project funding opportunities.

International students are advised to start their financial planning early by liaising with UCL's Student Funding Service and reviewing the recent updates on available financial packages. It is important to note that funding availability and criteria can change annually, so prospective students should consult the official UCL website or contact the admissions office for the latest information. Overall, financing for the Building and Urban Design in Development program encompasses a mixture of university scholarships, government loans, private funding, and personal resources, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to pursue advanced studies in urban development and design disciplines.

The MSc Building and Urban Design in Development at University College London (UCL) is a distinctive postgraduate program that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex challenges related to the built environment in developing countries. This interdisciplinary course integrates principles of architecture, urban planning, and development to foster sustainable and innovative solutions for urbanizing regions. Students explore topics such as urban planning theories, design strategies, socio-economic factors, environmental considerations, and construction techniques relevant to the global south. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through design studios, case studies, and project work, enabling participants to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, students collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, including architecture, planning, engineering, and development studies, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. The curriculum also covers policy frameworks, governance, community participation, and cultural sensitivities that influence urban development initiatives. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in international agencies, governmental bodies, NGOs, and consultancy firms, contributing to policies and projects that promote equitable and resilient urban environments. The program benefits from UCL’s strong links with industry partners and fieldwork opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience. Overall, the MSc Building and Urban Design in Development aims to produce forward-thinking professionals capable of making impactful contributions to the sustainable development of cities in developing regions around the world.