Urban Strategies and Design MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2027
Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Multiple campuses

Apply now

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About the degree programme

Jointly delivered by Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) and the Research Centre for Urban Studies at Heriot-Watt University, this programme builds on a trajectory of research and  knowledge development in urban studies in both institutions.

You will study the wide and diverse range of social, cultural, economic and political processes that influence the development of the contemporary urban environment. The programme also enables you to acquire the tools and skills to propose and develop urban projects of diverse scales and specificities, considering policy frameworks, design interventions and the role of people in shaping cities.

The programme seeks to address the gap between architecturally driven and planning driven urban design perspectives. It brings together a range of approaches relevant to urban design that are currently being developed within and across multiple professional and disciplinary practices.

Students on the programme come from a wide range of multidisciplinary backgrounds ranging from the Social Sciences, Humanities and Art to the Environmental Sciences and Engineering. They work collaboratively to understand how urban strategies and urban design approaches respond to contemporary urban transformations around economies, political approaches, physical constraints and social networks.

You will benefit from an academic environment, expertise and knowledge brought by researchers with international experience in a range of urban-related themes and geographical areas, showcasing a diversity of future challenges.

The city of Edinburgh offers a unique laboratory for the exploration of current urban design issues. Its renaissance to ‘Geddesian’ planning history and contemporary international planning pedagogy links to local urban institutions and bodies and provides a good platform from which to support student-led, context-based projects and dissertations.

Global Urban Research Collaborative

Study options

Thinking about studying MSc Urban Strategies and Design? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • Benefit from an interdisciplinary environment: our graduates come from a wide range of backgrounds including geography, architecture, landscape, social and political sciences, engineering and economics.
  • Engage with a diverse cohort of students coming from all corners of the world, who bring unique perspectives and experiences.
  • Our Research Alliance with Heriot-Watt University provides access to a vibrant community of researchers with renowned international expertise and to teaching, research and policy liaison expertise offered by two major institutions.
  • You will be prepared to go on to a career in urban design and planning, environmental consultancy, urban development, policy making or allied professions in both the private and the public sector, or to pursue doctoral study.
  • Broaden your existing specialist approach and develop skills in applying strategies for urban design interventions.

Coming from an architecture and design background, I wanted an academic space that successfully bridged theoretical urbanism, planning policy, and critical design. The MSc Urban Strategies and Design programme stood out as a uniquely holistic course that offered the intellectual flexibility I needed. It allowed me to explore the synthesis of people, policy, and spatial urbanism, ultimately giving me a versatile toolkit to shape my own career path.

Keertana Vunnava MSc Urban Strategies and Design, graduated 2025

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time
Full-time

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in the programme, you should budget an estimated amount of £50 per semester on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Equipment and software

Most required equipment and software will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including a laptop, headphones and SD cards.

Materials

You will be expected to buy general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will be expected to buy some specialist materials required by your courses, such as model making tools, model making materials, and drawing board.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work. Course organisers signpost sources of free materials and there are building and college-level material hubs to facilitate free reuse.

Printing

You will need to pay for the printing of drawings and reports, as required for testing, presentations and tutorials. You will also need to pay to print other documents as required by different courses.

Travel and accommodation

There are required travel costs associated with field trips and visits. You will need to pay for some local, national and/or international travel by public transport or air, and the cost of accommodation. 

You should budget an estimated amount of £300 if you choose to join the optional international trip.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as architecture, urban design and planning.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in writing, and 20 in all other components. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in writing and 4.0 in all other components. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in writing, and 169 in all other components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in writing, and 6 in all other components. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in writing, and 135 in all other components.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

During the Autumn semester, you will be based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus. You will learn four compulsory courses about:

  • urban design theory
  • urban design for health and wellbeing
  • spatial planning
  • spatial vision project

During the Spring semester, you will come into the central University of Edinburgh campus to develop an urban project (compulsory course) and you will choose your own elective course. You will have an opportunity to travel locally or internationally.

Following coursework completion, during the Summer semester you will write a research dissertation on an urban themed topic of your choice, guided by a supervisor expert in the field.

Images from MSc Urban Strategies and Design

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time
Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Field trips and visits are important learning tools, and they are widely used in urban design research and practice. Field work allows you to gain contextual knowledge and engage with specific communities. 

The city of Edinburgh offers an active urban laboratory for project and site visit exploration of current urban design issues. Students on this programme will have an opportunity to travel on site visits and trips to case study sites, both locally or internationally, to explore contextual issues related to specific course topics and briefs.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching on this programme is delivered through:

  • lectures, including guest speakers from policy and practice
  • seminar discussions
  • group and individual tutorials
  • excursions, field visits and trips
  • workshops

The programme encourages the adoption of a comprehensive approach to the delivery of socially sustainable urban transformation, for context-specific local and international interventions. 

You will be expected to work critically, work collaboratively with peers, and work individually in a self-directed manner supported by your tutors and supervisors. We promote a safe, inclusive and supportive peer-based learning environment in which helpful and constructive feedback can be shared across staff and students.

Assessment

Your work will always be assessed against clear learning outcomes, which are shared with you at the start of each course. Each course will offer a specific form of assessment and submission formats, including:

  • written reports
  • essays
  • studio projects
  • verbal presentations

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

You will be taught by academic researchers with international research experience, links, and interests in a range of urban-related themes and geographical areas.

Staff on this programme include:

Where you will study

Study location

The School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art is based in the heart of Edinburgh, within the University of Edinburgh central area. 

The Heriot Watt University Edinburgh campus offers an exceptional green and peaceful environment with ample space to think, play and enjoy, within easy reach of the city centre.

You will be taught in teaching spaces, studios, lecture theatres, and seminar rooms within ECA and across both the University of Edinburgh central area and the Heriot Watt University Edinburgh campus.

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, due to finish in April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus: Edinburgh College of Art

Academic facilities

You will have access to a wide range of facilities, including:

  • dedicated workspaces
  • a range of study spaces and specialist classrooms
  • subject-specific libraries and special collections
  • extensive and well-equipped wood, metal and digital fabrication workshops
  • computing and media facilities, creator labs and printing suites

A wide range of amenities are found throughout our campuses:

  • student unions and bars
  • cafes
  • shops and art suppliers 

Students also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free.

Find out more about Facilities and resources at ECA

Career opportunities

Graduates in Urban Strategies and Design have career opportunities, locally and internationally, in a range of disciplines in the formal, public and private voluntary, and international development sector. Our previous graduates have gone on to successful careers in disciplines such as:

  • urban planning and design
  • urban, regional and community development
  • environmental and strategic project management and consultancy
  • housing and regeneration policy 

The degree also offers a good foundation from which to develop research skills and interests in higher education through, for instance, doctoral study.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
13 September 2027 2 August 2027

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have sufficient time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. 

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. 

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

We aim to issue decisions within 6-8 weeks of receiving your completed application. During peak times it may take us slightly longer to issue your decision but please be assured we will confirm a decision as soon as we can.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions. 

With degrees in art, history of art, music, architecture and landscape architecture, and design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians. 

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices co-exist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.  

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement. 

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

Academic contact

Dr Ana Miret García

Programme Co-Director

  • Edinburgh College of Art
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Professor Harry Smith

Programme Co-Director

  • School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
  • Heriot-Watt University

Contact details

Professor Soledad García Ferrari

Deputy Programme Co-Director

  • Edinburgh College of Art
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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