Why this course?
Recent data and predictions on the forthcoming rate of urbanisation make cities the most common living environment now and in the future. What kind of life will it be for the seven billion people who will live in existing or developing cities? Cities hold tremendous potential, but at the same time are sources of stress, inequalities and pollution.
In 2015, the United Nations recognised this through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which included 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Goal 11 is dedicated to urban settlements, with the aim to 'Make Cities Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable'.
This means that getting the design of cities right has never been so important. The questions are: what kind of design should we adopt, and who should be in charge? Our course explicitly addresses these questions, and teaches how to design responsive, resilient, sustainable cities for all their inhabitants, thus preparing socially responsible urban design professionals of the future.
This innovative course is based on the Urban Design Studies Unit's cutting-edge research in design, urban analytics, morphology and theory.
Study with us
•study theories and approaches to the design and management of the city in relation to current and predicted urban challenges
•designed for both students and practitioners, the course treats the city as a complex, dynamic system
work in a multidisciplinary, international and design-centred learning environment where ideas and theories will be tested through design, via live commissions with clients
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
University of Strathclyde
McCance Building,
16 Richmond Street,
Glasgow,
Glasgow, City Of,
G1 1XQ, SCOTLAND, Scotland
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Home to around 30,000 students from over 140 countries, the university is located in the heart of Glasgow – a vibrant economic and commercial centre.