Urban Design (MRes) - 2012 entry

Course content

The MRes in Urban Design consists of compulsory modules, an additional module from an array of options, and the dissertation, representing 190 master's-level credits.

Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly, the modules you choose from may vary from those shown here.

The indicative core research methods modules include:

• The Philosophy of Research This unit aims to introduce students to the key debates and issues in research.  It builds skills in critically understanding a range of approaches to research and begins to build up their critical awareness of their own role as a researcher.  A key focus is to consider how to evaluate research and the factors that contribute to 'good' research. Finally the unit equips students with the essential skills to begin research such as: literature and library searches; reviewing books and articles and undertaking a literature review.

• Qualitative Methods and Inquiry by Design aims to build skills in critically understanding and applying a range of methods for the generation and analysis of qualitative and design-based data.  It further develops students’ skills in research design as well as introducing them to the practical application of research methods.  The unit covers particular methods such as  inquiry by design, in-depth interviewing and documentary analysis  as well as discussing key issues and debates in qualitative and  design research. Drawing on work carried out in the Department, students are given the opportunity to critically appraise examples of the application of these methods.
• Statistical Analysis Using SPSS aims to advance your knowledge of techniques of collecting primary and secondary data and carrying out a statistical analysis using SPSS. The module will develop further skills in social surveys and will appraise the different kinds of published data that are available. Data analysis will cover descriptive statistics together with methods of significance testing and multivariate analysis. The intention is to supply students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to critically conduct and appraise statistical methods and to communicate findings in a written report.
• Urban Design Studio is a studio project-based module in which students apply the theoretical and operational concepts of urban design to a 'live' study site. You work in groups to produce design policy, site analysis, site proposals at appropriate scales and design rationales for the site in question. Ideas are tested through a public exhibition of work in the locality under study and through feedback from local experts.  You are supported in this work by a series of tutorials with academic staff and professionals in practice. 
• Urban Design Practice is a studio workshop-based module that introduces students to the essential skills required by urban design professionals in order to deliver urban design solutions.  The studio workshop content includes site analysis, techniques for place making, space syntax as a design tools, economic feasibility, and sensory experience of places.
• Urban Design Theory I is a lecture- and seminar-based module in which you are introduced to the theoretical concepts underpinning current urban design practice approaches. The module includes the history and theory of urban design, the introduction of design approaches, and urban morphology. You are made aware of how urban form is produced and consumed and of the political and economic context of development. Subsequent lectures and seminars also cover urban movement frameworks looking at competition between different users of public space, and building typologies, density and character.
• Urban Design Theory II is structured around a core compulsory lecture series and a set of optional seminars from which you choose to attend two. Following the module Urban Design Theory I, this lecture and seminar-based module presents more detailed urban design theory and method. The module covers design for the sensory experience of space, problematic building types and mixed use, density issues, regeneration, guiding, and theory and practice. You are presented with a generic and contemporary issue. Working in a group, you then refine the issue and define terms of reference and methods of working. The specific topic varies from year to year reflecting current concerns, but could include cover coding and briefing for local identity, community design involvement, designing for distinctiveness or applying good urban design in relation to modern economic practice. 

You are also expected to attend urban design development seminars selected from a range of topics. The dissertation comprises the Research Design and Strategies module, and the dissertation itself.

The course is offered as an MRes (PGDip and PGCert, exit award only).

Faculty

Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment

Department

Department of Planning

Course length

Full-time: 12 months, concentrated with lectures and seminars delivered on two days per week
Part-time: 24 months

Teaching location

Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane

Start date

September 2012

UKPASS code

P027756

Entry requirements

The MRes in Urban Design attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applicants are welcome from any academic discipline, and from among those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Admission is normally open to those with an honours degree (or equivalent), a postgraduate diploma or an equivalent professional qualification.

Scholarships and funding

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Urban Design (MRes)

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities.

As well as being one of the most world's most famous centres for learning, Oxford is a city with great urban heritage and is within easy reach of London and other urban centres. Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.

In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our postgraduate students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library, the Bodleian Law Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Research excellence

The results of the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008 show that Oxford Brookes is a major player in international research in the fields of Architecture and the Built Environment and Town and Country Planning. They also show that the built environment departments at Brookes, which include the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as a primary research vehicle, are ranked fifth in the country in terms of research power.