MUD Urban Design

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Master's degree

Study Discipline: Architecture & Design

Study Programme Details

City: Johannesburg

Country: South Africa

Admission Sessions: Summer Session

Study Format: Part Time

Mode of Study: Fully on Site

Programme Type

Master's degree

Duration

24 Months

Scholarship Available

Yes

Language

English

About this Study Course

Embark on a transformative journey with the Urban Design Masters program at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. This interdisciplinary studio-based think tank is a dynamic hub for exploring design visions, strategies, and solutions tailored to the unique challenges of cities and towns, particularly drawing lessons from the globalizing cities of the South. Immerse yourself in a two-year part-time program that not only nurtures your creative prowess but also equips you with the insights needed to shape the urban landscapes of the future.

Overview

The Urban Design Masters at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, unfolds as a two-year part-time exploration into the intricacies of urban design. Focused on the design of cities in South and Southern Africa while drawing inspiration from global precedents, this program stands at the intersection of architecture, planning, landscape architecture, and other relevant disciplines. Dive into the diverse and complex context of urban environments, understanding how spaces operate socially, culturally, politically, and economically. Our core theoretical courses are seamlessly applied in design studios, offering a practical and well-rounded approach to urban design education.

Admission Requirements

Qualifying Degree: Hold an NQF level 8 or higher degree in architecture, urbanism, urban planning, landscape architecture, or related fields. Applicants from other disciplines may apply with additional justification.
Academic Performance: Achieve an overall weighted average mark of 60% or greater across final-year courses in the highest degree.
Documentation: Submit a portfolio of design work, a statement of purpose, comprehensive CV, 2 letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all degrees attended.
Additional Requirements: Applicants from non-design backgrounds must provide a written statement explaining their prior engagement with design disciplines or a focused intent for future engagement.
Foreign Applicants: Provide a certificate of foreign qualification evaluation from SAQA and proof of successful English proficiency test.

To stimulate the enquiry into the urban condition, addressing it through creative design solutions and reporting on it through a comprehensive research process;
To strengthen intellectual growth and the capacity to develop creative and responsible solutions to unique and changing urban challenges;
To ensure that the student acquires the individual capabilities and confidence in their design methodology for the practice of urban design;
The production of a self-motivated urban design research report, integrating theory, research, design, technology, analysis, representational skills, and proposed implementation.

The fee for this programme is 82850ZAR

Future Career Outcomes

As a graduate of the Urban Design Masters program, you’re poised for a future where your skills contribute to shaping the urban fabric. Opportunities abound in municipal planning departments, private design firms, research institutions, and government agencies. Your ability to navigate the complexities of urban spaces positions you as a valuable asset, with potential career outcomes ranging from spearheading sustainable urban projects to influencing policies that shape the cities of tomorrow.