The creation of quality urban environments through good Urban Design is a vital component in Ireland's current settlement and housing strategies. The value of urban design as an integral part of the planning process is now widely acknowledged. Architecture in conjunction with Planning and Environmental Policy, offers an interdisciplinary Masters programme in Urban Design. It is available to graduates of Architecture, Planning and other professions, such as Landscape Architecture and Engineering, with suitable academic qualifications and professional experience.

The programme is aimed at graduates and professionals established in their careers, who feel they may benefit from an academic environment to research and develop ideas and to explore practical techniques in Urban Design within a structured framework.

The degree title is MSc (Urban Design). It is a two-year, part-time course, although, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to complete in one year full time. For those entering in September 2005, the course is available by Mode 1, that is, by preparation and submission of a thesis and satisfactory completion of prescribed, supporting modules.

Potential applicants should contact Madeleine Phillips at the School of Architecture, University College Dublin, Richview Campus, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. Tel: +353-1-716 2729, Fax: +353-1-283 7778. Email: urban.design@ucd.ie Website: urbandesign.ucd.ie

Closing date for completed applications this year is 31 May 2005, for entry in September 2005.