Urban Design and Climate Resilience University of Limerick

Overview

The Urban Design and Climate Resilience master programme from University of Limerick  is cutting edge in its content and therefore research-led, using current thinking and engaging students to develop contemporary research in the field of urban design and climate resilience

Urban design in the era of climate crisis is increasingly complex, requiring professionals to stay informed on the latest developments in town planning, sponge city principles, climate justice, sustainable mobility, and urban science. Designers must also possess the necessary tools to navigate intricate political, social, and spatial challenges.

For the past 15 years, the School of Architecture and Product Design has led the Intelligence Unit (IU), a research initiative focused on contemporary urban and regional issues, particularly in Limerick. This new programme will become part of a Global IU, expanding its scope to explore urban challenges across diverse geographic, environmental, and political contexts. Wherever possible, we will collaborate with local stakeholders on real-world projects, ensuring that our work remains relevant and impactful.

Through engagement with diverse urban contexts—including shrinking cities, informal settlements, and post-war reconstruction—students will develop the skills to analyse and address complex urban planning challenges. This programme equips graduates with the knowledge and tools needed to design resilient, adaptive solutions within the broader framework of global climate challenges.

Key facts:

The MSc UDCR is taught by highly-experienced Urbanists, Engineers, Ecologists, Architects, landscape practitioners and researchers. The learning environment of the MUDCR is the Design Studio, where each student has their own individual workspace, along with space for exhibition and lectures.

As a student on the programme, you will be an active learner, working side-by-side and in collaboration with your classmates on projects driven by real-world challenges. The curriculum is informed by research and practice that is at the forefront of addressing the societal and environmental issues of today and of our future. The modules are research-led, involving research-through-design as well as more traditional research methodologies.

Throughout the four semesters, you will work full-time on campus in the studio, with the option to have a placement in semester 4, with teaching and lectures all in person in the studio. In addition, site and field visits take place at relevant points during the programme.