Overview

The Urban Design programme at University of California, Berkeley provides an intensive, one-calendar-year curriculum for students holding prior professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, or city planning. This advanced course of study is delivered through the College of Environmental Design, drawing on an interdisciplinary faculty to address the multifaceted nature of modern urban environments.

Participants engage in a demanding learning experience, working both individually and in collaborative teams to understand the interdependencies of buildings and landscapes. The curriculum examines how environments are shaped by a variety of cultural, social, economic, and political forces. This global cohort shares diverse working methods while acquiring the technical skills necessary for the expanding field of urban design.

Why Urban Design at University of California, Berkeley?

As the only stand-alone programme of its kind in the state, this course utilises California as a unique laboratory for investigating future spatial challenges. The region offers a diverse environment to study urban, suburban, and territorial scales within one of the world's largest economies. Students benefit from a curriculum that is STEM certified, allowing for a three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6570 per year
National fee: USD 6570 per year
Local fee: USD 6570 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum spans three semesters, beginning with a summer session and concluding with an independent advanced design project. Modules may include:

Urban Design
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
City and Regional Planning
Advanced Design Project
Urbanism Complexity

Careers with Urban Design

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in the rapidly expanding field of urban design, working across various scales from local to territorial. The programme focuses on emerging issues in technology, sustainability, and culture, equipping students to address spatial challenges in professional practice. The STEM certification further supports international graduates seeking career opportunities in the United States.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Urban Places Advanced Studio

Urban Places Seminar

Urban Places Economic Module

Urban Place Studies

Urban Places Thesis Studio

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berkeley, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 211 other Masters in Urban Planning in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Letters of Recommendation

Application Fee: The application fee is not refundable. If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $105; for all others, the fee is $125.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Out-of-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year

Living costs

Berkeley

United States

1750 - 2820 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Urban Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Berkeley

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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