Master of Urban Design (MUD)

Master of Urban Design (MUD)
NUST code:		MUD
DURATION:	2 Years
TYPE OF DEGREE:		HONOURS
CREDIT LOAD:	300 Credits
LEVEL	SADC-QF - Level 8
ACCREDITATION ORGANISATION(S):	Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)

Urban Design deals with the urban microform at the macro-scale. The focus is on the shaping of various pieces of urban land at meso-scale and with spaces between them at micro-scale. It also deals with designing and construction of urban elements. In this regard, this programme aims at educating students with a background in town planning, architecture and other related disciplines in this subject. The main objective is to develop theoretical frameworks that will be used in practice.

Purpose of the Programme
To develop students equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills, who are competent in producing high quality work in property development, management and the valuation division of the property profession.

Programme characteristics
Areas of Study
Property Studies
Specialist Focus
Regeneration, Urban Design, Transportation, Environmental, Sustainable Development, City Design, Ergonomics of Design, Urban Economy

Orientation
Teaching and learning guided research, technology and innovation oriented and focused on equipping learner with practical and theoretical aspects following local and global trends in property development.

Distinctive Features
The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach

Employability
Local Authorities, Local Government, Architectural consultancy, Urban Planning and Design Consultancy, Geographer, Transport Planner.
Further Studies
Doctoral Studies in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Climate Change, Urban Design, Regeneration, Transport

Normal Entry

At least successfully completed an undergraduate degree in the following disciplines: Urban Design, Architecture, Rural and Urban Planning, Building Economics, Civil Engineering and Property Management and any other programmes offered in the built environment shall be considered on individual basis with a Minimum overall pass of lower second class (2.2).

Purpose of the Programme

To develop students equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills, who are competent in producing high quality work in property development, management and the valuation division of the property profession.

Programme characteristics

Areas of Study

Property Studies

Specialist Focus

Regeneration, Urban Design, Transportation, Environmental, Sustainable Development, City Design, Ergonomics of Design, Urban Economy

Orientation

Teaching and learning guided research, technology and innovation oriented and focused on equipping learner with practical and theoretical aspects following local and global trends in property development.

Distinctive Features

The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach

Programme delivery

Teaching and learning methods

Face-to-face lectures, guest lectures, online and blended learning, projects, exhibitions, laboratory, studio and workshop practicals, field trips

Assessment methods

Written examinations, in-class tests, assignments, practical and research projects, reports, oral presentations, displays, etc.

Programme competences

Generic:

Multi-disciplinarily:

Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on understanding of complex property industry

Quantitative and innovative reasoning:

Capability to create and interpret qualitative data and use analytics for informed decision making and transfer knowledge across concepts and disciplines.

Communication skills:

Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences

Analysis and synthesis:

Ability to argue inductively and deductively, concept building, decision making based on reasoned arguments.

Ethical commitment:

Professional integrity and awareness of impact of spatial development on society and the environment
Entrepreneurial skills :

Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms

Discipline Specific:

Deep knowledge:

Extending art and design knowledge to include the underlying science e.g. characteristics of materials, chemistry of fabrics, etc

Production skills:

Ability to conceptualise and develop artistic ideas into artefacts and functional products; psychomotor skills development

Technology development skills:

Use of various technologies including ICTs in design ideas and processes, explore new technologies for the design specialist

Problem-solving skills:

Improve lives and the aesthetic environment through solving problems arising through expressed and normative human needs

Analytical and computational skills:

Ability to use various computer software packages for processing and analysing phenomena e.g. needs and preferences for artistic products

Intended Learningoutcomes(ILOs)

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Urban Design fundamentals

Understanding of the property industry value chain in terms of practice, technology applications and the associated products

Ability to capitalise on all situations that have potential for development into business and entrepreneurial ventures

Ability to share and spread knowledge through formal teaching and other informal channels such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, symposia, etc

To develop supervisory and management skills of urban environs

Ability to develop best practice and technologies that enhance efficiencies and outputs of

the sustainable city development.

PROGRAMME COURSE OUTLINE

STAGE I

BUD 6101 Principles and Practice of Urban Design I 16 Credits

BUD 6102 Urban Policy and Infrastructure 14 Credits

BUD 6103 Urban Design Studio I 20 Credits

BUD 6107 Environmental Design and Conservation 14 Credits

BUD 6108 Urban Economics 14 Credits

STAGE II

BUD 6201 Principles and Practice of Urban Design II 16 Credits

BUD 6202 Research Methods in Urban Design 12 Credits

BUD 6203 Urban Design Studio II 20 Credits

BUD 6204 Citizen Led Urban Design Seminars 18 Credits

BUD 6205 Geographic Information Systems 12 Credits

STAGE III

BUD 7101 Dissertation 60 Credits

BUD 7102 Urban Design Project 60 Credits

Electives (select one per Part, for Part I and II) 12 Credits

BUD 6106 Project Planning and Management 12 Credits

BUD 6105 Transportation Planning and Management 12 Credits

BUD 6207 Professional Practice in Urban design 12 Credits

BUD 6101 Principles and Practice of Urban Design I 16 Credits

The course covers basic theory and practice of urban design. Topics include history of urban form; buildings and spaces; urban design analysis; urban design approaches; efficiency of urban design and evaluation criteria; case studies. A student shall not proceed to do Principles and Practice of Urban Design II before clearing this course.

BUD 6102 Urban Policy and Infrastructure 14 Credits

Against relevant aspects of land use theory and implications for site planning, the course introduces the principles and practice of site planning and infrastructure design for large urban developments. Topics include reclamation, land use and density thresholds, settlement capacity, infrastructure master planning, utilities planning, site layout and future design trends.

BUD 6103 Urban Design Studio I 20 Credits

Introduction to urban design graphics and computer aided design: an introduction to basic drafting, graphics and computer-related tools and techniques in professional practice. The module shall cover :

Urban Design Project I

a series of sessions encompassing practical drawing and sketches of urban design proposals for selected sites in Zimbabwe.; and

Urban Design Project II

A group project which will normally be a real-life large-scale urban design and development project involving land reclamation and infrastructure provision leading to a 3-D built form. Designed to professional standards involving relevant urban design theory and implementation criteria, and conducted with participation of professionals in both public and private sectors.

BUD 6107 Environmental Design and Conservation 14 Credits

The course aims at introducing students to issues of environmental awareness with regards to the impacts of human activities and strategies for coping with the changing environment. The course is conducted through lectures, case studies and seminars. The following broad topics are relevant: the ecology of the environment; the ecosystems-types and components; impacts of man’s activities on the ecosystem and types of impacts; concepts and issues in environmental impact assessments. The design of environmental spaces both external and internal spaces versus natural environment.

BUD 6108 Urban Economics 14 Credits

This course covers main economic forces that lead to the existence of cities and regional agglomeration. It studies the economics of cities and urban problems by understanding the effects of geographic location on the decisions of individuals and firms. The topics include, inter alia: location decisions of firms and households; The role of spatial economics in shaping the internal structure of cities, role of cities in aggregate economic development, institutional economics, economics of sustainable designs.

BUD 6201 Principles and Practice of Urban Design II 16 Credits

This advanced course in urban design attempts to build a coherent build a coherent theory of urban form from the historical and material conditions of production. Hence the lectures/seminars progress in three main stages. Firstly, the economic and political determinants in the production of urban space are considered (urban politics, the state, ideology, social class, professionalism etc.). Secondly, considerations in the technology of form (forms of space, analogical models, and problems of aesthetics). Thirdly, a case study of Zimbabwe which moves from the realm of theory into concrete social practices - urban planning, high-density development, public housing, and the other formal properties of a major world city.

BUD 6202 Research Methods in Urban Design 12 Credits

The course focuses on various methods and techniques fundamental in data collection, analysis and presentation. The overall objective of the course is to impart skill to students that can assist them in preparing technical reports and dissertations.

BUD 6203 Urban Design Studio II 20 Credits

Urban design project 3: a series of sessions encompassing the practical management and implementation of urban design proposals involving larger sites, taking into account issues such as land acquisition, planning approvals, concept development, financing, the consultancy team, construction, marketing among others.

BUD 6204 Citizen-Led Urban Design Seminars 18 Credits

This is a cross cutting course in which seminars introduce students to the designing and management of urban places. The focus is on issues arising in current urban design practice. The subject matter includes current contexts for urban design; the role of urban design in the development process; different urban design roles and levels of influence; public sector urban design, framework plans, design guidelines and implementation strategies. The module addresses urban economic analysis in the planning and development of urban areas from the point of view of practitioners and community studios in the field as well as feedbacks. During the course of the semester, each student will prepare a thesis proposal. The course emphasizes citizen and community participation frameworks in urban planning, design and sustainable development and management.

BUD 6205 Geographic Information Systems 12 Credits

This course builds on spatial land-use analysis techniques. Focus is on the advanced theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS); GIS applications; design and implementation of GIS applications.

BUD 7101 Dissertation ` 60 Credits

This is an in-depth investigation of urban design or development issues which relate directly to the physical planning problems and potentials of urban areas. The topic chosen should be both academic and practical in nature and a report not exceeding 20,000 words or equivalent is required.

BUD 7102 Urban Design Thesis 60 Credits

This is an in-depth urban design project based on a specific urban case study. The expected work at this level is of advanced standing and allows an in-depth exploration of complex design problems. In addition, it must be conducted in collaboration with city agencies addressing identified needs.

Elective Courses 12 Credits

Only two electives will be selected from the following list: (Candidates will not be permitted to choose elective courses they have already studied).

BUD 6106 Project Planning and Management 12 Credits

This course will cover a wide range of issues relating to project planning and control, project internal and external environment, project planning and development, project organisation and administration, the project manager’s role, project quality management principles, project appraisal, project management techniques, project practice and management. Project management knowledge areas such as cost, scope, time, risk, quality, performance, communication and so forth.

BUD 6105 Transportation Planning and Management 12 Credits

Focus is on the traditional transport study which focuses on trip generation, trip distribution, modal distribution and trip assignment; land-use modeling; the town and regional planner’s contribution to transport planning.

BUD 6207 Professional Practice for urban Design 12 Credits

This course examines practice management and project management in the built environment professions. Topics in practice management include: ethical practice; the character and operation of practices; legal requirements; corruption; running a business; professional memberships and its registration; risk and professional liability; and personal career planning. Topics in project management include: project stages; procurement and feasibility; statutory requirements; management of time, cost and quality; and contracts and contract administration in private and public realms. Alternative and innovative pathways through the profession are also considered.