Heriot-Watt University

MSc Urban Strategies and Design

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

The MSc Urban Strategies and Design at Heriot-Watt University is a 1-year long programme designed to teach advanced knowledge in urban strategy and spatial design. This course applies a practice-oriented teaching method that combines academic theory with creative, real-world applications.

You will learn through traditional lectures, seminars, workshops, design studios, and case studies, and conduct a dissertation focused on an urban design issue of your choice.

By the end of this programme, you will have covered key areas such as spatial planning, strategic urban interventions, well-being in the built environment, and urban design theory.

You will also develop skills in research, strategic visioning, analysis, and professional design communication. This, coupled with the opportunity to explore live urban issues and projects, will provide you with an all-around education.

Key highlights

  • Ranked 1st in the UK for Building, Good University Guide 2026
  • Top 200 worldwide for Architecture and Built Environment, 2026 rankings

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6 — 6.0 If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Careers this course leads to

  • Urban designer
  • Town planner
  • Regeneration officer
  • Masterplanning consultant
  • Urban policy adviser

Career opportunities

Here are some of the career options you have with an MSc in Urban Strategies and Design at Heriot-Watt University:

  • Chartered Structural Engineer
  • Urban Planner
  • Strategic Designer
  • Development Consultant
  • Landscape Architect
  • NGO/International Development Specialist

Cost of study

The tuition fee (2025/2026 session) to study MSc Urban Strategies and Design at Heriot-Watt University is  £31,600.

Admission

To find out more about the application process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide