Master of Architecture in Urban Design is a 2-year postgraduate program that focuses on all aspects of industrial design from conception to implementation. The course provides the students with a wide range of design skills and thought process that allows them to articulate their design ideas.
Those who have completed a B.Arch degree with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a university approved by the Council of Architecture (COA) are eligible to apply. The admissions are usually based on entrance examinations, and some of the exams include PGETA, MAH M.Arch CET, GATE for Architecture, etc.
After completion of the course, the graduates are eligible to work as an Architect, Urban Designer, Urban Planner, City & Regional Planner, Sustainability Consultant, etc. They can expect an average salary of around INR 3.03 - 6.48 LPA.
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M.Arch Urban Design Highlights
The basic details of the Master of Architecture in Urban Design are mentioned below:
What is M.Arch Urban Design?
Master of Architecture in Urban Design is a postgraduate specialization in urban planning and design that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to address the complex challenges facing urban environments today. The Programme tries to achieve goals and resolve the issues in the urban areas as well as the Rural areas significantly. The exposures are focused on improving the navigational qualities of the students in the real world and creating their own niche value in the field, through the knowledge that they have gained in the Urban Design programme.
Why Study M.Arch Urban Design?
The Master of Architecture in Urban Design provides students with specialized skills and knowledge to address complex social, environmental, and economic challenges in urban cities. Here are some of the reasons why one should choose to pursue this course:
- Surge in Urban Population - People from rural areas and small towns usually flock to tier-1 or tier-2 cities in search of better employment. According to the survey by the United Nations, 40.76% of India’s population is expected to reside in urban areas by 2030. This automatically opens up job opportunities for urban designers in both the government and private sectors.
- Indian Government Initiatives - According to Notopedia.com, the Indian government has undertaken a 100 Smart Cities initiative, where 100 cities will be selected for retrofitting and renovation. Urban designers and architects will have a great contribution towards developing future-looking and sustainable structures.
- Construction Growth - The Indian construction sector will create a further 30 million jobs by March 2030, according to World Construction Today. This will include employment for architects and urban planners, too.
Who Should Study M.Arch Urban Design?
The MArch in Urban Design should be opted by those who are interested in any of the following:
- The B.Arch graduates who want to specialize in urban design and planning.
- Those who have been passionate about designing public spaces and helping to improve urban life.
- Those who want to contribute by creating environmentally sustainable and resilient urban environments.
- People who want to work on international urban challenges with NGOs, governments, or global design firms.
M.Arch Urban Design Eligibility
The candidates interested in applying for MArch Urban Design course should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Should have passed BArch or its equivalent from a university approved by the Council of Architecture (COA).
- Should have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. A relaxation of 5% is provided to the reserved category candidates and on the domicile basis.
M.Arch Urban Design Entrance Exams 2025
MArch admissions are usually based on entrance examinations. Here is the list of some of the entrance examinations that are considered for admission in MArch Urban Design:
M.Arch Urban Design Top Colleges
Many architecture institutes in India offer MArch in Urban Design. Here is the list of top colleges according to NIRF ranking 2024:
M.Arch Urban Design Admission Process
The admission into MArch courses is usually based on entrance examinations like PGETA, JAAP PG, GATE for Architecture, etc. Here is the admission process for MArch in Urban Design at Manipal School of Architecture and Planning:
- Entrance Examination - The candidates interested in applying for admission M.Arch Urban Design should appear for PGETA 2025. The candidates who have qualified PGETA 2025, will only be eligible for admission at MSAP.
- Registration - The eligible candidates will have to visit the official website of MAHE and register themselves for the M.Arch Urban Design course. Along with all the details, they will have to submit their CV, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Portfolio of work (POW).
- Interview: The candidates will be called for a personal interview round at MSAP.
- Merit List: A merit list of selected candidates will be released based on the qualifying exam score, SOP, POW and PI.
- Offer Letter: A provisional admission notice will be sent to the selected candidates and they will have to complete all the admission formalities within the given deadline.
M.Arch Urban Design Syllabus
MArch Urban Design is a 2-year course divided into 4 semesters. Sem 1 focuses on Urban design basics, Sem 2 focuses on Perspectives in Urban design, Sem 3 on Urban design sensitivities, and Sem 4 has Thesis work. Each semester will have some core subjects, theory, electives, and research work. Here is the syllabus of MArch Urban Design offered by DY Patil University:
M.Arch Urban Design Job Opportunities
M.Arch in Urban Design opens a range of career opportunities across public, private, and non-profit sectors. The program equips the students with skills in urban planning, architectural design, policy understanding, and sustainable development. Here are some of the job roles available to them and their average salary as per PayScale:
M.Arch Urban Design FAQs
What is the difference between Urban Design and Urban Planning?
Urban Design emphasizes the physical form and aesthetics of cities—streets, public spaces, and the relationship between buildings. Urban Planning, on the other hand, focuses more on policies, zoning, infrastructure, and the long-term development of urban areas. Urban Design bridges architecture and planning by translating policy into spatial form.
What are the eligibility criteria for M.Arch Urban Design programs?
Most programs require a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or an equivalent degree. Some programs may also accept applicants with degrees in related fields such as urban planning, landscape architecture, or civil engineering, depending on the institution's requirements.
What career opportunities are available after completing M.Arch in Urban Design?
The M.Arch in Urban Design is a specialized postgraduate program that will help students pursue a career as public space designers, city planners, urban designers, sustainable consultants, etc. They can work in private, government and Non-profit organizations.
