The Master of Science in Urban Design at Pratt Institute encourages students to explore new approaches to urban architecture and design through critical research.

At Pratt Institute in New York City, the Master of Science in Urban Design challenges students to engage with the forces transforming cities around the world. The programme considers how design can address complex social, ecological and infrastructural systems while envisioning more just and resilient urban futures.

Across fall, spring and summer semesters, students combine critical research with speculative design strategies to explore new approaches to urban practice.

Situated within Pratt's Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design department, the one-year programme offers a distinctive opportunity to study urban design in proximity to allied fields.

This setting encourages students to investigate the shared territories and disciplinary edges of architecture, landscape and urban design and to understand how their interplay shapes contemporary urban form.

Embedded in the creative context of an art and design school, the MS in Urban Design curriculum draws from multiple media: mapping, spatial analysis, modelling and visualisation, to examine the city as both a physical and cultural project. Students emerge prepared to think systemically, act collaboratively and design with impact.

For more information, join us for a virtual information session on 3 November 2025 at 12PM EST.

School: Pratt Institute
Course: Master of Science in Urban Design
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Brooklyn, USA
Course dates: September 2026 to August 2027
Application deadline: 5 January 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Develop design strategies that promote justice, resilience and sustainability in urban environments
– Integrate critical research with speculative design, exploring innovative approaches to urban practice
– Work across disciplines – architecture, landscape and urban design – to understand how their interactions produce urban form
– Use diverse media and tools, such as mapping, spatial analysis, modeling and visualisation, to interpret and represent urban conditions
– Think systemically and act collaboratively, connecting design decisions to broader social and environmental contexts
– Design with impact, creating interventions that respond to the complexities of contemporary urban life

What are the requirements?

– Applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Architecture (five-year BArch) or a Master of Architecture (MArch) from an accredited school of architecture or the international equivalent

What facilities and resources are available?

– Pratt's School of Architecture is located in Higgins Hall, a blend of historic architecture and a contemporary addition by Steven Holl
– Spacious design studios, critique spaces, a lecture hall and the Hazel and Robert H Siegel Gallery, foster collaboration and public engagement
– Computer labs featuring the latest modelling, visualisation and simulation software
– Pi-FAB, the architecture shop, is designed for precision model making and material experimentation, including CNC, lasercutting and a robotic arm for digital fabrication exploration
– The Higgins Hall Reading Room supports research with extensive print and digital resources in architecture and urbanism
– The Spatial Analysis and Visualisation Initiative (SAVI) is an interdisciplinary research, consulting and education centre focusing on spatial data and visual storytelling
– The 3D-printing centre offers a comprehensive suite of additive manufacturing technologies, including FDM, resin and wax printers and high-resolution 3D-scanners

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates of Pratt's MS in Urban Design programme are prepared for careers that focus on the design and planning of cities, public spaces and sustainable urban environments.

Many go on to work in urban design or planning firms, architecture and landscape studios, or city agencies that address housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.

The programme's emphasis on design research, technology and community engagement helps graduates build strong portfolios and professional connections that lead to opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Who teaches this course?

– Alexandra Barker, adjunct associate professor – CCE, academic coordinator of MS programmes
– Erich Schonenenberger, adjunct associate professor – CCE
– Xenia Adjoubei, visiting assistant professor
– Alex Tahinos, adjunct assistant professor
– Peter Trummer, visiting assistant professor
– Fabian Llonch, visiting professor

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