Master of Urban Design (MUD)

Studying Urban Design at Wits

Urban Design at Wits is an interdisciplinary studio-based forum engaged with design strategies and solutions for the globalising cities of the South

Aim

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) programme aims to create an experimental laboratory for addressing interdisciplinary questions of our rapidly changing urban environment. The programme emphasises the critical role that the design of the urban environment plays in various spatial, socio-economic, and cultural circumstances. Therefore, the programme is structured to foster design competency at various environmental scales while engaging with intellectual debates around urbanism.  

Background

Reinstated in 2009, the Wits MUD programme is one of the leading urban design programmes, not only in South Africa, but in the developing South. The urban landscape of Johannesburg provides a backdrop against which to investigate global urban challenges and to consider solutions that promote sustainable growth, environmental-sensitivity, and socially relevant urban interventions. The Wits MUD exposes students to a wide range of urban theories, strategies, methods, and techniques, focusing on the African urban landscape in particular. Debates revolve around pertinent issues such as the formal-informal, local-global, and public-private forces that shape our complex African cities.

Scope of the MUD

Students are equipped with urban design theories, methods, and applications through both theoretical courses and applied design studios. The core course and studio offerings are announced in the beginning of each calendar year by the programme coordinator. After completing this foundational coursework, students then work on an independent supervised research report or thesis. Students are required to complete three core units and three elective studios prior to registering for their research report.

Stage 1: Core Courses

The coursework covers urban design theories and history, urban design instruments, cities of the South, and research methods. These courses are offered consecutively within six-week teaching block. Completion of the core courses (except Research Methods which is taken in Stage 3) is a prerequisite to continuing with the elective studios.

Stage 2: Elective Studios

The elective studios cover the themes of global city, accessible city, sustainable city, and transforming city. The studios are offered in 6 week teaching blocks, and students must be in studio for a minimum of two full days (16 hours) per week. MUD students complete 3 of the 4 studios before entering into the independent thesis stage. 

Stage 3: Research Report

After completion of the compulsory coursework, students advance to the research report stage, working independently under the supervision of an advisor. During the first 6 weeks of the Research Report, students also take the Research Methods course. Progress on the research report is discussed during meetings between the candidate and the designated urban design thesis advisor. Bi-monthly meetings are also scheduled in which candidates present their progress and receive feedback from their peers and other supervisors. The research report can usually be completed within 6 months.   

Duration of the MUD

The MUD coursework is offered over seven 6-week teaching blocks. The degree can be completed within 18 months of full-time study or 2 to 3 years of part-time study. The degree format provides some flexibility in that students can choose when to commit to the 6-week teaching blocks. However, students are required to commit to one to two days a week in class, depending on the course. Design studios often require more contact time than the core courses, and timetables will be announced by each studio instructor. 

Target market for the MUD

The MUD programme draws students mainly from the fields of architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. Individuals from allied built environment or design fields such as quantity surveying, surveying, property studies, visual studies, art and design are also encouraged to enquire. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work along with the other application materials prior to an interview.

Admission requirements for the MUD

Applicants holding any of the following, or comparable, degrees are eligible to apply:

• BArch
• BAS (Hons)
• MArch (Prof)
• BSc (TRP) or BSc (Hons) (URP); or
• MSc (Landscape)

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 65% average in their honours or equivalent year. Prior learning may also make a candidate eligible for admission as a candidate for the degree, as determined individually by the Senate.

Next intake for the MUD

January/February 2013

Closing date for applications

30 September 2012
Notification to attend interviews: November 2012

Please note that applications are also accepted any time before this date.

Application process

Please apply online at https://my.wits.ac.za/

If you are (or previously were) a student at Wits University, you will use your student number (this is also called ‘person number’) to create a login.

If you have not previously studied at Wits University, click ‘create account’ on the horizontal blue bar and follow the instructions. You can then log in and complete the application form.

Soon after completing and submitting your application form electronically, you will receive an e-mail with a ‘person number’.

What to submit when applying

1. An A3 portfolio in both hard copy and digital copy (also see "Requirements for the portfolio") which includes the following:

• Table of contents
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter (approximately 2000 words) (see description of “Motivation letter” below)
• Creative work: A maximum of 15 two-sided (30 pages total) folios of creative/academic/professional work. This section should include design projects, professional work, academic writing, or other creative outputs from previous courses, presented in chronological order by date. Please note, the Master of Urban Design degree has a significant design focus and the portfolio should attest to these abilities.

1. Supporting documents should be submitted in hard copy:

• Original copies of all your academic transcripts
• At least two independent references (academic and professional)
• Certified copies of your degrees/diploma certificates
• Copy of ID document or passport
• Certified copy of SAQA certificate (international applicants)
• Proof of English proficiency (international applicants who have not previously studied at an English medium institution)
• Proof of payment of R200 application fee (see payment instructions below)

Requirements for the portfolio

The portfolio should be in a bound A3 format, printed double-sided. A digital copy of the entire portfolio should also be submitted on a cd/dvd along with the hard copy. 

Motivation letter

We require all applicants to prepare a motivation letter of approximately 2000 words. If you use books or articles, please reference these fully.

Please see this as a useful opportunity to reflect on your interests in urban design, as well as your aims and objectives. It is important preparation for your enrolment.

Address for posting of documents for application:

Student Enrolment Centre
Postgraduate Unit
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag 4
Wits 2050
South Africa

Please send your documents by registered mail to ensure that they are not lost in the post.

Application fee payable by all applicants

All applicants have to pay an application fee of R200. Payment must be made into the following account:

STANDARD BANK
BRAAMFONTEIN
BRANCH CODE 004805
ACCOUNT NO. 200 346 385

Use full name as reference and send proof of payment along with your application forms.

Portfolio interview

All eligible applicants will be required to attend an interview with a selection panel from the School of Architecture & Planning.

Fees

The tuition fee for students starting the MUD course in 2013 is in the order of R53,900.00 for the full degree.

Contact details

Enquiries may be directed to the MUD coordinator:

Prof. Diaan van der Westhuizen
School of Architecture and Planning
Room 114A, John Moffat Building, East Campus
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag 3
Wits 2050
South Africa

Tel. : 27 (0)11 717 7628
Fax: 27 (0)11 717 7749
E-mail: diaan.vanderwesthuizen@wits.ac.za