Matthew Richardson

Having completed my undergraduate degree in BA Architecture at the University of Liverpool, I was already familiar with the campus and the facilities available to me. The BA Architecture course sparked an interest in sustainable urbanism and design, which inspired me to develop these skills further. During my undergraduate studies, many of my friends spoke highly of the Environment Sciences department, which made the decision to study here very easy!

What course are you currently studying?

I am studying the MCD in Urban Design and Planning.

What’s the best thing about studying your programme?

The best part of studying this programme is its strong focus on developing practical skills that can be used in real-world practice. For instance, I have learnt how to use a range of spatial analysis and visualisation tools, as well as many techniques to help with the analysis, design and delivery of real-world projects.

Aside from this, my programme has included plenty of field trips (such as one to Paris) as well as many opportunities to meet with industry professionals. Seeing urban design and planning in practice is key to its understanding, which this course facilitates very well.

How do the facilities in the University and the School help you with your studies?

Within the school, there are workspaces with all the necessary software available on them. There is also model-making materials and workspaces which help bring my urban design proposals to life.

The 24-hour libraries and the vast digital databases are also very helpful. There are dedicated study spaces for masters students, which ensures there is always a space for me to work from.

What kind of support do you get from academic staff and tutors?

The academic staff within the school are all very personable, and they truly care about the industry and the content they are teaching. I’ve also found the small class sizes incredibly valuable, as they’ve helped me form close and personal connections with my lecturers. This has made it easy to seek support for assignments, dissertation guidance, general academic advice and career prospects.

Have you accessed any of the support services available to you, such as the School’s postgraduate careers team? If so, how did you find the service?

I personally have not, however all the support services and careers events are very well advertised and accessible.

What do you enjoy most about the whole experience (thinking about any trips, social and extracurricular activities or guest speakers) and what value has that added?

I have particularly enjoyed the design projects that are based on real-world projects. For instance, our assignments are often based on urban design projects that are currently underway in Liverpool. We’ve had guest lectures and workshops from the actual designers, planners and stakeholders of our projects, which has helped deepen our overall understanding of real-world practice.

How do you believe undertaking master’s study will help your career prospects?

The MCD in Urban Design and Planning has equipped me with advanced technical skills in spatial analysis, visualisation and design. The course has also taught me how to design ambitious, effective, yet implementable solutions to the various planning dilemmas we face. I have developed an appreciation for professional values and ethics, as well as an understanding of the range of interests that planners and designers must serve.

Even if I don’t use all the skills I have learnt in the future, I feel that master's study has helped me grow both personally and professionally, equipping me with a more resilient mindset and a deeper understanding of the professional world of work.

What advice would you give to anybody considering master’s study?

Firstly, I would definitely pick a course that interests you. Master’s study is intense, however it is also exciting and is an excellent opportunity to develop your interests and discover new ones. I would also make sure you take the opportunity to network with your lecturers and fellow students, since you’ll be working alongside people from all different places and backgrounds.

I’d also recommend leaving some room for looking after yourself and your hobbies outside of study. Giving yourself the time to do things you enjoy will only make your master’s experience fuller and more enjoyable!