This Master's programme pioneers the development of a more diverse and creative approach to the reinterpretation and reuse of historical environments in cities around the world, such as through imaginative architectural designs and urban strategies, and including issues of cultural heritage. This programme is exceptional in linking the core research challenge of innovative design with in-depth processes of urban surveying, recording, mapping and analysis. As such, the programme has a strong international component, viewing cities around the world as fascinating laboratories for investigations of architectural and historic urban environments, with London being the prime example. The programme includes modules that investigate numerous international case studies which gives students the opportunity to carry out design research work in cities outside the UK should they wish to. A field trip each year to a non-UK city will provide staff and students with the knowledge of, and links to, those who are working in the field of architectural and urban heritage internationally. This programme is primarily intended for architects or urban designers, or those in cognate design fields, but is also open to those who are able to demonstrate the benefits of bringing associated skills to the kinds of urban issues that are studied. We welcome students from countries around the world where there are strong tensions between the pressure to modernise and globalise, whilst also trying to find ways to retain some continuity in their urban forms and values. Graduates of this programme will contribute to the emerging design ideas and technologies that are already starting to change our understanding of contemporary building production in cities around the world, and which involve either reusing existing historic buildings or the insertion of completely new structures into older situations.