Master of Urban Planning
About This Programme
A 33-credit professional master's, the first of its kind in the UAE and CAA-accredited, covering planning theory, policy, urban design and a two-part capstone workshop. Prepares graduates for planning and policy leadership from local government to consultancy.
Course Highlights
- First-of-its-kind urban planning master's in the UAE
- 18 credits of core plus a 6-credit capstone workshop and 9 credits of electives
- Blended-learning delivery across most core and elective courses
- Draws faculty from both CAAD and the College of Engineering
What You'll Study
An interdisciplinary CAAD/Engineering program taught largely in blended-learning mode, culminating in a team-based capstone workshop with fieldwork, analysis and plan-making (UPL 680).
Core Courses (18 credits)
- UPL 600 Planning History, Theory and Principles3 credits
- UPL 602 Computer Applications in Planning3 credits
- UPL 604 Urban Planning Research and Analysis3 credits
- UPL 621 Environmental and Land Use Planning3 credits
- UPL 623 Urban Design Processes, Principles and Skills3 credits
- UPL 625 Plan Making, Communication and Process3 credits
Required Capstone Workshop (6 credits)
- UPL 680 Urban Research and Planning Workshop6 credits
Elective Courses (minimum 9 credits)
- UPL 633 Urban Infrastructure Planning3 credits
- UPL 634 Tourism and Hospitality Planning3 credits
- UPL 636 Transportation Planning and Policy3 credits
- UPL 639 Urban Planning and Housing Policy3 credits
- UPL 651 Negotiation Strategies3 credits
- UPL 655 Ecological Urbanism3 credits
Entry Requirements
MBA and MBDA applicants take the GMAT or the AUS admission test; a statement of purpose is required for some programmes.
Careers
Graduates lead urban-growth management, urbanization policy and community development in government planning authorities, consultancies and developers.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited
Programme Details
Award
Master of Urban Planning
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall; Spring intake for many programmes)
Typical Offer
Four-year bachelor's degree, minimum CGPA 3.00/4.0, IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Architecture
Campus
Sharjah
Course Type
Master of Urban Planning
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 90,420/yr
Apply online at apply.aus.edu with transcripts, a CV, references and a statement of purpose where required. The graduate application fee is AED 450 + 5% VAT. AUS offers graduate assistantships to qualified applicants.