Sustainable Urban Design MSc
Course Highlights
- Live Urban Lab: Study in Dubai, where Eastern traditional sustainability seamlessly integrates with modern urban innovation and rapid development.
- Global Expertise: Learn from leading academics and industry professionals across the world.
- International Industry Connections: Gain practical insights from top international consultancies.
- International Field Trip: Experience a fully funded one-week trip, exploring sustainable design practices in diverse urban environments.
- 76th in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- 15th in the UK for Town & Country Planning (Complete University Guide 2026)
- 15th in the UK for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
What You'll Study
The MSc Sustainable Urban Design blends design studio, theory, and hands-on learning, using diverse teaching methods for a holistic approach to contemporary sustainable urban development. By integrating historical case studies of regional practices with modern strategies, the course emphasises real-world engagement, providing practical, hands-on experiences to tackle today’s urban challenges effectively. Taught Modules: Learn through engaging lectures, interactive seminars, site visits, lab classes, and design studio sessions to develop both theoretical and practical skills. Urban Lab Consultancy Approach: Collaborate on real-world projects in a consultancy-style setting, tackling urban challenges and proposing sustainable design solutions. Masterclasses: Gain professional insights by working with government agencies, local authorities, and international consultants in interactive workshops and masterclasses. Fieldwork: Apply your learning in real-world contexts through hands-on fieldwork, site analysis, and practical research activities. Assessments: Demonstrate your skills through essays, presentations, case study and government style reports, urban design plans and poster presentation, and an extended research project, all based on real-world challenges. No exam included. Dubai: Your Living Urban Laboratory Experience Dubai as your living urban lab, where every aspect of your learning emphasizes real-world applications. All assessments are rooted in authentic scenarios, leveraging living case studies to enhance your understanding and develop practical skills that employers value. You’ll benefit from insights and expertise shared by professionals from local and international consultancies, government agencies, local authorities, and leading practices. View an example timetable (Docx)
Modules
- Designing Urban Systems: Sustainable, Smart and Healthy Placemaking20 credits
- Dissertation60 credits
- Research Skills for Urban Designers: Methods to Study Public Life20 credits
- Shaping Urban Spaces: The Politics, Theory, and Practice of Spatial Planning20 credits
- Spatial Analysis and Urban Living: Evaluating the Qualities and Quantities of Urban Spaces20 credits
- Sustainable Urban Design: Discourses and Debates20 credits
- Urban Lab: Urban Design and Regeneration Project20 credits
Entry Requirements
Careers
Kickstart Your Career in Sustainable Urban Design Make a lasting impact on the environmental and sustainability challenges facing urban areas. Our graduates are highly sought after by major employers, with 100% securing employment within six months. Many have advanced their careers in diverse industries across the UAE, USA, Australia, and beyond. Graduate Career Destinations Include: Local architectural and urban planning firms The Road and Transport Authority Government ministries Public sector roles Urban development firms Consultants (e.g., AECOM, WSP, AESG) Global organisations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank) This degree unlocks a world of impactful and meaningful career opportunities in sustainable urban development and design. I truly enjoyed my time here studying my urban planning course. It gave me plenty of opportunities to learn from everyone with diverse backgrounds. The learning environment was so healthy and supportive, and all of us felt safe discussing, asking any questions, and sharing our experiences from different perspectives. Paweena Sriwichit MSc Urban Planning (PT) alumna In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
1 year
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Urban Planning
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 139,173/yr
Tuition for September 2026 entry: AED 139,173 per year. To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. Ask us a question If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team. Speak to our admissions team Apply directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS); there is no application fee. A non-refundable AED 5,000 tuition deposit is payable on accepting an offer and is deducted from your fees. Decisions are usually issued within 10 working days.