Master in Urban Planning and Development

Program Overview

The Master in Urban Planning and Development was developed by the Urban and Regional Planning Institute in Paris more than 25 years ago and is offered with the goal of educating the next generation of urban planners on how to address Abu Dhabi’s rapid urban growth and the need for effective planning.

The objective of this programme is to educate students about the role of planners and their ecological and socio-economic impact. Students will study the comprehensive policies and planning tools that affect the way urban planners strategically link the complex mapping requirements of cities and regions, including budget, legalities, availability of infrastructure and land, as well as aesthetic and visual choices.

Throughout their education, students will study comprehensive policies, planning tools, and technological advances including Geographic Information Systems, ways in which to maximise space and how to merge form with function. Students will also learn to organise metropolitan areas based on thematic and specialised specifications.

Several key modules are taught throughout the programme, including UAE urban planning law, public space planning, real estate, tourism planning, transport, architecture, heritage and landscaping, amongst others.

There are abundant rewarding career opportunities on a regional and global scale for graduates of the Urban and Regional Planning programme. Graduates enter promising careers with engineering and design consultancy firms, urban developers, real estate agencies, government enterprises involved with urban affairs, environmental management, community development and research agencies amongst others.

Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2

*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.

Program Outline

The program educates students about the role of planners and their ecological and socio-economic impact. Students will study the comprehensive policies and planning tools that affect the way urban planners strategically link the complex mapping requirements of cities and regions, including budget, legalities, availability of infrastructure and land, as well as aesthetic and visual choices. Students will also learn to organize metropolitan areas based on thematic and specialized specifications.

Outline:

The program is divided into two years, with each year consisting of two semesters.

Year 1:

Semester 1:

• Fundamentals of Urban Planning: History of Urban Architecture, History of Urban Planning, Urbanization in Gulf Countries, Urban Sociology
• Methodology and Tools: Geographic Information System, Metropolitan Planning.
International perspectives
• Legal Framework: Urban Planning Law in UAE, Urban Planning Law in France and in Europe
• Urban Planning Practices: Urban Engineering 1, Urban Engineering 2

Semester 2:

• Workshop: Workshop 1, Workshop 2, Workshop 3
• Methodology and Tools: Urban Design, Urban Planning Guideline
• Fundamentals of Urban Planning: Housing, Real Estate, Urban Land Economics, Landscaping, Sustainable Development

Year 2:

Semester 1:

• Fundamentals of Urban Planning: Political and Urban Planning, Retail and Commercial Activities, Transport and Urban Planning, Risks Management and Urbanization
• Methodology and Tools: Heritage in the UAE, Tourism Development in the Emirates, Planning for Real, Strategic Foresight for Cities
• Urban Planning Practices: Financial Programming, Final Workshop

Semester 2:

• Final workshop presentation
• Master thesis

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Examinations: Written and oral exams test students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments: Individual and group assignments allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Students present their research and findings to their peers and faculty.
• Master thesis: A final research project allows students to showcase their in-depth research skills and knowledge.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Experts in the field deliver lectures on key topics.
• Seminars: Smaller group discussions allow for in-depth exploration of specific concepts.
• Workshops: Hands-on activities provide students with practical experience.
• Field trips: Students visit relevant sites to gain firsthand experience of urban planning in action.
The faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics with expertise in urban planning, architecture, engineering, law, and other relevant fields.

Careers:

Graduates of the program find rewarding career opportunities on a regional and global scale. They enter promising careers with:

• Engineering and design consultancy firms
• Urban developers
• Real estate agencies
• Government enterprises involved with urban affairs
• Environmental management
• Community development
• Research agencies

Other:

• The program is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.
• The curriculum follows the European ECTS system.
• The degree is awarded by Sorbonne University.
• The program is offered in English.
• The typical delivery format of the courses is as follows:
• Monday: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
• Tuesday: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
• Sunday: 9:30am – 6:30pm
• Changes to the course schedule may occur.
• The program offers scholarships for academically outstanding students.
• Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount on tuition fees for their employees.
• Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program are eligible for a family discount.
• The program may require an entry test for applicants with insufficient professional experience.

• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344) • Payment of Fees: Click here