Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability

Program Overview

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About the Programme

The Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UPD-URBIS) programme is designed to train professional experts in two main directions in line with current urban development issues in the Emirates and elsewhere in the world: (1) the eco-sustainable approach and (2) urban and ecological innovation in planning, urban projects, and mobility.

Programme Structure

• Programme duration: 2 years
• Delivery language: English
• Degree awarded: Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability
• Accreditation: The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris. This programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.
• Admission deadline: 29 August 2025
• Interview dates: TBA

Programme Details

Semester 1

Modules	Courses	Contact hours
Principles of Urban Planning	From Inner Cities to Metropolitan Areas	32
Urban Heritage and Sustainable Development	23
Urban Planning Law and Regulation	23
Digital Engineering for Urban Planning	Advanced Urban Analysis	14
GIS Applied to Urban Planning	14
Professional Practice of Urban Planning	Urban Planning Practices	18
Studio: Sustainable Urban Landscape	12

Semester 2

Modules	Courses	Contact hours
Sustainable Urban Planning and Design	Urban Planning, Climate Adaptation and Social Inclusion	36
EcoDesign and Reversibility	18
Strategies for Healthy and Sustainable Cities	Health, Mobility, and Built Environment	22.5
Urban Metabolism	13.5
Digital Engineering for Urban Design	18
Professional Practice of Urban Planning	Urban Engineering	13.5
Studio: Reversible and Sustainable Building	12

Semester 3

Modules	Courses	Contact hours
Urban Eco-Technological Innovations	Urban Energy System & Energetic Efficiency	32
Building an Ecocity : Innovation clusters and districts	32
Infrastructures and Urban Innovation	23
Professional Practice of Sustainable Urban Engineering	Land Use Planning for Low Carbon City Studio :	14
Building an Eco-Technological City	12
Innovative Research in Urban Studies	Research Methodology	23

Semester 4

Modules	Courses	Contact hours
Research Project	Master Thesis	5

Admission Requirements

• General entry requirements:
  • Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent.
  • GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (or equivalent scores as per the equivalency table) may be conditionally admitted under probation during the first semester.
  • Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
  • Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20
• English language proficiency:
  • IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79 (or equivalent) with a validity of 2 years
  • Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years or equivalent

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344)
• Payment of Fees: Payment schedules available
• Scholarships:
  • 25% academic excellence scholarship
  • 20% Alumni discount
  • 25% discount upon enrolment on a second master’s degree
  • 5%-15% corporate rate
  • 10% Family discount

Career Prospects

The master UPD-URBIS programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities in Government, Private Enterprise, non-profit and International Organisations, for positions as:

• Urban Planners
• Transportation Planners
• Housing and Community Development Planners
• Economic Development Planners
• Urban Designers
• Real Estate Developers
• Smart Cities Consultants
• Sustainable Development and Resilience Consultants
• Geographic Information Systems Analysts.

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.

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Outline:

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

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Year 1:

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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

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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

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Year 2:

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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

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Semester 2:

• Final workshop presentation
• Master thesis

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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