Program Overview
Master of Science in Urban Design
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Urban Design program at Ajman University aims to provide the community with qualified architects who can deal with the complex issues of the urban environment and cities.
Mission
The mission of the program is to provide the community with qualified architects who can deal with the complex issues of the urban environment and cities.
Objectives
The program will:
- Enable graduates to evaluate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of real-world design proposals for buildings and urban environments.
- Provide students with advanced skills and knowledge to manage and supervise the development and implementation of design and intervention proposals related to the urban environment.
- Provide in-depth knowledge of the main subject areas of the urban environment regarding the relationships between built form, space, culture, developmental processes, and sustainability in its wide-ranging facets.
- Offer the ability to carry out independent study and research.
Program Coordinator
Dr. Mohammad S. Arar
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Urban Land use, with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Students with a CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 on a scale of 4 or equivalent may be admitted conditionally.
- Evidence of proficiency in English: English EmSAT with a minimum score of 1400, or 6.0 IELTS academic, or TOEFL ITP score of 550 or its equivalent.
- Conditional admission may also be awarded to graduates of related programs such as civil engineering, interior design, or geography according to the department's discretion. The condition being that the students undertake remedial courses that elevates them to the level that enables them to take the MUD courses. That is particularly relevant to urban design and 2D CAD drafting courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MSc. Program can work as designers and construction managers, decision-makers for city planning, community agencies, or governmental authorities. Graduates can also pursue their studies to gain a PhD degree and join academic institutions.
Graduation Requirements
To be qualified for graduation, the student must:
- Complete the core and elective courses with a minimum AGPA of 3.0.
- Pass the thesis examination with a minimum of 80 percent (B grade).
Collaboration Between Ajman University and University of Florida-USA
The College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at Ajman University (AU) has established a collaborative between Ajman University's College of Architecture, Art, and Design in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, and the University of Florida (UFL) College of Design, Construction, and Planning, situated in Gainesville, Florida, United States of America. The program entails earning an MSc in Urban Design from AU and a Master’s of Science in Architectural Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Design from UFL. Ajman University assures that the proposed agreement complies with the standards set forth by national accreditation bodies such as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE.
Students who have been admitted to AU master’s program and have completed 15 credit hours of their program at Ajman University are eligible to participate in this program. Students must also apply for admission to UFL and meet its admission requirements. After completing the first year of their program at Ajman University, students will attend and complete the one-year program at UF and earn a Master’s of Science in Architectural Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Design degree. The two degrees have separate curriculums and are organized and managed by the respective faculty of each institution.
The following courses will accommodate the students:
- Elective 1 and 2 at Ajman University can be substituted by two suitable courses taken from the required courses at University of Florida.
- Students who have completed 6 credits of thesis at University of Florida will be credited with 6 credits towards their thesis at AU and will have to complete 3 credits of thesis to obtain the Masters of Urban Design at Ajman University. The thesis will be co-supervised with a member of AU faculty is to be part of the supervision team.
The table below summarizes the credit hours required for AU students pursuing these degrees.
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Total credit hours to be taken in Ajman University | 15 |
| Elective 1 and 2 taken from UFL | 6 |
| Co-supervised Thesis | 6 |
| Thesis at AU | 3 |
| Total credits hours | 30 credits to get Masters in Urban Design at AU. |
Program Learning Outcomes
The following are the outcomes and the relevant abbreviations, which are used in the course descriptions that follow.
Knowledge
The program outcomes are to produce professionals who:
- Are familiar with the main subject areas regarding relationships between built form, space, culture, and the developmental processes.
- Are familiar with sustainability in design proposal for buildings and urban environments.
- Are knowledgeable in advanced topics related studies and analysis of the urban environment.
Skills
The program outcomes are to produce professionals who:
- Can implement advanced methods and technique to critically evaluate, measure the success, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of design proposal for buildings and urban environments.
- Can apply advanced skills and knowledge to manage and supervise the development of design and intervention proposals related to the urban environment.
- Can apply advanced skills to implement design proposal related to the urban environment.
- Can apply advanced skills and knowledge in sustainability to the urban environment.
- Can instigate and carry out independent study and research.
- Can use modern techniques and methods such as computers and software.
- Can communicate in clear and effective manner to enhance the job performance.
Competencies
Autonomy and responsibility
At completion of the masters in Urban Design program, the graduate will be able to:
- Identify, formulates, and solve urban environment issues.
- Do detailed analysis and studies in urban environment matters.
- Team with multidisciplinary professions engaged in the urban design process.
- Analysis an urban area in terms of its sustainability.
Self-Development
At completion of the masters in Urban Design program, the graduate will be able to:
- Recognize the need for life-long learning in field of urban design.
- Professionally compete in the market and play an active role in the community.
Role in Context
- Demonstrate professionalism and regard for his fellow professionals.
- Show good working ethics.
Program Structure and Credit Hours
Degree requirement
The Master degree in Architecture in Urban Design requires the completion of 30 Credit Hours classified as follows:
| Types of courses | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| Core courses | 15 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Thesis | 9 |
The study plan for full-time students extends over a two-year period (Two semesters for the coursework, and one semester for the thesis).
Major courses (24 Credit hours)
| Course # | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUD605 | Urban Design Studio | 3 | - |
| MUD610 | History And Theory of Urbanism | 3 | - |
| MUD611 | Sustainability and Energy Saving | 3 | - |
| MUD620 | Social & Economic Factors in Urban Development | 3 | - |
| MUD621 | Research Methods | 3 | - |
| MUD641 | Thesis I | 3 | MUD621 Research Methods |
| MUD642 | Thesis II | 6 | MUD641 Thesis I |
Electives (Any two for 6 Credit hours)
| Credit # | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUD650 | Urban Landscape Design | 3 | - |
| MUD651 | Management of Urban Projects | 3 | - |
| MUD622 | Real Estate Development | 3 | - |
| MUD612 | Architecture and Urban Environment in the Gulf | 3 | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the study plan document.
Courses Descriptions
MUD610 History and Theory of urbanism (3,0,0: 3)
Pre-requisite: None
This course attempts to explore history of urbanism. It aims to provide the basic foundation and understanding of the history and theory of urbanism from ancient times to contemporary trends.
MUD611 Sustainability and Energy Saving (2,2,0: 3)
Pre-requisite: None
The course will examine the role of technology and how it may contribute most effectively to sustainable development. It will consider approaches to integrating and managing technology with particular attention to social, economic, health, and environmental sides.
MUD620 Social and Economic Factors in Urban Development (3,0,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
This course aims to introduce students to the history and development of urban form, the social and economic factors that contribute to shaping urban form, and sustainability and energy issues associated with urban form.
MUD621 Research Methods (3,0,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
The course introduces the student to the research methods used in urban affairs. This includes the basics of data gathering and analysis with special emphasis on site-related issues. The course also aims to show them how to write a dissertation and/or technical paper.
MUD605 Urban Design Studio (1,4,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
The course intended to provide postgraduates with appreciation of visual, social, cultural, economic, and environmental impact of the uses and architecture of individual buildings within the fabric of the city. The course also considers how the acquired appreciation can be applied in particular context, and especially in the Gulf context. However, the course is designed for students of varying background and not intended to concentrate on the design of spaces and functional relationships within buildings.
MUD641 Thesis I (3,0,0: 3)
Pre-requisite: MUD621 Research Methods
The thesis should reflect the cumulative effort the student has made during his studies. It should offer a relevant view of the contemporary world of urban design, urban development, and architecture.
MUD642 Thesis II (6,0,0: 6)
Pre-requisite: MUD641 Thesis I
The thesis should reflect the cumulative effort the student has made during his studies. It should offer a relevant view of the contemporary world of urban design, urban development, and architecture.
MUD622 Real Estate Development (3,0,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
This course explores strategies of Real Estate Development (RED) in Gulf Regions with special emphasis on UAE. The course discusses specific contents on the dynamics of creating value in Real Estate Market. This course addresses the strategic growth, opportunities, competitive challenges, and operational imperatives of the Real Estate Market.
MUD612 Architecture and Urban Environment in the Gulf Region (3,0,0:3)
Pre-requisite: none
This course explores the cultural, economic, environmental, and technological issues affecting the spatial disposition, form, and character of urban buildings in the region. The aim of this course is to expose students to issues and factors that shape urban architecture of the region.
MUD650 Urban Landscape Design (2,2,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
This course aims to introduce students to specialize in landscape visualization, environmental perception, public land management processes, and sustainable landscapes. It includes the theoretical framework of landscape planning and design, relevant theories, methods, and techniques for application in the landscape planning process.
MUD651 Management of Urban Projects (3,0,0:3)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces the student to project management of urban projects. This includes roles and environments, the project life cycle, and various techniques of work planning, and control and evaluation to achieve project objectives.
