Program Overview

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Program Overview

The MSc Sustainable Urban Design programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai blends theory with hands-on practical projects to tackle real-world challenges, emphasizing practical, culturally rooted sustainability. It draws from Middle Eastern and Eastern traditions alongside modern approaches, preparing graduates to lead in both global and regional contexts.

Course Structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode, with the option to undertake the programme on a part-time basis over 24 months. The course is divided into semesters, with the following modules:

• Designing Urban Systems: Sustainable, Smart and Healthy Placemaking
• Dissertation
• Research Skills for Urban Designers: Methods to Study Public Life
• Shaping Urban Spaces: The Politics, Theory, and Practice of Spatial Planning
• Spatial Analysis and Urban Living: Evaluating the Qualities and Quantities of Urban Spaces
• Sustainable Urban Design: Discourses and Debates
• Urban Lab: Urban Design and Regeneration Project

Course Delivery

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. The course emphasizes real-world engagement, providing practical, hands-on experiences to tackle today’s urban challenges effectively.

Teaching Methods

The course includes:

• Taught Modules: Engaging lectures, interactive seminars, site visits, lab classes, and design studio sessions to develop both theoretical and practical skills.
• Urban Lab Consultancy Approach: Collaboration on real-world projects in a consultancy-style setting, tackling urban challenges and proposing sustainable design solutions.
• Masterclasses: Professional insights by working with government agencies, local authorities, and international consultants in interactive workshops and masterclasses.
• Fieldwork: Applying learning in real-world contexts through hands-on fieldwork, site analysis, and practical research activities.
• Assessments: Demonstrating 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.

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, applicants must meet both the general entry requirements and the specific criteria for the course. The application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor.

Academic Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree (or above) in a related subject.
• Entry with a 2:2, or equivalent, is possible with sufficient professional experience to compensate for a lower academic qualification.

Relevant Experience

Relevant experience should ideally be in fields related to urban design and planning, such as work in urban development, environmental planning, public policy, transportation planning, or community development.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English, with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications accepted.

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation. Fees for the programme are:

• AED 139,173 (full-time, September 2026)
• AED 69,587 (part-time, September 2026)

Scholarships

Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe, with a number of scholarships available at the Dubai campus.

Career Opportunities

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

• 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)

Related Courses

• Urban Planning and Regional Development (Dubai) MSc
• Urban Analytics and AI for Planners (Dubai) MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, the university experience isn’t just about studying. Students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life at the Dubai campus.

Accommodation

Student accommodation partners allow students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Dubai offers endless attractions, entertainment, and lifestyle opportunities, making it an exciting place to live and study.

Campus Life

The state-of-the-art Dubai campus provides a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student Support

The university is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, both before they start and throughout their time on campus.