Sustainable Urban Design (Dubai) MSc

The program nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to lead in both global and regional contexts. It bridges traditional sustainability practices with modern urban challenges, equipping you to become an innovative and skilled professional ready to tackle the complexities of urban development in a rapidly changing world. You will acquire the ability to design sustainable, culturally attuned, and resilient urban spaces, gaining a comprehensive skillset that positions you for an impactful career in urban design, planning, and related fields, ultimately shaping the future of cities and communities.

Course Structure

While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.

Learn from an international team of world-leading academics based in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia while benefitting from strong industry connections with renowned consultancies. Our workshops and teaching are enriched by the expertise of local professionals and international consultants such as AECOM, WSP, JACOBS, and Buro Happold, ensuring practical insights and cutting-edge knowledge.

Engage in impactful research supported by local government grants and gain invaluable hands-on experience through a fully funded one-week international field trip, exploring sustainable design in diverse urban settings.

• 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.

This year, our MSc Sustainable Urban Design students will embark on an unforgettable journey to Kathmandu, Nepal. This international field trip is more than just a study tour; it is a deep dive into the heart of urban development in a rapidly evolving South Asian city.

From the vibrant public spaces to the resilient communities, students will explore key themes like community engagement, informal settlements, cultural heritage, and post-disaster reconstruction following the 2015 earthquake. They will connect with local universities, planners, architects, and community organizations, and visit iconic sites in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, as well as modern urban extensions and community-led housing projects.

This immersive experience will allow our students to critically examine urban challenges and innovative planning strategies in a context starkly different from Dubai or the UK. The Kathmandu trip will not only enrich their academic knowledge, but also broaden their cross-cultural understanding, making it a standout, transformative part of their programme.

• 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.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The following must be taken:

Entry with a 2:2, or equivalent is possible, with sufficient professional experience to compensate for a lower academic qualification. You will need to show that you have acquired skills and insights to contribute to and benefit from the MSc programme effectively.

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. Experience in architectural firms, public planning departments, real estate development companies, or non-profit organisations focused on urban or regional planning can also be considered. This work experience should demonstrate practical skills and a foundational understanding of urban design and planning issues, regulations, and practices that align with the core principles of sustainable urban design and planning.

Relevant subject specific guidance

This programme is a conversion degree and is suitable for a wide range of professional backgrounds, including:

• Individuals with a design background who want to expand their expertise into sustainable urbanism.
• Non-design professionals who wish to transition into urban sustainability and the built environment. 

Relevant Backgrounds and Degrees

While the programme is open to a broad range of disciplines, students from the following fields are particularly well-suited: 

Design and Built Environment: Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture (if interested in larger-scale spatial design), Planning and Engineering, Urban Planning / Town and Regional Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Environmental and Social Sciences, Geography / Human Geography, Environmental Science & Sustainability, Climate Change and Resilience Studies, Psychology and Sociology (people and place/urban studies focus). 

Technology and Data-Driven Fields: such as GIS & Geospatial Analysis, Transport and Road Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Analytics, Smart Cities & Digital Technologies. 

Who Might Benefit the Most?

Urban and regional planners and architects looking to specialise in sustainability principles.

Engineers and geographers wanting to apply their skills in the built environment.

Environmental and sustainability professionals interested in design of future urban development.

Data and technology experts aiming to apply their skills and contribute to building smart and resilient cities.

English language requirements

In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.

Scholarships

Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.

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.

Careers Network

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.

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.