Urban Analytics and AI for Planners (Dubai) MSc

This programme, developed in conjunction with Urban Planning, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering, fosters an interdisciplinary approach to tackling 21st-century urban challenges. It equips you to harness big data, AI, and digital analytical tools to deliver evidence-based solutions for designing smart, sustainable cities of the future. The programme tackles contemporary urban challenges such as transport systems, environmental justice, connectivity, and accessibility, equipping you to harness big data and develop innovative, sustainable, and evidence-based solutions.

Course structure 

Learn from world-leading academics, collaborating with experts from top rated renowned universities and research institutions. Benefit from strong connections with global consultancies like AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, and Buro Happold. Supported by government and industry grants, the programme offers impactful research opportunities and a fully funded international field trip, equipping you to lead the future of urban planning in the age of AI.

• Live Urban Lab: Study in Dubai, a global hub for innovation, where AI-driven urban planning transforms traditional urban challenges into smart, sustainable solutions.
• Global Expertise: Learn from leading academics and experts from world-renowned academics and professionals.
• International Industry Connections: Gain practical insights and hands-on knowledge from top consultancies, including AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, and Buro Happold.
• International Field Trip: Participate in a fully funded one-week trip, exploring innovative urban analytics applications and sustainable design practices in diverse global settings.
• Cutting-Edge Skills: Master AI, big data, and advanced spatial analysis tools to design smarter, data-driven cities for the future.
• Strategic Location: Benefit from Dubai’s vision to become the most data-driven, AI-prepared, Cognitive city in the world, offering unique opportunities for real-world learning and research.

This year, our MSc Urban Analytics and AI for Planners 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 urban analytic lab, 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.

Dubai, Your Living Urban Laboratory

Experience Dubai as your living urban lab, where every element of the city serves as a dynamic classroom for urban analytics. Your learning is deeply connected to real-world applications, with assessments rooted in authentic scenarios and living case studies that build the practical skills sought by employers.

Benefit from the insights and expertise of professionals from local and international consultancies, government agencies, and industry leaders, offering invaluable perspectives on data-driven urban challenges.

Assessments
Showcase your abilities through diverse assessment formats, including essays, presentations, case studies, government-style reports, urban modelling projects, poster presentations, and an extended research dissertation. Every task is designed to address real-world urban challenges, with no exams included.

The 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:

The MSc Urban Analytics and AI for Planners welcomes graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including urban and transport planning, civil engineering, transport and railway engineering, road and transport specialists, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, and related fields. Designed for those interested in leveraging data and digital analytical tools, the programme requires no prior knowledge of mathematics or computer science, ensuring accessibility to individuals with a wide range of skill sets.

Entry is possible with a 2:2 degree, or equivalent, if supported by sufficient professional experience to compensate for a lower academic qualification. Applicants must demonstrate skills and insights that will allow them to contribute to and benefit from the MSc programme effectively.

Relevant experience should ideally be in fields such as urban development, environmental planning, public policy, transportation planning, or community development. Practical experience in architectural firms, public planning departments, real estate development companies, or non-profit organisations focused on urban or regional planning is also considered. This experience should reflect practical skills and a foundational understanding of urban analytics, planning challenges, and data-driven approaches aligned with the principles of sustainable and innovative urban planning.

English language requirements

To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.

The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.

You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.

To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.

To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.

Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.

Graduate Career Destinations Include:

• Local urban planning and transport consultancy firms
• The Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
• Government ministries and public sector roles
• Urban development firms and real estate consultancies
• Global consultants (e.g., AECOM, WSP, Jacobs)
• International organisations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, OECD)

This degree opens the door to transformative and meaningful career opportunities in urban analytics, data-driven planning, and sustainable city development.

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.