Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability
- About the programme
- Programme structure
- Entry & Graduation requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
| • 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 |
The Master in 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.
The academic content of the UPD-URBIS master’s degree is based on three pillars: (1) ecological transition (SDGs in the planning systems, urban metabolism), (2) energy transition (built environment, urban energy systems), and (3) digital transition (urban advanced analysis and design). Other highly topical themes are covered: well-being, walkability of public spaces, health, intelligent mobility, urban innovation, inclusiveness in sustainable urban projects, low-carbon construction, etc.
Traditional methods of urban analysis are also approached in innovative ways, taking into account data science and visualisation to identify problems and consider solutions as part of more open and participatory design project approaches.
International recognition
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides the combined experience of Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité. This rich heritage of joint excellence is now available in Abu Dhabi under the Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide.
The programme is closely linked to the Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Development at Sorbonne University in Paris, which is highly attractive (over 1,500 applicants per year), enabling students to benefit from its international partnerships.
Enhancing individual & national development
Within the next decade, Abu Dhabi is poised to dedicate its focus towards socio-eco-nomic sustainability. This curriculum will be crucial in creating and encouraging a new generation passionate about planning cities of the future. Through this programme, future leaders and pioneers have the opportunity to exchange ideas and initiate dialogue as well as refine their skills and career potential to complement the city’s rapid and ambitious progress.
Networking
Each class will have a reduced number of students from different countries. A strict entry selection procedure will guarantee the quality of the degree and will allow you to expand your personal network with high potential peers.
Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2
| Day | Evening |
|---|---|
| Monday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Friday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
*That on-campus classes take place from Monday to Friday, from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm, during 7 weeks out of 13 (for semesters 1, 2 and 3; semester 4 being totally dedicated to the thesis).
The degree in Urban Planning and Development is taught in English and covers a total of four semesters across two years. The course schedule is carefully designed to accommodate working professionals by arranging classes in the early evening in consideration of students who intend to combine their studies with work.
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 | |
| nnovative Research in Urban Studies | Research Methodology | 23 |
Semester 4
| Modules | Courses | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|
| Research Project | Master Thesis | 5 |
Master’s thesis
In the 2nd semester of Master 2, students are expected to write a dissertation, based on an individual internship, or on a fundamental research project. Students must develop a scientific approach (including literature review, data collection and analysis, and discussion of results). They must also demonstrate mastery of the professional skills and disciplinary knowledge that constitute the content of the master
Admission to our master’s programmes is selective and competitive and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit. Our admissions process ensures that every course has an ideal mix of people with talent,impressive interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
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. The student will be authorised to continue in the programme only if they secure an average of at
least 12 out of 20 which is obtained by the end of the first semester. The decision is based on academic performance and will be made official after the completion of the first semester.
or Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
or Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20 - Bachelor students with a GPA below 3 may be admitted on the ground of their professional and / or personal experience, in case they are granted a VAPP by SU’s or UP’s VAPP commission
- 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 or, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years or equivalent
- Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees from universities outside the UAE must present a Certificate of Equivalency for their graduation certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants, who are holders of undergraduate degrees issued by a licensed higher education institution in the UAE, are required to submit a copy of their degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website: Ministry of Education.Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website: Ministry of Education
Assessment
& graduation requirements
Throughout the year, there will be frequent assessment and evaluations. Students will be evaluated on individual assignments, internships presentations, reports and examinations, which usually take place towards the end of every semester. Attendance to all classes is mandatory and it is important that students are punctual and observe university regulations at all times.
|
• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): |
AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344) |
|
• Payment of Fees: |
Click here |
Scholarships*
25% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester. To be eligible, applicants are required to meet one of the below criteria:
- Bachelor CGPA average of 3.6/4.0 and above, or equivalent
- Bachelor with Final Average of 15/20 above
- Bachelor with first class honors
- Candidates graduating as the top of class, despite the average
A minimum average of 14/20 is required to maintain the scholarship for the following semesters.
For programmes taught in English: an English Proficiency level with a minimum of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOELF IB
Preferential rates
20% Alumni discount
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee.
25% discount upon enrolment on a second master’s degree
Applicants holding a master degree from SUAD and enrolling for a second master degree at SUAD are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition.
5%-15% corporate rate
Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact +971(0) 2-6569311
10% Family discount
Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programmes are eligible for a 10% discount.
*Conditions apply
The master UPD-URBIS programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities in Government, Private Enterprise, non-profit and International Organi sations, 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.
