Sustainable Urban Development

Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford is an interdisciplinary Master's program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of urban sustainability in the 21st century. This program explores the multifaceted nature of urban environments, focusing on sustainable planning, environmental resilience, social inclusion, and economic development. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that integrates theories and practices from urban planning, environmental science, policy analysis, and engineering, fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban systems. By participating in coursework, seminars, and practical projects, students will develop critical skills in assessing urban sustainability issues, devising innovative solutions, and implementing best practices in real-world contexts. The program encourages an analytical and proactive approach to transforming urban spaces into sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. Taught by leading academics and practitioners, the course offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, field visits, and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. Graduates will be prepared for careers in urban planning departments, environmental consultancy, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies, where they can contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments worldwide. The program emphasizes research-based learning, translating theory into tools and strategies for improving urban life. It aims to foster global perspectives on urban sustainability challenges, promoting innovative thinking and responsible leadership in shaping future cities.

You will attend eight intensive residential teaching weeks during the two years of study. Two of these eight teaching weeks are held at the offices of the Prince's Foundation for Building Community in London. The remaining six are held in Oxford at the Department for Continuing Education. Each teaching week addresses a core theme of the course.

In the first year, you will study five interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teaching weeks:

• Concepts of the City and Environmental Change
• Climate Change and the Built Environment
• Place-making and Urban Design (PFBC)
• Financing Sustainability
• Sustainable Transport

During teaching weeks, you will also follow foundation courses in urban theory and research methods tailored to sustainable urban development, comprising sessions on the intellectual history of sustainable urbanism, paradigm shifts and challenges in sustainable development, urban economics, research design, research ethics and preparation, bibliography and library resources.

In the second year, you will study three interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teaching weeks:

• Urbanism, Community and City-Building (PFBC)
• Urbanisation in the Global South
• Leadership, Governance and Future Cities

You will spend the latter half of the second year working on a 15,000-word dissertation. You will choose the topic, with the guidance of your supervisor, and, in most cases, spend time doing fieldwork and gathering data during this period. More information can be found in the Course Handbook.

Teaching

The course is delivered through a mix of tailored teaching and learning methods, including seminars, site visits, peer-review, research workshops and individual tutorials. Classes are seminar-based, encouraging active participation and enabling students to learn from each other. You will prepare for sessions by reading a selection of recommended books, book chapters and articles. Typically, there are six to eight weeks between each teaching week, during which time you should expect to spend an average of 15 hours per week of independent study.

You will be allocated a course supervisor who will support your academic development, and with whom you will meet during each teaching week for a tutorial. In the second year, you will be allocated a dissertation supervisor. Where dissertation supervision requires expertise that is not available among the core staff, an additional dissertation supervisor will be identified. You will also have a college advisor whom you may consult on issues concerning your personal wellbeing.

Assessment

For each teaching week, you will complete an essay of up to 3,000 words on that theme. The first essay is formative and will provide you with valuable feedback at the start of your studies. The remaining seven essay assignments are summative.

You will also submit a research dissertation of up to 15,000 words. It is expected that you will define your own dissertation topic in consultation with your allocated supervisor. Training in research skills is built into the course delivery, in order to help you make the most of this opportunity.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a social science or science subject. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:500 to 1,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 3,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Funding for the MSc in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford generally comprises several sources, including tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status; for international students, fees are approximately £36,000 per year, while domestic students pay a lower rate, around £12,000 annually. The University of Oxford offers a range of scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting talented students through various institutional, departmental, and external funding programs. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees and sometimes include additional allowances for living expenses. Applicants are encouraged to explore the Oxford Scholarships and Funding webpage for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

In addition to university scholarships, students may be eligible for external funding sources, such as government-sponsored grants, international organizations, or private foundations. The UK government offers postgraduate loans for eligible students, which can help cover tuition fees and maintain living costs. For international students, there are also specific funding initiatives and external fellowships aimed at supporting students pursuing urban development studies. The university provides comprehensive financial aid guidance to assist students in navigating available options, including bursaries, grants, and work-study opportunities.

Students are advised to apply early and complete relevant financial aid applications concurrent with their program admission process to maximize funding opportunities. The cost of living in Oxford should also be taken into account when planning finances; budgeting for accommodation, transportation, books, and personal expenses is recommended. The university facilitates part-time work opportunities and internships, which can supplement student income during the course of study. Overall, funding for the MSc in Sustainable Urban Development is designed to be as accessible as possible through a combination of institutional and external financial support, ensuring that capable students can pursue their academic goals regardless of financial background.

The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of urban sustainability. The programme integrates principles from urban planning, environmental science, economics, and social policy, providing a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable urban transformation. Students are exposed to cutting-edge research and practical case studies, fostering critical thinking and innovative solutions for urban areas facing issues such as climate change, resource management, housing, transportation, and social inequality.

The curriculum includes core modules that cover foundational topics such as urban sustainability frameworks, environmental impact assessment, and policy analysis. Elective courses allow students to specialise in areas like urban planning and design, environmental policy, or socio-economic aspects of urban life. The programme emphasizes research skills, promoting independent investigation and the development of actionable proposals for sustainable urban development projects.

Students benefit from the university’s strong connections with industry leaders, local government, and international agencies, facilitating internships, site visits, and collaborative projects. The programme is typically delivered over one year full-time, with options for part-time study designed to accommodate working professionals. Graduates of the MSc in Sustainable Urban Development often go on to careers in urban planning agencies, environmental consultancy firms, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and research institutions. The programme also prepares students for further academic study, including doctoral research. The University of Oxford’s distinguished faculty, interdisciplinary environment, and vibrant academic community make it an ideal setting for students committed to making meaningful contributions to sustainable urban futures.