Urban Planning and Design (MUPD)

The Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) at Qatar University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced roles in urban development, planning, and design. This program aims to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to tackle the complex challenges of modern urban environments. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, students will explore topics such as spatial analysis, sustainable development, urban policy, landscape architecture, transportation planning, and community engagement. The program emphasizes innovative design solutions that promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities, aligning with Qatar's vision for urban growth and development. Students will engage in research projects, design studios, and fieldwork that foster critical thinking, creativity, and leadership in the planning profession. Collaborations with governmental agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations provide real-world exposure and opportunities for professional networking. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends, technological advancements, and policy shifts in urban planning and design. Graduates of the MUPD program are prepared for diverse careers in urban planning agencies, architectural and design firms, government institutions, and research organizations. They will possess the capability to develop and implement effective urban strategies that improve quality of life, promote environmental sustainability, and support economic growth. The program also encourages students to undertake innovative research, aiming to contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments regionally and globally. With a faculty comprised of experienced academics and practitioners, the MUPD at Qatar University offers a stimulating academic environment that fosters professional development and lifelong learning.

First Year

Planning Theory
Urban Planning Legislation
Urban and Regional Land Use
Elective
Urban Economics
Research & Statistics in Planning
Computer Aided Planning
Elective

Second Year: Track 1: Urban Design

Sustainable Urban & Landscape Design
Urban Design in Practice
Evolution of Built Form & Townscapes
Elective
Thesis in Urban Design
(Research or Project Based)
Qatar University
College of Engineering
Department of
Architecture and Urban Planning
Master in
Urban Planning and Design

Second Year: Track 2: Urban Planning

Local and Regional Sustainability
Urban Infrastructure Planning
Housing Policies and Planning
Elective
Thesis in Urban Planning
(Research or Project Based)
Elective Offerings
- Cultural and Physical Aspects of the Islamic
City
- Urban Renewal Planning
- Theory on Urban Form and Design
- Design and Regeneration
- Urban Transportation Systems
- City and Regional Planning in Arid Zones
- Environmental Planning and Management
- Techniques of Environmental Impact
Assessment

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Masters of Urban Planning and Design program who meet the following minimum criteria will be considered for admission to Qatar University: Eligible applicants are those who have Bachelor Degrees (BSc. or BA) degrees in built environment-related disciplines including, architecture, urban design, urban planning, regional planning, Urban geography, landscape architecture, interior architecture, construction engineering, and civil engineering.

Admitted students would have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 (or equivalent) from a university or college accredited by an international accrediting association or by the Ministry of Higher Education or equivalent in that country.

The Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) program at Qatar University is primarily funded through a combination of government support, educational grants, and tuition fees paid by students. As a public university in Qatar, Qatar University benefits from national funding allocated to higher education and research initiatives aimed at developing sustainable urban environments and smart city solutions. The government’s investment supports faculty salaries, research projects, and infrastructure development necessary for delivering high-quality education in urban planning and design.

Tuition fees constitute a significant part of the program's financing, with costs determined annually by Qatar University’s administration. These fees are designed to be competitive within the region and often include options for payment installments to ease financial burdens on students. Additionally, the university provides scholarships and financial aid programs to students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need, reducing barriers to access high-quality urban planning education.

Research grants and projects funded by national and international agencies further underpin the program's financial stability, promoting innovative research and practical training. Some students may secure external funding through sponsorships, assistantships, or internships with government agencies and private sector companies involved in urban development projects.

The program's strategic alignment with Qatar’s Vision 2030 and national urban development initiatives attracts additional governmental funding, ensuring ongoing financial support for the program’s infrastructure, faculty development, and student activities. Overall, the composite financing structure aims to foster an environment of academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, making urban planning and design education accessible to qualified students from diverse backgrounds. This multi-source funding model emphasizes sustainability and continual growth of the program to meet Qatar’s expanding urban needs and global urban planning standards.

The Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) at Qatar University is a graduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for planning and designing sustainable urban environments. The program focuses on the development of comprehensive planning strategies that integrate social, economic, environmental, and aesthetic considerations to enhance the quality of urban life. It is tailored for individuals seeking to engage in innovative urban planning practices, policy formulation, and development management within Qatar and broader regional contexts. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications through case studies, studio work, and project-based learning. Students have opportunities to explore topics such as land use planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, urban design, and community development. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-governmental organizations involved in urban development projects. It also encourages research and scholarship in urban planning issues pertinent to Qatar’s rapid urbanization and modernization efforts. The program duration is typically two years for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Admission requirements include a relevant bachelor's degree, a competitive academic record, and sometimes relevant work experience. Graduates of the MUPD program are expected to contribute to creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible cities, fostering sustainable growth aligned with Qatar’s national development goals.