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MSc - Master of Science
University of Oxford
Part Time
OCT-25
2 years
Select a course option
MSc - Master of Science
University of Oxford
Part Time
OCT-25
2 years
Select a an exam type
About the course
The two-year MSc in Sustainable Urban Development will provide a rigorous and critical understanding of the policy and practice of sustainable urban development. The course exposes students to sustainable urbanism as both an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary subject at global and local scales.
Attention is paid to the intellectual history of sustainable urban development, its current and future applications and practice, and the contemporary relevance of research to sustainable urban policy and practice across cities of the Global North and South.
The programme attracts a lively and engaged group of students, who combine postgraduate study with their professional lives, and an active alumni network. Students on the course come from a wide international background and share a variety of work experiences in urban development and the built environment.
The MSc is designed for those operating in a range of urban contexts worldwide - public, private or third sector organisations - and fosters collaboration, creativity, perspective-sharing and effective networking skills. The MSc runs in partnership with The Prince's Foundation and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The course is delivered by University academics, industry experts, urban researchers and practitioners in the built environment. Regular contributors include the International Institute for Environment and Development and the University’s Transport Studies Unit.
Teaching
The course is delivered through a mix of 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 20 hours per week of independent study.
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 and count towards your MSc assessment.
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.
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a social science or science subject. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.
Students living in
Domestic
£12,025 per year
Students from Domestic
Fee per module £2,640.
£12,025 per year
Students from EU
Fee per module £2,475.
£12,025 per year
Students from International
Fee per module £2,475.