The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development course at Oxford University equips students with the tools and methods to create a more sustainable urban environment.

The course addresses the critical, urgent challenges we face. It focuses on how we can make our cities more liveable, just and sustainable in a challenging global environment.

The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development is a transformative two-year part-time programme for working professionals across the globe.

Taught by experienced faculty from Oxford University, known for its research excellence and impact, you will gain a greater understanding of the tools and methods available to develop solutions that address the critical, urgent challenges we face to make the urban environment more liveable, just and sustainable for the future.

With teaching weeks in Oxford and London, the programme covers a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, ranging from climate change to sustainable mobilities. Urban development in both the global North and the global South is explored with a critical eye on the origins of problems and workable solutions.

The programme runs in partnership with The King's Foundation and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

We offer you the opportunity to join a knowledgeable global community with truly diverse perspectives, embedded in a world-class university, tackling world-scale urban problems which have a local impact.

School: Oxford University
Course: MSc in Sustainable Urban Development
Type: Oxford, UK, or online
Location: Postgraduate
Course dates: October 2026 to October 2028
Application deadline: 10 April 2026 (12:00 BST)

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Comprehending urban change processes and formulating actions in light of urban sustainability challenges
– Applying advanced knowledge to cross-sector and multi-level urban sustainability challenges
– Actively participating in and contributing to global discussions on sustainable urban development and governance, undertaking independent and ethical research
– Critically evaluating various forms of evidence and sources
– Demonstrating independent critical thinking and effective communication skills for a range of audiences and purposes

What are the requirements?

– As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve 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 bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0
– Selection of candidates also depends on other factors in your application, and most successful applicants have achieved higher GPA scores

What facilities and resources are available?

– Libraries and computer facilities
– All students can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar at Rewley House, where they may relax and network with others on the programme

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

The MSc is designed for those working in a range of urban contexts worldwide, whether in public, private or third-sector organisations. Students can combine postgraduate study with their professional lives.

The course attracts a lively and engaged group of students who come from a wide range of countries and share a variety of work experiences in urban development and the built environment.

The course fosters collaboration, creativity, perspective-sharing and networking skills. There is also an active alumni network. While the MSc is a stand-alone qualification, it can also be used to prepare students to develop their proposal and undertake doctoral work – for instance, for the Department's part-time DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development.

Who teaches this course?

– Patricia Canelas, course director
– David Howard, director of studies
– Vlad Mykhnenko, professor of geography and political economy
– Nigel Mehdi, departmental lecturer
– Matthew Hardy MVO, associate tutor
– Idalina Baptista, associate professor in urban anthropology
– Nihan Akyelken, associate professor in sustainable urban development
– Debbie Hopkins, associate professor in human geography
– Francesca Froy, departmental lecturer in sustainable urban development

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