Master of Urban Planning

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

American University of Sharjah

Program Overview

The Master of Urban Planning at the American University of Sharjah is a forward-thinking graduate degree that equips you with the skills to shape sustainable, inclusive cities and urban environments in today’s rapidly urbanizing world. You’ll gain a solid foundation in planning theory, research, policy, and design, preparing you to take on leadership roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll dive into the core principles shaping cities and planning practice. Courses such as Planning History, Theory and Principles and Urban Planning Research and Analysis help you understand how cities evolve and how data and research support effective decision-making, while Computer Applications in Planning ensures you’re fluent with the tools planners use every day. Later in the year, Environmental and Land Use Planning and Urban Design Principles, Processes and Skills introduce you to the environmental and spatial aspects of planning that balance ecological health and vibrant community spaces.

Year 2
Your second year builds on this foundation with more advanced and applied learning. Plan Making, Communication and Process helps you synthesize research and design into professional plans and strategies, while the two-part capstone experience — Urban Planning and Research Workshop I & II — gives you hands-on practice with fieldwork, policy formulation, and collaborative plan development. You’ll also choose electives that let you explore topics such as Urban Infrastructure Planning, Urban Transportation Systems Analysis, Urban Economics and Analysis, or Environmental Planning depending on your interests and career goals.

Focus areas:
Urban development policy, sustainable land-use and environmental planning, urban research and analytics, design processes, infrastructure and transportation systems.

Learning outcomes:
Graduate with the ability to analyze complex urban issues, design and communicate planning solutions, conduct rigorous research, and lead sustainable policy and development initiatives in diverse urban contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Master of Urban Planning at AUS is fully accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ensuring your qualification is recognized for professional practice and leadership roles regionally and internationally.

Reputation (employability rankings):
AUS is ranked #272 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is consistently recognized among the top universities in the Arab region, with strong employer reputation and international diversity — a real advantage when launching your urban planning career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Urban Planning at the American University of Sharjah goes beyond theory and puts you into real-world planning practice from the start. You’ll develop practical skills through hands-on workshops, studio experiences, and access to the College of Architecture, Art and Design’s specialized facilities that support research, design, and model-making. The program encourages collaboration and experimentation, giving you the chance to work with both digital and physical tools used by professionals in the field. Fieldwork and real-world analysis are embedded in key courses like the two-part Urban Planning and Research Workshop, so you can apply your learning directly to real urban challenges as you progress through the degree.

Your experiential learning experience is enriched through a variety of facilities, tools, and opportunities:

Studio Culture & Workshops: Open studio spaces and comprehensive CAAD labs provide environments where you can develop design proposals, work on planning visualizations, and prototype ideas under faculty guidance.
CAAD Labs – Digital Fabrication: Access 3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, thermoforming, and robotics labs to bring complex models and spatial prototypes to life.
Material & Media Fabrication Spaces: Woodshop, metal shop, ceramics, casting labs, photography darkroom, and media production studios allow you to expand your skills beyond drawing into making and documenting your work.
Collaborative Projects & Research: Courses like Urban Planning and Research Workshop I & II involve fieldwork, policy analysis, and real plan making, often in teams to mirror professional practice.
Library & Study Resources: The AUS Library offers research databases, group study rooms, computer labs, and presentation spaces to support your urban planning research and coursework.
Faculty Mentorship & Industry Integration: Work closely with experienced faculty and engage with professionals through critiques, exhibitions, and planning discussions that connect classroom learning to real urban challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Urban Planning at the American University of Sharjah leave ready to shape sustainable, inclusive, and well-functioning urban environments. With this degree, you’ll be prepared for roles such as Urban Planner, City or Regional Planner, Policy Advisor on urban development, or Sustainable Development Consultant, helping communities and governments make informed decisions about growth and land use. AUS supports your career journey with dedicated services, strong employer connections, and a reputation that stands out to recruiters in the region and internationally:

Here’s how AUS helps you prepare and progress professionally:

Career Services & Preparation: AUS Career Services provides workshops, one-on-one counseling, interview preparation, CV reviews, and career strategy support from your first term to well beyond graduation.
Internships and Employer Networking: Through the annual AUS Career Fair and Career Prep Week, students connect directly with employers from real estate, planning, public sector agencies, and more, giving access to internships and employment opportunities.
Partnerships with Industry: Strategic collaborations, such as partnerships with leading regional development and real estate companies, create tailored internship pathways, practical experiences, and skill-building aligned with urban development needs.
Accredited Qualification Value: The Master of Urban Planning is fully accredited by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, ensuring your degree is recognized and respected by employers across the Gulf region and internationally.
Graduate Impact & Leadership: AUS alumni hold leadership positions in planning administration, policymaking, and consultancy in government, public service, and private practice, showing how this degree can open doors to meaningful, influential work.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Master of Urban Planning, you can continue into advanced research or academic roles by pursuing a PhD in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, or related fields at leading universities. You could also pursue professional certifications in sustainable development, GIS and spatial analysis, or take teaching and research fellowships to build expertise and influence in planning scholarship and practice.