Master of Science in Urban Science, Policy and Planning – SUTD

The Master of Science in Urban Science, Policy and Planning (USPP) is a 12-month intensive programme featuring an integrated, hands-on curriculum designed and taught by SUTD’s multi-disciplinary faculty – aimed at training the next generation of urban researchers, analysts and practitioners who are well grounded in urban theory, skilled in urban data and analytics, and adept at urban policy and planning.

The USPP programme responds to a new paradigm of rapidly expanding, globally connected cities and enables students to develop novel solutions to urban challenges such as sustainable mobility, inclusive urban growth and new modes of governance for the 21st century. Students combine advanced social and data science research methods and computational techniques with urban theory, planning and practice to explore current and emerging topics and shape the cities of the future.

This programme is jointly organized by the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) and the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) cluster.

The USPP programme integrates three core focus areas to provide a comprehensive educational experience:

• Urban Theory Core Courses provide students with a foundation that incorporates centuries of critical thinking about cities, and reviews historical and emerging urban planning paradigms.

• Urban Data and Methods Core Courses teach social science research methodologies, Geographic Information Science (GIS) and relevant data science techniques such as machine learning, network analysis and interactive data visualization. These courses train USPP students to effectively collect, analyse and present data in the context of urban planning and policy.

• Urban Practice and Policy Core Courses prepare students to critically assess, understand and craft evidence-based policies and programmes, while being attuned to the institutional context of urban economics, politics and governance.

The USPP programme is structured into three terms. In the first term, students complete three integrated courses across the core areas, and a course on leadership and planning in Singapore. In addition, an Urban Symposium brings students outside of the classroom to learn from policy makers and practitioners at key development projects in and around Singapore.

During the second term, students participate in an advanced course on Urban Data and Methods, two elective modules and a research studio, where students execute a research project that utilizes their skills in data science and urban analysis.

Finally, in the third term, students conduct an independent research project in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

The USPP programme seeks individuals who have a strong interest in data science and analytics and who are passionate about applying these techniques to help shape and improve urban planning and policy.

Applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are welcomed. Applicants to the USPP programme should possess the following:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree or above

• Proficiency in English (A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 580 / 92 / 237 is required if English was not the medium of instruction in your last degree)

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

Singapore University of Technology and Design
8 Somapah Road
Singapore 487372

Tel: +65 6303 6600 
Email: gradoffice@sutd.edu.sg