MASTER OF SUSTAINABLE URBANISM



Programme Overview

As urbanization accelerates worldwide, the demand for professionals who can integrate environmental, social and economic sustainability into urban planning and policy has never been greater. The Master of Sustainable Urbanism (MSU) program provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban development, blending urban planning, governance, environmental sustainability, and smart city innovations. With a hands-on approach through research projects and industry collaborations, students gain real-world insights into addressing complex urban challenges such as climate change, urban resilience, housing, mobility, and resource management.


MSU bridges the gap between academia and industry by fostering close collaborations with city councils, government agencies, private developers, and international organizations. Through guest lectures and collaborative projects, students gain hands-on experience in shaping sustainable urban solutions. With sustainability becoming a global priority, MSU graduates are in high demand across various industries, including urban planning, environmental consultancy, smart city development, and policy advisory roles. The program prepares students for leadership positions in both public and private sectors, ensuring they play a vital role in designing the cities of tomorrow.


  • Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester (Coursework)
  • Part time Duration: 4 Semesters + 1 Special Semester (Coursework)


Programme Structure

Core Courses (25 Credits)

  1. Sustainable Urbanism and Governance
  2. Urban Leadership and Strategic Management 
  3. Research Methodology in Built Environment
  4. Professionalism, Accountability and Ethics
  5. Research Project I
  6. Research Project II


Elective Courses (18 Credits) -  (choose 6 courses only)

  1. Facilitation and Negotiation Mastery
  2. Community Mobilization and Social Change
  3. Critical Debate on Urbanism
  4. The Art of Making Decision
  5. Analytical Techniques of Impact Assessment
  6. Technology and Urban Transformation
  7. Urban Informatics and Data Visualization
  8. Urban Risk and Resilience                                                                                           

                                                                     

Career Prospects

Urban Planner, Town Planner, Urban Designer, Development Planner (Property & Infrastructure), Sustainability & Environmental Consultancy, Consultant in Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Informatics Technology, Urban Data and Policy Analyst, Policy, Governance & Advisory, Government & Local Authority Planner.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM 23,600 (Full-Time)

RM 29,300 (Part-Time)

(Note: Tuition Fee are subject to change)

International

RM 35,300 (Full-Time)

RM 56,800 (Part-Time)

(Note: Not inclusive of 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST))

Intake

Semester 1 (October) Intake 

Note: Subject to the availability of the programme offering.

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
  • For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
    • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or
  • For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following): 
    • Graduate from Universiti Malaya; or
    • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
    • Produce publications in related field; or
    • Receive a scholarship; or
    • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
    • Pass an interview conducted by the Faculty; or
    • Pass a special evaluation by the Faculty
Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possessed a Bachelor's Degree in any field related to the Built Environment
  • Equivalent Qualification: 
    1. Possessed Professional qualification from a recognized professional body.
    2. Possessed Professional qualification approved by Senate from time to time.
    3. Qualification through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualification APEL (A). 
  • Related fields: Science or Non Science
  • Special Requirements: N/A

English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 80; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Not applicable; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 51; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 180 (min. Grade C); or
  • Cambridge English – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable