M.Sc. in Urban Planning
Degree Name: Master of Science in Urban Planning
Program Objectives
Based on the principle of achieving developmental goals in the Kingdom and the importance of educational investment in human development, along with responding to the requirements of comprehensive urban renaissance, which has led to urban expansion and population growth in all cities of the Kingdom, the program aims to meet the increasing demand for specialists in urban planning.
The program also aims to provide opportunities for holders of university degrees to continue their graduate studies and enable them to conduct scientific research and explore suitable methods for improving the urban environment and addressing various urban issues that are increasing with rapid population growth and migration trends to major cities.
It is worth noting that the Department of Urban Planning, as part of its efforts to contribute effectively to national development through advancing and developing urban knowledge, has developed a graduate program (Master’s degree) as an extension of undergraduate studies in the department, in accordance with the general principles set by the college for the graduate program, which state the following:
Program Principles
Aligned with Development Plans
Master’s degree programs should align with current and future development plans, meet the Kingdom's need for specialists, and provide scientific expertise in various fields of planning and urban design.
Encouraging Research
Encourage scientific research in planning specialties, as well as promote Saudi researchers to conduct rich scientific research that seeks to develop contemporary urbanism while attempting to enhance the concept of local urbanism and the Arab-Islamic identity.
Professional Advancement
Elevate the professional level of planning through studies and research directed toward development plans, understanding the issues of the urban planning profession in contemporary Saudi society, understanding the nature of contemporary sciences and their relationship with future planning development, and understanding local and technical environmental issues.
Program Options
- Option 1: Urban Planning (Coursework and Thesis system).
- Option 2: Urban Planning (Coursework and Research Project system).
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements as stated in the unified regulations for graduate studies in Saudi universities.
- The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree in planning, urban design, architecture, or equivalent.
- Full-time enrollment is generally required. However, in specific cases, part-time enrollment may be permitted with the approval of the student's employer.
Requirements for Obtaining the Degree
For the coursework and thesis system, a total of twenty-seven (27) credit hours of graduate courses plus the thesis.
For the coursework and research project system, a total of forty-two (42) credit hours of graduate courses, including at least three credit hours for a research project.
Overall Program Structure
Coursework and Thesis
9 Shared Core Courses: 27 credit hours
Thesis (600 PLAN): --
Total: 27 credit hours
Coursework and Research Project
9 Shared Core Courses: 27 credit hours
3 Mandatory Courses: 9 credit hours
1 Elective Course: 3 credit hours
Research Project (599 PLAN): 3 credit hours
Total: 42 credit hours