• Faculty of Built Environment
  • fab@um.edu.my
  • +603-79677955
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Benefits

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 in 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. 

Why Choose MSU?

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Cities across the world face pressing sustainability challenges, and MSU offers a comprehensive, internationally relevant curriculum. Students gain exposure to global case studies, best practices, and policy frameworks that shape urban sustainability, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute on an international scale.

STRONG INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
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.

FUTURE-PROOF CAREER PATHWAYS
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.



Mapping Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) to PEOs :

PLO01

Synthesize knowledge, skills, and good management practices in the fields of planning, the built environment, social sciences, and data science.

PLO02

Integrate knowledge and capabilities in addressing urban governance issues using critical, creative, and innovative approaches.

PLO03

Demonstrate leadership qualities through functional work skills (communication, interpersonal skills, and data analysis).

PLO04

Foster readiness for career advancement in planning, the built environment, social sciences, and data science for lifelong learning in both public and private sectors.

PLO05

Demonstrate proficiency in using a range of digital technologies and appropriate software to enhance research, work, and practice.

PLO06

Exhibit autonomy, independence, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills in the workplace.

PLO07

Foster readiness for career advancement in planning, the built environment, social sciences, and data science for lifelong learning in both public and private sectors.

PLO08

Instil values of integrity and accountability in social, economic, and environmental governance within any development context.

PLO09

Practice ethically and professionally.



PROGRAMME DURATION
(FULL TIME)

 Minimum          : 1 year (2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester)
 Maximum         : 4 years (8 Semesters)

(PART TIME)
 Minimum          : 2 years (4 Semesters + 1 Special Semester)
 Maximum         : 8 years (16 Semesters)

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE (43 CREDITS)

  • Core Courses (25 credits)
    • Sustainable Urbanism and Governance
    • Urban Leadership and Strategic Management
    • Research Methodology in Built Environment
    • Professionalism, Accountability and Ethics
    • Research Project I
    • Research Project II
    •  
  • Elective Courses (Select 6 courses - 18 Credits)
    • Facilitation and Negotiation Mastery
    • Community Mobilization and Social Change
    • Critical Debate on Urbanism
    • The Art of Making Decision
    • Analytical Techniques of Impact Assessment
    • Technology and Urban Transformation
    • Urban Informatics and Data Visualization
    • Urban Risk and Resilience


  • Urban Planner / Town Planner / City Manager
  • 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


Semester 1 of the academic year commences in September.
https://pgadmission.um.edu.my


 




Entry Requirement

Click here for more details.










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Last Update: 04/05/2026