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The Master of Urban Studies is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary degree program. It mixes engineering, natural science, and social science courses to give students a holistic understanding of cities, urbanization processes, urban life, society, and governance.
It addresses historical gaps in producing comprehensive skilled human resources for urban development, urban development, and its studies have been a relatively neglected area, except in silos, perhaps peripherally, as parts of architecture or civil engineering, without a sound understanding of society, social realities, governance, and social science inputs to grapple with and examine significant picture issues of urbanization, contextualizing infrastructure.
In an era of rapid yet unplanned urbanization, where over 6.5 billion people will be urbanites by 2050, up from around 4 billion today, cities must be more resilient, particularly in developing nations.
In this context, the program's goal is to generate academics, researchers, and professionals who can contribute to the development and transformation of sustainable cities by providing solid theoretical and research-based practical knowledge. The program offers an opportunity to study sustainable urban development ideas, methodologies, and practices, as well as social and infrastructure planning and urban policy analysis.
Aims of the Programs
- Integrate national development needs of urbanization and global development needs and SDGs into effective learning platform.
- Address the specific challenges of urban poverty and access to infrastructure and future opportunities.
- Ensure urban resilience to climate change and disaster risk reduction.
- Promote integrated land use planning, innovative infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and efficient spatial concentration.
- Offer unique learning, practice, and research opportunities to explore the best possible urbanism to make a contribution to a brighter future for cities and nation-states.
- Meet the emerging needs of high-quality professionals for sustainable development of urban regions.
- Produce theoretically trained and practically skilled professionals for sustainable urban transformation.
Evaluation Methods
We employ innovative course evaluation methods inclusive of required reading-based class interactions; long and short writing assignments; research-based presentations; field works; internships; quizzes; and exams.
Teaching and Learning Mode
Predominantly face-to-face but we also use online mode as appropriate.
Graduation
Students must successfully complete 54 credit courses. Project works are an integral component of most of the courses.
Class Time
4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Salient Features
Why Master in Urban Studies?
- Exploring urban studies provides a comprehensive understanding of city dynamics, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects.
- This interdisciplinary approach combines fields such as planning, geography, and sociology.
- It equips us to tackle urban challenges like inequality and sustainability.
- Interacting with diverse communities and participating in research projects enhances our learning and influence in urban environments.
- The field of urban studies is in high demand, both in Nepal and globally.
- As cities grow and confront complex challenges, there is a need for experts in planning, design, and sustainability.
- A master's degree provides a thorough understanding of urban issues, essential for developing holistic solutions.
- These programs emphasize policy, planning, and sustainability, enabling graduates to pursue rewarding careers in government, the private sector, and international projects.
- They craft policies for inclusive growth and resilient systems. The university's reputation, resources, and curriculum equip students for success in this field.
Why Urban Studies at Kathmandu University?
- Studying urban studies at Kathmandu University offers students a competitive advantage with experienced faculty providing guidance.
- The university's collaborations provide real-world exposure and industry connections.
- Research and innovation emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, advancing urban studies in Nepal.
- The curriculum at Kathmandu University is hands-on, incorporating real-world projects to address urban challenges.
- Networking opportunities can lead to collaborations and future prospects.
- Interacting with diverse peers enriches the learning experience, and the focus on sustainability prepares students to tackle Nepal's urban issues.
- The alumni network offers ongoing support and mentorship, fostering career growth in urban studies.
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum CGPA 2.5 or 50%.
Fees
The total fee for Nepali students enrolled in Master in Urban Studies program for the academic year 2079/80 (2022 Batch) is NPR. 400,000.
The fee structure for international students seeking admission to Master in Urban Studies program at Kathmandu University (KU) is as follows:
- The fees for applicants from SAARC countries will be 1.5 times the amount specified for domestic students i.e., NPR.600,000
- On the other hand, international students from countries outside of SAARC will be required to pay double the fees stated for domestic students i.e., NPR. 800,000
Admission Criteria
The candidates must fulfill eligibility criteria and must also successfully complete the written test and the interview conducted by the Program/Department.
Job Prospects
- Urban Development Officers/Workers
- Urban Governance and Policy Expert
- Program and Project Managers
- City/Urban Planners
- Community Developer
- International Development Worker
- Public Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Urban Disaster Analyst
- Cultural Consultant
- Emergency Response Planner
- International Aid Director
Curricular Structure
First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| USPH 501 | Urbanization and Planning History | 3 |
| USRM 511 | Analytical Research Methods I | 3 |
| USCS 501 | Urban Culture and Social Systems | 3 |
| USGS 501 | Urban Institutions and Governance System | 3 |
| USUD 501 | Urban Demography | 3 |
Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| USRM 522 | Analytical Research Methods II | 3 |
| USPS 511 | Planning Studio I | 3 |
| USGI 521 | Urban GIS and Visual Tools | 3 |
| USRC 521 | Resilient Cities and Settlements | 3 |
| USUF 521 | Urban Finance | 3 |
Third Semester (Any 5 courses will be offered from Electives below)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| USUP 601 | Urban Poverty | 3 |
| USHS 631 | Urban Health System | 3 |
| USTS 631 | Urban Transport System | 3 |
| USWM 611 | Urban Waste Management and Sanitation | 3 |
| USWJ 631 | Ethics, Welfare, and Justice | 3 |
| USHM 621 | Landscape & Heritage Management | 3 |
| USLP 601 | Land Use Planning | 3 |
| USPS 631 | Private Sector and Urban Development | 3 |
| USSR 631 | Public Space and Recreation | 3 |
| USPS 621 | Planning Studio II | 3 |
Second Year: Second Semester: 9 Credits only (Any 1 of the two below)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| URMD 699 | Dissertation | 9 |
| OR | ||
| USUI 671 | Urban Internship | 3 |
| USIR 681 | Independent Research | 3 |
| Any one course from the elective below | ||
| USEC 531 | Urban Economics | 3 |
| USED 531 | Urban Education | 3 |
| USMU 531 | Migration and Urbanization | 3 |
| URBS 631 | Rural-Urban Linkages | 3 |
| USPO 631 | Politics of Urbanization | 3 |
| USCD 631 | Climate Change and Development | 3 |
| USHO 631 | Urban Housing | 3 |