Overview

The Urban Analytics and AI for Planners at the University of Birmingham Dubai integrates global perspectives and interdisciplinary learning. From walkability and transport modeling to the metaverse and virtual cities, the MSc Urban Analytics and AI for Planners equips you with cutting-edge tools to design smarter, sustainable, and future-ready urban environments.

This programme, developed in conjunction with Urban Planning, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering, fosters an interdisciplinary approach to tackling 21st-century urban challenges. It equips you to harness big data, AI, and digital analytical tools to deliver evidence-based solutions for designing smart, sustainable cities of the future. The programme tackles contemporary urban challenges such as transport systems, environmental justice, connectivity, and accessibility, equipping you to harness big data and develop innovative, sustainable, and evidence-based solutions.

Career opportunities:

Kickstart Your Career in Urban Analytics and AI for Planners Shape the future of cities by addressing the challenges of sustainability, mobility, and urban development with data-driven solutions. The graduates are in high demand, with many securing impactful roles within six months. Alumni have advanced their careers across diverse industries and regions, including the UAE, UK, Asia, and beyond.

Graduate Career Destinations Include:

Local urban planning and transport consultancy firms
The Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
Government ministries and public sector roles
Urban development firms and real estate consultancies
Global consultants (e.g., AECOM, WSP, Jacobs)
International organisations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, OECD)

This degree opens the door to transformative and meaningful career opportunities in urban analytics, data-driven planning, and sustainable city development.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Big Data in Urban Analytics - Theory and Practice
Designing Urban Systems: Sustainable, Smart and Healthy Placemaking
Research Skills for Urban Scientists: Research with Al, Data Handling, and Statistical Modelling
Shaping Urban Spaces: The Politics, Theory, and Practice of Spatial Planning
Spatial Analysis and Urban Living: Evaluating the
Qualities and Quantities of Urban Spaces

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

It's best to apply as early as possible to secure your place on your chosen programme." In deadline description like with the rest.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

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IELTS

6

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Disciplines

Urban Planning Artificial Intelligence View 7 other Masters in Urban Planning in United Arab Emirates

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

2:1 Honours degree (or above) in a related subject.
The MSc Urban Analytics and AI for Planners welcomes graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including urban and transport planning, civil engineering, transport and railway engineering, road and transport specialists, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, and related fields. Designed for those interested in leveraging data and digital analytical tools, the programme requires no prior knowledge of mathematics or computer science, ensuring accessibility to individuals with a wide range of skill sets.
Entry is possible with a 2:2 degree, or equivalent, if supported by sufficient professional experience to compensate for a lower academic qualification. Applicants must demonstrate skills and insights that will allow them to contribute to and benefit from the MSc programme effectively.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Birmingham Dubai and/or in United Arab Emirates, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

139173 AED / year

≈ 139173 AED / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

139173 AED / year

≈ 139173 AED / year

Additional Details

September 2026 - 69,587 AED (part-time)

Living costs

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

5300 - 9200 AED / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Urban Analytics and AI for Planners.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dubai

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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