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  • Programme Structure
  • Master's Thesis
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  1. Postgraduate Research Programmes
  2. MPhil in Asian Urbanisms

Programme Structure

The MPhil in Asian Urbanisms is an interdisciplinary programme that is rooted in the urban studies tradition, but which also exposes our students to cognate ideas emerging from the humanities, economics, public policy, business, climate science, information systems/computer science (specifically, areas like geographic information system, smart city management and urban systems). The programme purposefully combines taught and research components so that students are equipped not only with knowledge, but also the ability to develop new understandings of how we can tackle complex urban problems.  

The minimum duration of the programme is two years and the maximum duration is three years. To be admitted into the programme, an applicant must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (such as, but by no means limited to, urban studies, urban planning, urban geography, and so on) from a reputable undergraduate programme with excellent academic performance.

The curriculum consists of 8 credit units (CUs) of core courses and elective courses, and 12 CUs of a Master’s Thesis. These requirements are listed in greater detail below.

Year Curriculum component

1

Complete 4 CUs of core courses and 4 CUs of elective courses

Core courses (1 CU each)

  • Urban Studies: Theory and Method
  • Cities in Asia: Planning, Policy and Praxis
  • Graduate Seminar with Invited Industry Partners
  • Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research
  • Principles of Sustainability
  • Studying Cities: Research Methods

Elective courses (1 CU each)

  • Comparative Urbanisms
  • Urban Sustainability
  • Urban Technologies/GIS
  • Social Life of the City
  • Urban Economics & Policy
  • Urban & Regional Economics
  • Independent Study
  • Urban-related courses offered by Visiting Fellows

Ongoing: Develop thesis proposal

2

Term 1

  • Prepare and defend thesis proposal
  • Conduct research

Term 2

  • Conduct research
  • Prepare and submit thesis
  • Conduct Defence for thesis

Download the 2025 CIS Undergraduate Programme Brochure

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