MA Urban Development and Economics

MA in Urban Development and Economics program typically integrates knowledge across urban planning, public policy, economics, and sustainable development. With India’s rapid urbanization, this program is designed to equip students with the skills to address complex urban challenges such as infrastructure planning, economic growth, poverty, environmental sustainability, and equitable resource distribution.

The Program will study how to evaluate the effect of new infrastructure or policy on land and housing values and overall welfare, and conclude with a brief discussion about systems of cities and industrial clusters.

Admission Eligibility Criteria:

• Graduates from engineering, architecture and technology and post-graduates from science, social sciences, commerce and management with a minimum score of 50% aggregate marks from any recognized University / Institution can join this course.
• (45% for the candidates from reserved category)
• Final year eligible graduating students can also apply. However, such candidates must have completed (passed) their Graduation before the commencement of program.

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Covers urban economics, sustainable development, urban policy, and planning.
2. Quantitative Skills: Training in econometrics, data analytics for urban analysis.
3. Fieldwork & Practical Exposure: Internships, field visits, and hands-on projects with urban agencies and organizations.
4. Capstone Projects: Real-world projects addressing urban challenges.
5. Career Pathways: Opportunities in urban planning, policy analysis, development consulting, government, and NGOs.

As a graduate the course enables the students to think about

1. Analytical Proficiency: Advanced skills in urban economics, data analysis, and spatial modeling to evaluate urban issues like housing, transportation, and environmental impact.
2. Policy and Planning Expertise: Ability to design and assess policies for sustainable urban development, informed by economic and socio-political frameworks.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to apply interdisciplinary approaches in real-world urban challenges, such as infrastructure development, resource allocation, and poverty alleviation.
4. Field-Ready Experience: Practical insights and hands-on experience from internships, capstone projects, and collaborations with urban planning organizations.
5. Career Readiness: Prepared for roles in urban planning, policy advisory, consultancy, research institutions, NGOs, and government bodies, addressing the needs of rapidly urbanizing cities.

The scope of an MA in Urban Development and Economics is expansive, addressing the critical need for sustainable urban management in the face of rapid urbanization. Graduates are well-equipped to work in urban planning, creating sustainable cities through infrastructure development, efficient public spaces, and equitable housing policies. They can play pivotal roles in economic and policy analysis, crafting strategies to combat urban poverty, inequality, and service gaps while considering economic impacts on local and national levels. The program’s focus on sustainable development enables graduates to tackle pressing environmental issues in cities, such as waste management, pollution control, and climate resilience. With expertise in transportation and mobility planning, they contribute to efficient public transit systems and sustainable urban growth. Graduates can also pursue research and academic careers, providing data-driven insights on urbanization trends, economic impacts, and social policies. This degree opens doors to diverse roles in the public sector, NGOs, and international organizations, preparing professionals to address the complex challenges facing urban centers locally and globally.

1. It integrates urban economics, policy analysis, sustainable development, and urban planning.
2. It focuses on econometrics, GIS, data analytics, and urban modelling to address real-world challenges.
3. The program offers hands-on experience such as internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with urban planning agencies, NGOs, and consultancies.
4. It Provides an opportunity to apply skills in addressing specific urban issues through research or practical projects.
5. Expert Faculty and Industry Connections: Taught by experienced faculty and industry practitioners, often including guest lectures and workshops.
6. The program also provides Career Support in terms of access to career counseling, alumni networks, and placement assistance in sectors such as urban planning, government, consultancy, and research.

These features make the program both practically focused and academically rigorous, preparing graduates to meet the complex demands of urban development.

Semester 1

1. Microeconomics for Urban Economists
2. Urbanization and Economic Growth
3. Research Methods in Urban Economics
4. Urban Infrastructure and Services
5. Elective I: Choose from interdisciplinary courses Electives:

(Select any 1 out of 3)

1. Sociology of Cities
2. Environmental Economics
3. Urban Planning

 

Semester 2

1. Urban Public Finance
2. Land Economics and Urban Real Estate Markets
3. Spatial Economics and Location Theory
4. Urban Poverty and Inequality
5. Elective II: Choose from interdisciplinary courses Electives:

(Select any 1 out of 2)

1. Governance in Cities,
2. Smart Cities

Semester 3

1. Urban Transport Economics
2. Environmental Economics and Sustainable Cities
3. Econometrics and Urban Modelling
4. Elective III: Choose from interdisciplinary courses

(Select any 1 out of 2)

1. Public Policy
2. Demography and Urban Studies
3. Internship/Fieldwork

• Practical exposure in urban planning departments, city municipalities, think tanks, or NGOs working on urban issues
• Assessment: Internship report and presentation

 

Semester 4

1. Global Cities and Urban Competitiveness
2. Governance and Urban Institutions
3. Elective IV: Choose from interdisciplinary courses

(Select any 1 out of 2)

1. Behavioral Economics in Urban Settings
2. Technology and Urbanization4. Dissertation/Thesis

• Independent research project on urban economics
• Dissertation defense at the end of the semester