Overview

The Architecture Studies - Urbanism at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a rigorous two-year post-professional degree designed for individuals eager to conduct advanced research on the complex urban challenges facing the modern world. This programme invites students to critically interrogate the field of urbanism by examining planetary processes, land forms, and life forms beyond conventional city structures. By centering design inquiry, the curriculum empowers the next generation of urbanists to develop original research agendas that foster more livable environments.

Why Architecture Studies - Urbanism at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Students benefit from the exceptional research environment of the School of Architecture + Planning, which fosters a culture of innovation, advocacy, and interdisciplinary knowledge creation. The programme is intimately linked to faculty-led labs and research centres, allowing students to participate in investigations regarding climate change, equitable resilience, and digital urbanism. Furthermore, the university maintains strong historical ties with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and the Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism, providing access to the largest urban planning faculty in the United States.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 32155 per semester
National fee: USD 32155 per semester
Local fee: USD 32155 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to reinforce design research, culminating in a year-long independent thesis project. Modules may include:

Urban Design Research
Urbanism Histories
Urbanism Theories
Urbanism Methods
Design Studio
International Workshop
Urban Studies and Planning
Advanced Architectural Design
Thesis

Careers with Architecture Studies - Urbanism

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in contemporary practice, urban design, and large-scale physical planning. The programme equips students with the skills to work as collaborators in shaping the physical environment within global contexts. Many alumni pursue careers in research labs, architectural firms, or governmental organisations, focusing on areas such as environmental programming, housing forms in developing countries, and sustainable infrastructure. The degree also provides a pathway for those seeking to influence policy through the Urban Design Certificate or dual degree options.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Architecture Studies Colloquium

Theory and Representation

Urban Design Studio

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-07 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Architecture Design Urban Planning View 448 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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

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Other requirements

General requirements

A professional degree in Architecture (Master of Architecture or 5-year accredited Bachelor of Architecture) with high academic standing from a recognized institution or, in the judgment of the department, the equivalent of this degree.

Letters of recommendation (3-4)

Transcripts for all relevant degrees

IELTS or TOEFL score (if English is not your first language)

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of Objectives

$75 application fee

Portfolio (not required where a writing sample is more appropriate)

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

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Out-of-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

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

Financing

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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 Architecture Studies - Urbanism.

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

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

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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