Overview

The Global and Comparative Urban Planning Governance programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a unique dual-degree experience in collaboration with the Urban School of Sciences Po. Students spend their first year in Los Angeles and their second year in Paris to master urban policy and planning.

This curriculum is the only one of its kind to combine rigorous American urban planning methodology with specialised training in metropolitan governance focused on the Global South. Participants gain a deep understanding of collective action and policy shaping within varied political and institutional frameworks across the globe.

The first year is hosted at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, where students engage with the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Why Global and Comparative Urban Planning Governance at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

This partnership unites two of the world’s most highly rated institutions for urbanism and governance. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is renowned for its commitment to social, environmental, and racial justice, integrating practical research with inclusive planning strategies to transform modern cities.

Students benefit from the interdisciplinary social science approach at Sciences Po, which emphasises political economy and digital governance. The programme features professional workshops and group projects that allow students to work in real-world situations involving infrastructure, ecological transition, and smart city development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Urban and Regional Planning
Metropolitan Governance
Climate Crisis
Housing
Transport and Infrastructure
Digital Governance
Citizen Participation
Political Economy
Political Sociology of Urban Policies
Community Development
Urban Design and Development
Environmental Analysis and Policy
Project Management and Financing
Ecological Transition

Careers with Global and Comparative Urban Planning Governance

Graduates are prepared for stimulating career paths within the public sector, non-profit organisations, and international NGOs. The comparative nature of the degree makes alumni highly competitive for roles in research organisations and private consulting firms across America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Common professional destinations include positions in urban design, transport planning, and local community development. The dual-degree status provides a global network of employers, ranging from government agencies to private real estate development firms and environmental policy units.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Microeconomics for Urban Planning

Law and Quality of Urban Life

Quantitative Analysis in Urban Planning

Planning History and Theory

Visual Communication Skills

Theories of Regional Economic Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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

Credits

72 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Economics Public Administration Urban Planning View 212 other Masters in Urban Planning in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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

A 3.5 overall GPA in undergraduate coursework, or an international equivalent

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Undergraduate coursework in microeconomics, statistics and college algebra is highly recommended

Previous experience in planning, a planning-related field or community development is recommended

The GRE is currently optional

International applicants whose first language is not English must certify their proficiency in English when applying to UCLA

Three letters of recommendation

Transcripts

Statement of Purpose

Personal History Statement

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Global and Comparative Urban Planning Governance.

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

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners