A new MSc in Sustainable Urban Development is now on offer from Oxford University. The qualification is a part-time programme and is offered by Oxford in association with The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

The target market comprises: planners, landscape architects, architects and surveyors.

Central to the curriculum is an appraisal of increasing urbanisation of society with a close eye being cast over alternatives so that planning is considered and informed.

Professor Jonathan Michie, director of Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education, said: “Sustainability is becoming a goal of many city plans, and is increasingly informing the practice of architecture, urbanism, landscape design and environmental planning. Given the growing worldwide pressure for identifiable change in this crucial area, this is an appropriate time to launch an applied postgraduate course aimed at early and mid-career practitioners in these sectors.”

Hank Dittmar of The Prince’s Foundation said: “We are delighted to be working with such an influential international partner as Oxford University. This course will give professionals – in any of the key disciplines – the multi-disciplinary skills they need to plan and develop sustainable cities, towns and districts.”