Sustainable Urban Development
Tackling Urban Challenges, Building Sustainable Cities
Explore the dynamic field of urban sustainability and uncover how cultural, socio-economic, political, and social factors intersect to shape our cities. This programme takes an interdisciplinary approach, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to address complex sustainability challenges on both local and global scales.
Ready to lead the change? Be part of a solutions-driven journey to create meaningful change for a more sustainable and equitable future.
How Will You Change the World?
SUD graduates can pursue various careers, such as:
• Sustainability Director
• Sustainable City Planner
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Specialist
• Carbon Footprint Manager
• Climate Adaptation Specialist
Scan here to find out more!
master
Thinking Across Borders
1 2 3 4 5
Break down urban challenges by linking natural and built environments with innovative, cross-disciplinary thinking.
Synthesise Core Principles
Combine economic, environmental, energy, and social principles to address urban sustainability head-on.
Design Multi-Scale Strategies
Develop scalable frameworks for decarbonisation of urban systems, encompassing technological innovations, planning, policymaking, and regulatory practices.
Enhance Professional Competencies
Cultivate critical thinking, effective networking, problem-solving and leadership skills to share valued perspectives that matter.
Lead Sustainable Transformations
Engage in collaboration, advocacy, and leadership to drive systemic and impactful changes in urban environments.
Profiles of Current Students
Jin Sungpil
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), Class of 2026
“As the world faces growing environmental and self-sustenance challenges, sustainability has emerged as one of the most urgent concerns of our generation. Thus, the future of urban development and industrial processes are being reimagined through sustainable practices.
The second major in Sustainable Urban Development offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between cities, the environment, and society. It equips us with the tools to address critical issues like climate change and resource management in the context of growing urbanisation. Whether it’s urban planning, green infrastructure, or sustainable policy-making, this major opens doors to meaningful career opportunities across a wide range of industries.
In the years ahead, the need for sustainability experts will only grow, and I’m confident that this second major will provide us with the knowledge, experience and opportunity needed to make a real impact.”
Ang Yan Lin Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), Class of 2025
“Sustainability has been a growing buzzword in recent years. Countries around the world now face increasing risk and severity of climate hazards – a problem that is made difficult to solve due to surrounding issues such as military conflict or income disparities. Hence, developing environmental consciousness at an industrial scale is necessary. The second major in Sustainable Urban Development has exposed me to numerous aspects of the sustainability space, enabling me to look at problems from multiple perspectives and to consider far-ranging impacts on our environment. It has also helped to equip me with the tools necessary to develop new solutions and assess existing ones, and to look past greenwashing to identify areas of genuine impact.”
Joseph Gay Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental and Sustainability Engineering), Class of 2025
“I pursued the second major in Sustainable Urban Development at NUS to deepen my understanding of climate change, an increasingly pressing issue for our generation. The programme has provided me with comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies of sustainable urban systems and the complexities of creating climate-resilient communities. Through the courses offered, I have gained valuable insights into innovative and practical strategies for addressing urban sustainability challenges. This academic journey has not only enhanced my understanding of sustainable solutions but has also strengthened my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the fight against climate change and the promotion of a sustainable future.”
Eligibility
The second major in Sustainable Urban Development is available to all NUS students who have strong interests in urban sustainability.
Students must declare their interest no later than the end of their 4th semester.
