CITIES MINOR
Cities
Building Liveable Futures
Why Minor in Cities?
The minor in Cities equips you with the skills to understand how cities can become more liveable amidst increasing urbanisation. Through this programme, you will explore the complexities of urban systems and learn to apply systems thinking to tackle urban challenges. This approach enables you to develop integrated solutions that align with liveability goals. The minor in Cities builds on Liveable Cities, a core course in the CDE curriculum, as its foundation. It emphasises case-based learning, allowing you to engage with real-world scenarios led by a team of experienced practitioners and academics.
You can also select electives from a variety of departments across the University, integrating perspectives from disciplines such as engineering, social sciences and public health. This interdisciplinary approach fosters diverse expertise, enhancing your understanding of cities.
Career Prospects & Advancements
Career opportunities for our minor in Cities graduates are shaped by their primary major, with the programme providing interdisciplinary skills that complement and enhance their core field of study.
Our students have shown interest in pursuing roles in the following sectors:
• Urban Planning, Design and Economic Development
• Public Policy and Governance
• Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
• Real Estate and Infrastructure Development
• Public Health and Wellness Environments
• Urban Tech, Disruptors, Innovations and Start-ups
Graduates can look forward to the upcoming Master of Cities and Cities programme for advanced expertise and leadership in urban innovation. These programmes are in development; visit our website for details.
Profiles of Current Students
Lim Wei Xiang Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), Specialisation in Robotics, Minor in Cities,
Class of 2026
“Through the NUS Cities programme, I had numerous opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, enabling me to examine urban issues from diverse disciplinary viewpoints. This extensive perspective not only deepened my understanding of the elements that contribute to a city’s liveability but also fostered a holistic approach and team cohesion. Additionally, I was lucky enough to participate in a summer programme in Vancouver through a partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC). This was a particularly memorable experience where we studied blue-green urbanism while making fond memories!”
Shuqi Tan
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Minor in Cities, Minor in French, Class of 2026
Tay Wei Hian Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), Minor in Cities, Class of 2025
“The minor in Cities programme allowed me to interact and collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds. Through its various courses, which focus on different aspects of making Singapore more liveable, I gained an understanding of how different disciplines intersect and work together to provide holistic solutions to the challenges Singapore faces as a nation. These insights were cultivated through the projects I undertook in the Cities courses alongside peers from Nursing, Landscape Architecture, and other engineering courses. Additionally, the programme provided me with an overseas experience, where I collaborated with students from Japan over two weeks in Hokkaido.”
“The minor in Cities programme has truly enhanced my NUS experience by offering a fresh, interdisciplinary approach towards understanding city-making. One memorable moment was in a planning and governance class, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from faculties beyond design and engineering. We explored the role of the Municipal Services Office in managing neighbourhood dynamics, such as public cleanliness, greenery and building a sense of community. Working together on solutions was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding that urban governance goes beyond the hardscape but designing for people in mind too. I encourage anyone interested in cities to consider this rewarding programme!”
Requirements & Eligibility
The minor in Cities is open to all NUS students with a strong interest in urban planning, policy, and governance. We welcome applicants from all disciplines eager to join our interdisciplinary and unique learning experience.
To complete the programme, you must fulfil coursework requirements, including a core course and electives spanning key pillars such as society, environment, economy, and governance, offered by over 14 departments in CDE, CHS, SSHSPH and NUS Business School. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of urban systems while providing the flexibility to tailor the programme to your individual interests. For more information, please refer to our website.
Students should declare their interest by the end of their fifth semester.
Connect With Us!
At NUS Cities, we are an interdisciplinary team of practitioners and academics housed within the College of Design and Engineering aiming to educate, undertake research and provide advisory services on liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities.
