The Master’s program in (Smart Sustainable Cities) was established in the Department of Architecture at the University of Petra in 2024. It is the first program of its kind at the level of public and private Jordanian universities, and the first master’s program in architecture departments at the level of Jordanian private universities. This program is a testament to our commitment to urban development. We aim to enhance cities’ resilience to urban challenges, embrace digital and technological advancements, and implement smart solutions for sustainable development. Through scientific research, specialist training, and quality service provision, we strive to make a significant impact in this field.
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Master in Sustainable Smart Cities
Institution
University of Petra
Location
Jordan
Total Tuition
$ 6981
Intakes
October
Application deadline
October
Application Fee
282
Program Description
Knowledge and Understanding
K-1 Describe sustainability goals for cities in general, with a focus on Arab cities, and understand their connection to digital technologies.
K-2 Understand various theories related to the planning and design of sustainable and smart cities.
K-3 Comprehend sustainable design standards across all dimensions, including environmental, social, cultural, and economic applications in urban planning.
K-4 Understand principles of climate change preparedness, disaster planning, and related urban strategies.
K-5 Understand how digital technologies can be linked to sustainable development goals and the pillars of smart cities.
K-6 Understand the challenges of new and evolving urban areas and strategies to transform them into smart cities.
K-7 Be knowledgeable in methodologies for data collection and analysis to produce studies supporting smart and sustainable city planning.
Intellectual Skills
I-1 Connect sustainability goals with the pillars of smart cities and strategies for achieving them.
I-2 Analyze urban conditions based on data and propose evidence-based solutions to problems.
I-3 Predict the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on local communities.
I-4 Discuss the dimensions of sustainability goals, their relevance to Arab cities, and assess progress in their implementation.
I-5 Select appropriate methodologies for designing sustainable smart cities.
I-6 Identify types of interventions to address environmental challenges, including climate change and disaster impacts.
Professional and Practical Skills
P-1 Apply theories of sustainable and smart urban design in practice.
P-2 Develop solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges based on rigorous studies.
P-3 Design new urban areas and rehabilitate existing ones according to sustainability standards and smart city principles.
P-4 Use relevant performance indicators and measurement techniques for urban evaluation.
P-5 Prepare comprehensive urban studies reports.
P-6 Apply skills and practical experiences effectively across diverse career paths.
Transferable Skills
T-1 Manage time effectively.
T-2 Conduct research studies and prepare reports.
T-3 Utilize modern information technology tools.
T-4 Work collaboratively in teams.
T-5 Apply problem-solving skills to complex situations.
Bachelor’s degree GPA minimum Good or equivalent, English language test certificate accompanied by authenticated letter.
201711 Advanced Research Methodologies (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the principles, elements, conditions, and types of research and knowledge creation. It provides an in-depth study of quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to urban planning, including data collection, analysis, and presentation techniques. Topics also cover research ethics, academic communication, and publication. Students are required to submit a preliminary research proposal.
201712 Seminar (1: 0–1)
Prerequisite: None
Students select one or more topics for independent research, presentation, and class discussion. This course emphasizes research skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication and presentation of conclusions.
201721 Sustainable Urban Planning and Design (3: 2–1)
Prerequisite: None
This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable urban planning. Students learn standards, methods, and tools for sustainable urban design, analyze multiple case studies, and apply concepts using specialized software to study a specific area in Jordan, in coordination with the relevant municipality.
201723 Smart Transportation Planning (3: 2–1)
Prerequisite: None
This course explores fundamental and advanced principles of sustainable and smart transportation planning. Topics include transportation modes, planning processes, demand forecasting, trip generation and distribution, mode selection, traffic assignment, evaluating alternatives, and optimizing routes using specialized software. Students study global case studies and examine the application of smart transportation technologies in Jordan and developing countries.
201731 Principles of Designing Sustainable and Smart Cities (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: None
This foundational course introduces the principles of sustainable and smart city design, including sustainable development goals, smart city requirements, key technologies, dimensions and indicators, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Smart Readiness Index (SRI). Students explore related software tools, analyze case studies, and apply concepts to Arab cities.
201741 Climate Change and the City (2: 2–0)
Prerequisite: None
Students study the impacts of climate change on cities at global, regional, and local levels. The course explores planning and design strategies for climate change mitigation, with reference to smart solutions and applicability to Jordanian and Arab cities.
Elective Requirements (Group 1: Scientific Research)
201713 GIS for Urban Design and Planning (3: 1–2)
Prerequisite: 201711
This course develops advanced GIS skills for urban analysis and mapping. Students apply GIS software to analyze urban areas in Jordan, producing maps and charts to support research.
201714 Quantitative and Qualitative Urban Analysis (3: 2–1)
Prerequisite: 201711
This course provides practical training in research software for urban data analysis. Students learn to analyze quantitative and qualitative urban data and apply a selected software program to a study project, collecting, analyzing, and presenting results.
Elective Requirements (Group 2)
201722 Sustainable Urban Planning Project (3: 1–2)
Prerequisite: 201721
Students conduct a practical urban planning project in Jordan, applying one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to a city area. The course includes data collection, analysis, recommendations, graphics, and software-based presentations. Students assess social, economic, physical, and environmental vulnerabilities and apply urban resilience strategies.
201742 Mitigation of Natural Disasters (3: 2–1)
Prerequisite: 201731
Students explore different types of disasters, with a focus on natural disasters. The course covers risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and the preparation of mitigation plans using case studies and specialized software.
201751 BIM and Energy Simulation Tools (3: 1–2)
Prerequisite: 201731
This course teaches students to integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) with energy analysis tools to design and construct sustainable smart cities and buildings. Students conduct applied studies using software to collect, analyze, and visualize energy data.
201752 Infrastructure Planning and Urban Hydrology (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: 201731
Students learn to plan and manage urban infrastructure projects, considering project types, methods, environmental impacts, institutional roles, costs, and management systems. The course also covers urban water management, hydrological cycles, flood control, stormwater management, and green infrastructure using global case studies and local applications.
201753 Sustainability and Environmental Impact Assessment (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: 201731
This course examines sustainability and environmental impact assessment (EIA) principles, including Jordanian EIA regulations, public participation, baseline environment analysis, impact prediction, mitigation measures, and environmental management systems.
201754 Urban Slums and Refugee Camps (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: 201731
Students examine the formation and characteristics of urban slums and refugee camps in developing countries and Jordan. The course explores policies, contributing factors, and strategies for improving conditions, including the role of NGOs and international organizations.
201755 Urban Economics (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: 201731
This course introduces the economics of urban development, including growth patterns, government incentives, real estate investment decisions, land and property value determinants, and spatial dimensions of urban challenges such as poverty, housing, and suburban expansion.
201756 Sustainable Heritage Area Conservation Principles and Practice (3: 2–1)
Prerequisite: 201731
Students explore implementing SDGs in heritage areas, integrating preservation principles with sustainable planning and design. Case studies are analyzed, and specialized software is used for documentation and evaluation.
201761 Advanced Project Management for Urban Projects (3: 3–0)
Prerequisite: 201731
This course covers project management skills for urban development, including planning, implementation, administration, stakeholder negotiation, time management, project lifecycle stages, bids, budgets, contracts, approvals, and maintenance.
Program Overview
Study Format
On-campus
Program Level
Master
Language Of Materials
English
Language Of Teaching
English
Mode
Full-Time
Duration By Months
24
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