MSc Sustainable Urban Development Programme Scholarship
Key information
1. The Sustainable Urban Development Programme Scholarship funds the full course fees for one student per annual cohort for the duration of their course. The Scholarship is awarded on the basis of outstanding academic and professional merit, and a candidate’s potential to contribute to the field.
2. The Scholarship is funded by the Department for Continuing Education, and has existed since October 2012.
3. One scholarship is available for the MSc commencing in October 2025. It covers the course fees for the first six terms of registration (the MSc is normally completed over two years). It does not cover the following: course fees beyond the first six terms of registration; more than two Annual Award Fees; Continuation Fees; travel and subsistence; nor living expenses.
4. If the awardee suspends their studies for one or more terms, the Scholarship will not automatically be carried over—they should contact the Senior Course Administrator to request this.
Eligibility
5. All applicants whose completed application has been received by 29 January, 2025 and who are offered a place on the MSc will be automatically considered for the Scholarship.
Criteria
6. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of outstanding academic and professional merit, and taking account of demonstrable commitment and ability to contribute significantly to the field of sustainable urban development. Key criteria include:
(a) Academic excellence, where indicators may include: a high-level qualification in a relevant discipline (such as a first-class honours degree, US GPA of 3.7, or equivalent, distinction at Master’s level, or a doctoral degree); individual marks on a student’s transcript; information on a student’s overall position within their cohort; and relevant published work.
(b) Professional excellence: Evidence of a strong record of relevant professional achievement, and a demonstrably successful history of continuing professional development and commitment to the candidate’s profession. Indicators may include the candidate’s CV, personal statement, testimonials and/or professional references.
(c) Motivation and potential future contribution to the field: Applications should demonstrate the potential to make an on-going professional contribution to the built environment, and to contribute significantly to sustainable urban development (either during or following completion of the MSc). Indicators may include the candidate’s personal statement, interview performance and/or professional references.
Assessment
7. A panel (comprising at least two suitable University staff) will assess candidates according to the criteria above, and may consider any written and/ or oral components of candidates’ MSc applications.
8. The Panel may propose a ranked shortlist, whereby the Scholarship, if declined by the first candidate, will be offered to the next one, and so on.
Offer and acceptance
9. The awardee is normally contacted in early May, and will be given a deadline to confirm their acceptance.
10. The course webpage will indicate when the Scholarship has been awarded. Unsuccessful candidates will not be notified individually. Please note that we cannot provide individual feedback on the Panel’s decision.
Further information
11. For any queries about the Scholarship, please email the course team at sud@conted.ox.ac.uk.
MSc in Sustainable Urban Development
Address the urgent challenges we face to make our cities more liveable, just and sustainable in a challenging global environment, through our part-time programme for working professionals.