Sciences Po is an international research university, both selective and open to the world. It ranks among the finest institutions in humanities and social sciences. The Urban School is one of the seven schools at Sciences Po and is training professionals who will imagine, lead, and manage the future transformation of cities. It is renowned for its emphasis on urban governance, comparative political economy, and urban policy analysis. The Urban School is committed to an interdisciplinary social science approach (politics, sociology, economics, law, history, urban planning, and geography) to urban transformation in the climate crisis, smart cities, housing, public space, infrastructure, and mobility.
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai is a pioneering higher education in India focused on the development and application of social science knowledge and creating a people-centred, ecologically sustainable and just society. The School of Habitat Studies (SOHS) within TISS was established to respond to the changing realities of our material, social, and natural world through teaching programs, critical research and advocacy. Four centres within the school are involved in the delivery of the Dual Degree: Centre for Urban Policy and Governance, Centre for Water Policy and Governance, Centre for Regulatory Policy and Governance and Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies. The SOHS is deeply committed to social and environmental justice, mitigating inequalities, and promoting sustainability through rigorous on-the-ground field training, and policy work
The Urban School of Sciences Po (Paris) and the School of Habitat Studies of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS, Mumbai), two highly rated institutions in Urban Studies worldwide, partner in the dual master’s degree in Global Urban Development, which provides cutting-edge interdisciplinary training in urban governance and urban policy. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both universities to offer students an enriching experience of professionalisation and hands-on training in two dynamic global cities: Paris in the first year and Mumbai in the second year
This unique program grants a dual degree in urban development with training in India and Europe in the time usually taken to achieve just one degree. It offers the extraordinary opportunity to be trained in two of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, each a vast laboratory for urbanism and sharing many of the key challenges of cities today. As Greater Paris and Greater Mumbai have radically different spatial forms, geographies, and histories, the cities provide an ideal site for students who want to acquire skills in global comparative urbanism and urban governance and understand how urban policy is implemented in different contexts.
Students in the program will acquire the fundamental knowledge, skills, and experience to:
The first year takes place in Paris, where students follow the curriculum of the Master Governing the Large Metropolis (GLM) at The Urban School of Sciences Po. The GLM programme equips students to address the critical challenges of rapid global urbanisation. It offers comprehensive training in the governance of fast-growing metropolitan areas with a focus on emerging countries, addressing key issues such as infrastructure, mobility, water, electricity, health, and social services
The first year is divided into two semesters:
Throughout the year, students engage in group projects and a learning expedition, where they work individually and as part of a team in real-world professional situations. This professional immersion spans diverse sectors, such as urban planning, urban services, transport, real estate, housing, sustainable development, and smart cities.
SECOND YEAR AT TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
The Second Year is at TISS Mumbai, anchored by the School of Habitat Studies. This year builds on the theoretical and policymaking knowledge acquired in Paris, applying it to India’s intricate and contested urban development processes. The programme emphasises an innovative pedagogy based on learning from practice, enabling students to engage directly with complex urban transformations.
The second year is divided into two semesters:
Through hands-on fieldwork and taught classes, students develop the capacity to navigate the situated and often messy realities of urbanization while using practical experiences to inform more effective theorising and policymaking. The DD Program in Global Urban Development promotes sustainable, participatory, democratic, and equitable approaches to urban development, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to link theory with empirical insights.
Students are registered for two years at both universities and can access Sciences Po and TISS student services. Students must validate coursework under the requirements of the university at which they are studying each year.
To earn the dual degree, students must validate the two years of study in both universities.
Providing all course requirements have been met, students will graduate after two years with two Master’s degrees, one granted by Sciences Po Paris and the other by TISS Mumbai.
This dual degree program is open to candidates worldwide. It is intended for aspiring urban professionals interested in public or private sector careers with a Bachelor’s degree in social science (economics, law, politics, social policy, anthropology, sociology, geography, history…), engineering, architecture, natural science, and more.
Candidates apply directly on the Sciences Po website.
Applicants are selected on the strength of their applications only. A jury with members from both universities makes the final admissions decision.
English scores are compulsory for all students (both, Indian and international students enrolled from TISS) in the dual degree programme.
1 professional recommendation (optional)
First-Year Tuition Fees at Sciences PO
Fiscal residence in the European Economic Area (European Union Country + Lichtenstein, Norway, Iceland). Tuition fees are calculated according to the resources of the tax household on which the student depends and from €0 to €20,380.
Calculate Tuition Fees for Fiscal residence in the European Economic Area
Fiscal residence outside the European Economic Area. Tuition fees are €20,380 per academic year.
Second-Year Fees at Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Fees per academic year at TISS ₹600,000 (INR) / € 6,800* (EUR) (The Euro amount may vary depending on the prevailing exchange rates in India.)
To find out about possible funding, consult the grants offered by Sciences Po.
Queries:
@ Sciences Po Email: Ecole.urbaine@sciencespo.fr
@TISS Email: international.admissions@tiss.edu
Contact: +91 22 2552 5919 / 20 / 17 (between 10:30 am to 5 pm IST - Mon to Friday)
Year 1 at Sciences Po
FIRST SEMESTER |
SECOND SEMESTER |
||
NAME OF COURSE |
ECTS |
NAME OF COURSE |
ECTS |
Fundamental Course |
2 |
Common Academic Curriculum Course |
4 |
Core Courses |
4 |
Core Course |
10 |
Required Courses |
22 |
Elective Course |
8 |
Optional Courses |
4 |
Optional course |
4 |
Capstone |
4 |
||
34 |
30 |
Course Title |
ECTS |
Common Core Course Curriculum |
4 |
Urban School Core Courses (Choose 1) KURB 2020 – Urban History KURB 2015 - Introduction A L'histoire Des Villes* *A C1 level in French is required to attend the course taught in French |
4 |
Required Courses KGLM 2020 - Urban Policy Analysis* KGLM 2065 - Housing and Land* KGLM 2050 - Qualitative Methods for Urban Studies KGLM 2180 - Comparative Urban Planning KGLM 2185 - City Power in the Digital Age KGLM 2060 - Introduction to GIS The courses marked with * are fundamental. A passing grade (at least 10 out of 20) is required in these courses to obtain your Master diploma. |
22 |
Optional Courses (Select 1) Language courses OR Centre for Writing and Rhetoric courses |
4 |
Common Academic Commune Course |
4 |
Required Courses KGLM 2115 - Economics of the Large Metropolis * KGLM 2055 - Law in Large Metropolis KGLM 2150 - GIS Advanced KGLM 2015 - Introduction to Statistical Reasoning and Quantitative Methods |
10 |
Elective Courses (Choose 2 courses out of 4) OGLM 2030 - Latin American Metropolis OGLM 3050 - Chinese Metropolis OGLM 2025 - South Asian Metropolis OGLM 3095 - MENA Metropolis |
8 |
MCOL2030 – Capstone Course |
4 |
SDEC2000 - Study trip in a metropolis |
0 |
You may choose 1 or 2 optional courses (only if compatible with your mandatory courses). Research track only 1 optional course. Language courses Centre for Writing and Rhetoric courses Centre for Entrepreneurship OR Research Track: Sociology or Political Science Courses for the students in the Research Track only 1 course from the Sciences Po School of Research |
4 |
The courses marked with * are fundamental. A passing grade (at least 10 out of 20) is required in these courses to obtain your Master’s Degree
YEAR 2: at TISS, Mumbai
DISTRIBUTION OF CREDITS ACROSS SEMESTERS
1 TISS Credit is equal to 1.5 ECTS
THIRD SEMESTER |
FOURTH SEMESTER |
||
NAME OF COURSE |
TISS CREDITS |
NAME OF COURSE |
TISS CREDITS |
Introduction to Urbanization and the City in India |
2 TISS Credits |
Core Courses (Select any 4) – 8 credits
|
8 TISS Credits |
Concentrations ( Pick any 1) – 4 credits
|
4 TISS Credits |
||
Urban Lab (I or II) |
8 TISS Credits |
Independent Research Study |
8 TISS Credits |
Sectoral courses (Pick any 3)
|
6 TISS Credits |
Internships |
4 TISS Credits |
20 TISS Credits |
20 TISS Credits |