Masters in Global Urban Development (TISS, Mumbai) | Admissions, TISS

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Tata Institute of Social Sciences

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Masters in Global Urban Development (TISS, Mumbai)

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM WITH

MASTERS IN GLOBAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT SCIENCES PO

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.

ABOUT THE TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

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

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

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:

  • Develop a vocabulary for analysing urban policy and governance.
  • Understand the action logic and urban governance of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, analysing different spatial forms, geographies, and histories through a comparative approach while being anchored in two dynamic cities (Greater Paris and Greater Mumbai), which serve as real laboratories for territorial public policies.
  • Design and implement innovative public policies at local, national, and international levels, combining social and environmental justice.
  • Critically understand the drivers, processes, and complex outcomes of urbanisation and urban development trajectories in India.
  • Link theory and practice through an immersive, applied pedagogy that provides both conceptual foundations and hands-on professional experiences

FIRST YEAR AT SCIENCES PO

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:

  • Semester 1 provides an interdisciplinary foundation with courses covering public policy, urban planning, housing, and training in social research methods. During this semester, students enhance their academic and professional writing abilities, work collaboratively on group projects, and strengthen public speaking skills.
  • Semester 2 focuses on practical experience, including a study trip and core courses in law, economics, and statistics. Students also explore regional specialisations, offering in-depth knowledge of urban governance in various global contexts such as Africa, China, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

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:

  • Semester 3 introduces students to the complexities of Indian cities through interdisciplinary courses, sectoral courses that will develop interdisciplinary knowledge about the social and technical aspects of urban infrastructures and services, and a concentration course that deep dives into a contemporary urban planning and development issue. The highlight of this semester is the Urban Lab which offers an opportunity for hands-on, immersive and engaged fieldwork in different urban settings (informal settlements, peripheral regions, small towns) facilitated by faculty and community representatives.
  • Semester 4 permits students to deepen their knowledge of cities in the global south and diverse urbanisation trajectories and challenges in India through core interdisciplinary courses on urban planning, governance, poverty, politics and sustainability. An internship with an organization working In urban development exposes students to real-world issues, impact evaluation and the implementation of plans, programs and policies. The highlight of the semester is the Independent Research Study which promotes critical thinking, research, analysis and writing skills by pursuing advanced research in a specific urban thematic of their liking.

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.

VALIDATION AND DEGREE

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.

  • 60 ECTS credits during the year at Sciences Po
  • The equivalent of 60 ECTS credits during the year at TISS

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.

ADMISSIONS

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.

Application deadline for the 2025-27 cohort is 2nd Feb 2025

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.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Bachelor’s degree in social science (economics, law, politics, social policy, anthropology, sociology, geography, history…), engineering, architecture, natural science, and more.
  • English fluency [English taught program in both universities]

English Language Requirements

English scores are compulsory for all students (both, Indian and international students enrolled from TISS) in the dual degree programme.

  • TOEFL IBT 100
  • IELTS Academic 7* (We only accept IELTS Academic. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General tests will be discarded.)
  • Cambridge C1
  • Linguaskill General 180 (4 modules)** (Please attach your Linguaskill General test (4 modules: Reading and Listening, Writing, Speaking) in the "Languages" section, by clicking on " 2 years of study in the language")
  • TOEFL Home edition 100
  • Duolingo English Test 130*** (Please attach your Duolingo English Test in the "Languages" section, by clicking on " 2 years of study in the language")
Application  Pre-Requisites:
  • Transcripts - GPA: 71% or more
  • Resume / CV
  • Statement of Purpose / cover letter
  • Letters of Recommendation: at least 2 academic recommendations and/or

1 professional recommendation (optional)

  • Portfolio/work sample (optional)

TUITION AND FEES

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)

 

CURRICULUM

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

  • Trajectories of South Asian Cities and Urbanization
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Urban Planning: Challenges and Current Practices
  • Urban Poverty and Exclusion
  • Southern Cities and Urbanization
  • Urban Governance, Politics and Policies
  • Gendered Social Vulnerability and Climate Change
  • Media and Re-Imaging of the South Asian Cities

8 TISS Credits

Concentrations ( Pick any 1) – 4 credits

  • Planning and the Indian City
  • Land, Housing and Property: Transitions and Alternatives
  • Gender and the City
  • Participative and Inclusive Urban Local Governance

4 TISS Credits

Urban Lab (I or II)

8 TISS Credits

Independent Research Study

8 TISS Credits

Sectoral courses (Pick any 3)

  1. Urban Water
  2. Urban Housing
  3. Solid Waste Management for Cities
  4. Urban Mobilities

6 TISS Credits

Internships

4 TISS Credits

 

20 TISS Credits

 

20 TISS Credits