Master of Urban Design and Digital Environments (M.U.D.D.E.)

Department of Architecture·School of Architecture, Art & Design

Master

Overview

Program Mission The mission of the MUDDE program is to prepare students to solve complex and multi-faceted urban problems using the best practices and the latest technologies. The program looks to create high-caliber design professionals who are also critical thinkers, capable researchers, advocates of social justice and life-long learners. Program Goals Thoroughly understand the multifaceted nature of the urban environment Are equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, technologies, and best-practices relevant to both the local and international contexts Are critical thinkers, and can develop creative solutions to complex urban problems Contribute to the wider society by becoming an important generator of scholarly activity in the areas of urbanism and design Can advance their careers through the knowledge, professionalism, and work ethic gained in the program

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Fall 2026 applications are now open! Apply today and get ready to begin an exciting journey at American University In Dubai.

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Tuition & Fees

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Program Details

Degree level: Master
Department: Department of Architecture
College: School of Architecture, Art & Design

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to:

Thoroughly understand the multifaceted nature of the urban environment
Are equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, technologies, and best-practices relevant to both the local and international contexts

Program Requirements5

127 credit hours of core courses
23 credit hours of electives
3Total: 30 credit hours
4Core courses include: Urban Design Studio I-III, Artificial Intelligence in Urban Design, Digital Techniques for Urban Design, Sustainable Infrastructure, Geographic Information Systems, Thesis Research, and Thesis Studio
5Elective options include: Urban Research Lab, Parametric Urban Design, Emerging and Critical Urbanism, Masters Internship

Required Documents32

All of these are required to apply.

1Your High School Documents- An official attested high school/secondary school transcript covering the last three years and reflecting a good academic standard. (Required averages vary by school systems. Students should consult AUD’s Admissions Office for pertinent requirements.)
2High School Diploma, original to be verified.
3High School Certificate Attestation and EquivalencyTrue copy of certificates should be attested by the appropriate authority as stated below: - Grade 12 transcripts obtained in the U.A.E. must be attested by the U.A.E. Ministry of Education.
4High school diplomas and grade 12 transcripts obtained abroad must be attested by: 1. Ministry of Education of home country 2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of home country 3. U.A.E. Embassy in home country OR 1. Ministry of Education of home country 2. Embassy of the country of study in the U.A.E. 3. U.A.E. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
5Obtain the Certificate of Equivalency of your high school qualification from the Ministry of Education in the UAE. You should apply online through the Ministry's website: [www.moe.gov.ae](https://www.moe.gov.ae)(under the EServices section, go to Service Catalog)
6Equivalency letter is required from the U.A.E. Ministry of Education for all students except students who graduated from a school following UAE Ministry System
7English Requirements: Students should demonstrate the minimal standards of proficiency in English language through submission of the required TOEFL/Academic IELTS. To be admitted to any of AUD undergraduate programs, applicants must submit the below scores prior to the start of the semester: - IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 or TOEFL ITP 550
8Students who achieve a minimum score of 6 on Academic IELTS or 68 on TOEFL iBT or 520 on TOEFL ITP will still be accepted as degree candidates and will be enrolled in ENGL100: Developmental English (refer to section developmental on Developmental Studies)
9Students who do not achieve the minimum scores may be placed at the appropriate level of the English Bridge program and cannot register for degree program courses.
10Math Requirements Students must demonstrate the minimal standards of proficiency in mathematics by submitting any of the below scores (per chosen program of study) or by passing the Math placement test at AUD*
11Passport photocopy with validity page (and Ethbara page for UAE nationals)
12Photocopy UAE Residency Visa
13Photocopy Emirates ID (both sides)
14Army Exemption Letter (for UAE nationals)
15Completed [Health History Form](https://aud.edu/media/2885/health-history-form-updated-2019.pdf?AUD%20Health%20History%20Forms). This form must be signed and stamped by a Physician.
16An online Application for Admission to an AUD graduate program.
17An undergraduate degree earned from an institution accredited by the Ministry of Education in the U.A.E. or by the relevant national or regional institutional accrediting body in the case of international applicants.
18A 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) or better in undergraduate study. For students with post undergraduate credits earned at more than one institution, a separate GPA is calculated.
19Undergraduate/Graduate Records: Original, official (sealed) transcripts from all universities, colleges, or other postsecondary institutions of higher learning at which the applicant completed undergraduate and graduate studies.
20Undergraduate and Graduate Diplomas – originals required for verification.
21Confirmation of University Records, required from every university attended by the student before joining AUD to be e-mailed directly from the student’s university to the Office of Admissions at AUD ([myapplication@aud.edu](mailto:myapplication@aud.edu))
22Profile and/or Grading system of universities/colleges previously attended.
23Attestations and Equivalencies- Original, official transcripts of academic record from all universities, colleges or other postsecondary institutions attended by the candidate; to be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts should be attested by the appropriate higher education authority in the country in which the undergraduate degree was granted, and must be translated into English if they are issued in a language other than English.
24Applicants with degrees granted outside the UAE., should obtain attestation from (1) the Ministry of Higher Education of the country of study, (2) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country, and (3) the UAE embassy in that country or the embassy of the country of study in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
25Statement of Recognition of you’re the applicant’s previous university degree to be obtained from the UAE Ministry of Education for all applicants with the exception of applicants with degrees granted in the UAE and approved by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). It is solely the applicant’s responsibility to obtain this statement from MOE.
26Original, official transcripts of academic record from all universities, colleges or other postsecondary institutions attended by the candidate; to be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts should be attested by the appropriate higher education authority in the country in which the undergraduate degree was granted, and must be translated into English if they are issued in a language other than English.
27English Language RequirementsStudents must achieve any of the following: - Academic IELTS™ score of 6.5 - TOEFL® score of (550 ITP [Paper-based]) or (79 IBT), or, - EmSAT English score of 1550
28CV or resume describing professional and academic experience including two Professional or Educational References (with contact information)
29A statement of the applicant’s career objectives, special professional and academic interests, and other reasons why the candidate wishes to pursue their choice of program at AUD, as well as the applicant’s special skills, expertise and interests that might contribute towards enriching the graduate learning at AUD.
30Photocopy of passport, UAE ID (both sides).
31Completed Health History Form. This form must be signed and stamped by a Physician.
32National Military Service letter for UAE (male) nationals.