Bringing economic analysis to city planning and management, MSc UED explores how economic solutions can contribute to urban sustainability and well-being in the context of globalization, urbanization and climate change.
This course argues that cities are the most powerful engines of economic growth and development that countries possess. Their efficient and sustainable operation is imperative for the whole of the society to progress. Yet cities are often affected by severe social, economic and environmental problems. In developed countries, unemployment and inner city decay invade; in developing countries, rapid urbanization continues to expand the number of poor city dwellers, living in intolerable conditions. Without appropriate action, the problems are scheduled to get worse. Consequently, national progress is very much slower than it should be. But it need not be so. The situation can be helped by reducing the severe shortage of people equipped to analyse the key issues, to formulate and implement urban economic policies, and to advise all stakeholders for appropriate actions. The purpose of this course is to meet this challenge: to supply people who are equipped to effectively deal with the problems of accelerated urbanization and the economic management of cities for the benefit of the society.
The structure of MSc UED consists of 3 core modules: Urban Development and Economics, Managing the City Economy, and Practice in Urban Economic Development. The course activities involve various lectures, seminars, workshops, projects and an oversea fieldtrip. It requires students to be highly organized and resilient with work load. By finishing the course, students will acquire critical academic skills in this domain and improve practical competence in the organization of workload, handling presentations and reports and multi-cultural teamwork.
