About the Programme
Oman’s First Master Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning.
The Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning (MSc AUP) at GUtech is the first programme in the whole region to offer both Architecture and Urban Planning as specialisations. The MSc programme capitalises on the expertise accumulated by the faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at RWTH Aachen University and draws form the know-how of GUtech faculty behind the internationally accredited the BSc Urban Planning and Architectural Design programme.
The programme is designed to train fresh graduates and professionals to address the challenges of a rapidly urbanised world by seeking innovative approaches in the built environment.
The structure of the programme offers students to specialise in either architecture or urban planning. The two specialisations equally address societal, environmental, economic and cultural questions but react to them on different scales.
‘Architecture’ specialisation focuses on the constructive, cultural and climatic qualities of buildings and their surroundings.
‘Urban Planning’ specialisation is concerned with the design and planning qualities at the neighborhood, town and regional levels.
Career and Studies Opportunities
Upon completion of the MSc AUP programme, our graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in architecture or urban planning, while others may seek new directions such as project management, urban design, and others. Aside from industry, MSc AUP graduates may go on to pursue consultancy as well as research careers, whether through doctoral study in academia or commercial research.
The MSc AUP programme is structured to be offered on a full-time or part-time basis in block mode, over four semesters. The programme encompasses a work load equivalent to 120 credit points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) or 300 credit points in the Oman Qualification Framework (OQF).
Students who wish to study MSc AUP are required to meet these requirements:
Academic requirements: A recognised bachelor degree in architecture, urbanism, or equivalent fields of study. Relevant work experience can compensate for derivation from narrow related field of study.
Language requirements: Applicants must provide adequate proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL 79 internet-based test, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
For questions regarding the application process, please send your enquiry to pg.upad@gutech.edu.om.
The course outline for the Architecture specialisation offer a sustainable outlook on new materials and technologies to create environmentally sustainable buildings and hone your skills in built environment designs.
| Semester 1 | Studio 1 |
| Elective 1 | |
| Analysis | |
| Simulation | |
| Sustainability | |
| Research Methods | |
| Tec System | |
| Semester 2 | Studio 2 |
| History | |
| Digital Tools | |
| Advanced Building Construction 1 | |
| Culture | |
| Design Thinking | |
| Structural Design | |
| Semester 3 | Studio 3 |
| Economics | |
| Advanced Building Construction 2 | |
| Project Management | |
| Elective 2 | |
| Vizualisation | |
| Theory | |
| Semester 4 | Thesis Preparation |
| Colloquium | |
| Master Thesis |
The course outline for the Urban Planning specialisation involves an in-depth outlook on urban design issues by combining three theme-based courses and studios(Performance, Identity, Urbanity). The integrated final thesis project builds upon the previous three themes.
| Semester 1 | Studio 1 |
| Analysis | |
| Simulation | |
| Elective 1 | |
| Tec System | |
| Sustainability | |
| Research Methods | |
| Semester 2 | Studio 2 |
| History | |
| Digital Tools | |
| Traffic Planning | |
| Landscape Design | |
| Culture | |
| Design Thinking | |
| Semester 3 | Studio 3 |
| Visualization | |
| Theory | |
| Project Management | |
| Economics | |
| Elective 2 | |
| Governance | |
| Semester 4 | Thesis Preparation |
| Colloquium | |
| Master Thesis |
Application fee
A non-refundable fee OMR 100 is required prior to application being processed.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the credit points of each course. The total credit points required to complete and obtain MSc AUP is ECTS credit points (ECTS CP). The applicable fee OMR 115 is assessed to each ECTS CP.
Scholarship opportunities
We offer twenty (20) scholarships for successful applicants to cover 15 percent of tuition fees of the Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning. There is not a separate application for these scholarships.
Students who want to join the Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning need to apply online.
To begin studies on 1 October, 2019, application must be received by 15 August 2019.
All application must be supported by the digital copies of the following documents:
| Application materials checklist | Needed for decision on seat | Needed for decision on scholarship | Needed before classes start |
| Bachelor transcript | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bachelor degree certificate | No | No | Yes |
| Bachelor approval from Omani MoHE | No | Yes | Yes |
| IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ID card / passport | No | No | Yes |
| Photo | No | No | Yes |
| CV | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| References (Academic & Employer) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Interview | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only |
| RO 100 application fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agreement with Finance for tuition payment | No | No | Yes |
| Choice of specialisation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
General Enquiries
Can I meet with the Master’s programme coordinator?
Yes, all enquirers and applicants are encouraged to meet the Master’s programme coordinator. You may request an appointment by sending an email to pg.upad@gutech.edu.om or calling 22061112.
Can I visit the University campus to have a look around?
Yes, you are most welcome to visit our campus in Halban. Our campus is located in Halban, off the last Maabila exist of the Muscat Expressway.
Does GUtech offer accommodation to graduate students?
Yes, upon availability, we could offer you our housing services. You may want to call 2206 1112 or send an email to amu-bdb@gutech.edu.om for further information.
Application Process
How do I submit an application and what documents do I need to provide?
Applications are received online. You may visit our page ‘apply‘ for the list of supporting materials.
How long does it take for admission process to be completed?
If you provide every document requested, and meet all entry requirements, decision can be taken in 3 working days.
Will the university be able to provide me with acceptance of admission paper to present to my company for funding purpose ?
Yes, offers are made in writing and we may send your offer letter to your employer if you provide us with the contact details.
Do I need to submit evidence of English language proficiency for my application?
Yes, a minimum IELTS of a band score of 6.0 or equivalent is required at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are awaiting the release of IELTS or an equivalent result, you may send an email to pg.upad@gutech.edu.om to advise you on how to proceed.
Entry Requirements
What qualifications do I need to get entry into the programme?
A recognised bachelor degree in architecture, urbanism, or equivalent fields of study. Relevant work experience can compensate for derivation from narrow related field of study.
What is the minimum cGPA requirement do you apply to the Master’s programme?
No minimum cGPA is required.
Can I still apply if I do not have a relevant degree?
Yes you can still apply, the decision about eligibility of an applicant with a university degree different from the relevant field will be based on personal interviews.
Credit Transfer
Do you accept credit transfers into the Master’s programme?
Yes, it’s acceptable
How many credits from my previous postgraduate courses can I transfer to the Master’s programme if I ma accepted?
Up to 60 credit points can be transferred if the Ministry of Higher Education approves such a transfer.
Programme Structure
What study mode does the Master’s programme offer?
The programme is structured to be delivered on a part-time and full-time basis.
How many credit points are required to graduate?
To graduate, you will required to successfully earn 120 ECTS credit points.
What are the term dates for the programme?
The academic year is made up of 2 terms. The duration of each term is 15 weeks. The first term begins in late February/Early March and ends in late June. The second term runs from October to January.
Some adjustments may apply due to public or religious festivities.
Can I receive a study plan in advance so that I can plan my time accordingly?
Yes, you may receive your relevant study plan and a timetable if you send your request to pg.upad@gutech.edu.om.
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