M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip. - Smart and Sustainable Cities

The Dublin MDP degree led by the Trinity College Dublin School of Natural Sciences and delivered by staff from all faculties across the university, in collaboration with leading scientific researchers, and national and international organisations with specialist skills. The growth and development of cities in the 21st Century presents significant challenges, including sustainable development, the planning and design of urban space and social wellbeing. With thousands of smart-city initiatives around the world, smart urbanism is now one of the dominant models of urban development.

Projects for smart cities involve the regeneration of existing urban areas as well as the creation of large new settlements. This has significant implications for the many environmental, social and economic systems that underpin the planet. Smart-city initiatives have a multi-dimensional nature. As projects that are aimed at improving urban spaces, they are deeply connected to issues of urbanisation and urban planning. Because of their focus on technological innovation, the development of smart cities goes beyond the science of the city and is also the product of studies in computer science and engineering. Moreover, once implemented, smart interventions take place not upon a blank canvas, but rather within complex ecological and social systems whose dynamics must be taken into account in order to avoid environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

Admission to the course is competitive. Applicants will be expected to have an Honours Bachelor degree at 2.1 or above in a social science or science-based course such as Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography or cognate fields.

In case of heavy competition for places or concerns regarding a applicant’s suitability, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a written sample for assessment. Nonstandard applicants may be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies in exceptional circumstanced based on workplace experience or other criteria relevant under the Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS: Grade 6.5 overall
• TOEFL: 88 internet-based, 570 paper-based, 230 computer-based
• University of Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2), Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE Academic: a minimum score of 63 to be eligible (with no section score below 59)