For more information: applications@normanfosterinstitute.com
Norman Foster Institute
Our programme
Preparing city-makers, urban designers and architects
The recurring theme that those who have experienced the Master’s Programme in Sustainable Cities—with specialisations in City Science, Urban Design and Architecture—mention is its unique fusion of academia and the experience of working in a city on live projects. Add to this the learning of digital tools to analyse and explore decision making in the civic realm and it explains why so many have described the course as ‘life-changing’
Download Programme
Stage 1
Foundations
Define urban context and sustainable strategies
The Foundations stage defines sustainable development goals for the NFI Pilot Cities. This stage draws a retrospective of history and government to better understand the framework for project impacts.
Stage 2
Diagnosis
Create and measure metrics of environmental, social and cultural research
The diagnosis stage provides an integrated understanding of different spaces for transformation. Students develop a diagnosis of six thematic layers: climate, mobility, public spaces, resources, culture and economy.
Stage 3
Interventions
Training professionals through three specialisations: City Science, Urban Design and Architecture
Interventions enable vision for urban strategies that reduce embodied carbon and operational emissions while promoting public health and connecting communities.
Specialisations
Training students through three specialisations
City Science
Lead by Norman Foster and Dr. Gareth Simons
Urban Design
Lead by Norman Foster and Prof. Vishaan Chakrabarti
Architecture
Lead by Norman Foster and Prof. Frédéric Migayrou
How to Apply
Admissions & certification
01
Application Guidelines
Learn more about application guidelines and the timeline for submitting your application. The deadline for applications is 1 July 2025.
02
Master's Degree Certification
This programme is established in partnership with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).
Signed by the Co-Directors of the Programme on Sustainable Cities Norman Foster, President of the Norman Foster Foundation and Advocate of the United Nations Forum of Mayors, and Kent Larson, Director of the City Science Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. Additionally, it is signed by the NFI Provost, Prof. Edgar Pieterse, Founding Director of the African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa, and the Provost of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).
03
Financial Support
Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding applicants in need of financial support.