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Professional Diploma in Urban Development

Starting November 2025

Course Structure:

4 modules + 1 capstone

Duration:

Complete 4 modules (taught in 2 Blocks, each of which is 2 weeks) + 1 capstone for the full Professional Diploma.

In addition, participants will receive a Certificate for each module completed within the program.

Participants have up to three years to complete the 4 modules and submit a final Capstone Project (but may also opt to complete the full Diploma sooner).

Who Should Attend:

Early-career professionals with 2-10 years experience.

Applications are now open for Cohort 2025-2026!

Apply now for a chance to join the 2025-2026 Cohort. Scholarships are available!

Admissions deadline: August 1st, 2025.

Apply Now!

Courses

November 2025

Block One
2 week intensive

Module 1: Urban Economics

Module 2: Urban Planning 

Capstone Project 

Placement in a real-world organization.


As part of the Capstone Project, participants will take part in short monthly workshops to ensure the core technical skills needed to complete the Capstone.


*Note: the Capstone Project is only taken by participants undertaking the full Diploma program.

April 2026

Block Two
2 week intensive

Module 3: Urban Finance

Module 4: Urban Governance

Lecturers

Urban Governance

Urban Planning

Urban Finance

Urban Economics

Course Convenor

Scholarships

The Africa Urban Lab is committed to ensuring our academic programs are accessible to all high-achieving applicants, regardless of income level or socio-economic background. This dedication enriches the learning environment, promotes accessibility, and bolsters academic excellence. All scholarships awarded by the AUL will be based on both merit and need.

There is no separate application process for scholarships. Once you submit your diploma application, the AUL staff will assess your eligibility for a scholarship. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact Heba Elhanafy at [email protected]

STATS FROM OUR 2024-2025 COHORT

The inaugural cohort brings together students from eleven countries across Africa and beyond. Discover their stories and diverse backgrounds here.

Inaugural Public Talk - Alain Bertaud

World-renowned urbanist Alain Bertaud delivered the inaugural Public Talk at the Africa Urban Lab on November 22, 2024, coinciding with AUL’s first-ever teaching cohort.

FAQs