Program Overview
The Theories of Urban Practice at The New School is a MA programme in Architecture & Urban Planning over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of architecture & urban planning. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Theories of Urban Practice programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across China and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: New York City, United States, China
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theories of Urban Practice programme are prepared for diverse careers in architecture & urban planning:
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Landscape Designer
- Sustainability Consultant
- Real Estate Developer
- Heritage Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Urban Colloquium 1
- Urban History Lab
- ElectiveParsons
- Urban Colloquium 2
- Urban Theory Lab
- ElectiveThe New School
- Theories of Urban Practice Thesis Prep
- Advanced Research in Theories of Urban Practice
- Elective
- Theories of Urban Practice Thesis
- Elective
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Required application materials
- Application Form: Complete the online application. All applicants are required to apply online.
- Application Fee: A nonrefundable $50 application fee paid as part of the online application. A $10 SlideRoom fee is also required for applicants who submit a portfolio.
- Transcripts
- Résumé: Submit a brief résumé/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, volunteer/community work, travel, exhibitions, public speaking, or any other relevant experiences as they may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
- Statement of Interest and Intentions: Please submit a two-part essay in a single Word document. Your submission should not exceed five pages total.
Part 1: Autobiographical Statement (250500-word limit). In a short autobiographical statement, tell us about yourself. You can write about your education, your family, your talents and passions, particular intellectual influences, people you have met, work youve done that has shaped the person you have become, or about significant places or events in your life, especially as they relate to your field of study. In addition, use this portion of the essay to explain any strengths or weaknesses you may have (examples: low GPA, lack of experience, significant interruption in work or studies, unique skills and achievements as they relate to the program, or any other information you want to share). Your writing should be informative and reflect your own voice.
Part 2: Academic Statement of Interests (500750-word limit). Please describe the academic and intellectual interests, progress, and achievements that have contributed to your decision to apply for graduate study in this field. You should include a thoughtful description of your tentative plan of study or area of inquiry in the field as you now envision it, the kind of research questions you intend to pursue, your professional goals, and an explanation of how this graduate program will help you realize those goals. In addition, include a self-assessment of your work as a scholar, pointing out strengths and weaknesses. If you have not enrolled as a student in the past five years, please address anticipated opportunities and challenges in pursuing the degree, and future career expectations upon completion of the program. - Recommendation Letters: You are required to submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or people with whom you have worked professionally. Recommenders can submit recommendations online; instructions are included with the online application. If preferred, the recommendation form can instead be sent by mail in a signed, sealed envelope. To send by mail, download the PDF recommendation form found in the online application, complete the personal information, save the form, and forward it to the recommender for completion and submission. Applicants can also send signed and sealed recommendations to the Office of Admission using an Application Materials Cover Sheet.
- Portfolio or Writing Sample: The Theories of Urban Practice program welcomes applications from activists, designers, researchers, professionals, and academics. Applicants are given a choice between submitting a visual portfolio or submitting a writing sample to convey their talents and interests, especially in terms of creativity and/or critical thinking. Applicants can also submit both a portfolio and a writing sample.
Option A: Portfolio. The portfolio must be completed in SlideRoom only. Submit no more than 20 items that reflect your creativity and strengths. Examples may include pages from sketchbooks, design projects (e.g., architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, city planning, graphic design, or product design), or visual images that reflect hobbies or professional training (e.g., photographs, paintings, sculpture, posters, digital art, film, or models). Be prepared to provide descriptions for each item.
Option B: Writing Sample. The writing sample can be an academic paper, professional report, blog entry, nonfiction essay, piece of fiction, or combination of writing samples that you feel reflect your strengths as a critical thinker and writer for this program. Please submit as a single document no longer than 30 pages in length. Please note that this must be included with your online application. - Test Scores:TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE: All applicants whose first language is not English must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. The minimum score required for TOEFL (IBT) is 92, for IELTS is 7.0, and for PTE is 63. Our TOEFL institution code is 2638.
A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is not required for applicants- Whose primary language is English
- Who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction
Arrange for the testing service to send your test scores directly to The New School using the codes listed above. We accept scores from the past two years. If your scores are older, you must retake the test. For more information, visit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School\'s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students must pass Level 6 in order to waive the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information. - Interview: Students may be invited for an interview in person or by phone.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,620 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The New School directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About The New School
The New School
Manhattan, United States
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Jan, 2027
- Start Date Aug, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
