About AUL
The African School of Economics (ASE) and the Charter Cities Institute (CCI) are partnering to establish the Africa Urban Lab (AUL), dedicated to addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization across Africa. AUL will operate as a research center under ASE-Zanzibar.
Vision for AUL
To train the African city builders, planners, and urban leaders of tomorrow to harness rapid urbanization for human prosperity.
Real-world Focus
The AUL will provide both frontier knowledge and applied, practical learning experiences in real-world settings.
Offer Flexible and Accessible Courses
Many students and professionals desire the opportunity to upgrade their skills and training flexibly and on demand. The AUL provides such flexibility with modular coursework designed with the learner’s convenience in mind.
Build a Network of City Builders Across Africa
The AUL will establish a ‘community of practice’ from which students and graduates can learn best practices, share lessons learned, and build up a network of urban professionals that will serve them well throughout their careers.
Professional Diploma in Urban Development
Starting November 2024
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:
While the diploma is oriented towards early and mid career professionals, all passionate about urban development and African cities should apply.
November 2024
Block One
2 week intensive
Module 1: Urban Governance
Certificate in Urban Governance
Module 2: Urban Planning
Certificate in 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 2025
Block Two
2 week intensive
Module 3: Urban Finance
Certificate in Urban Finance
Module 4: Urban Economics
Certificate in Urban Economics
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 heba.elhanafy@aul.city
Lecturers
Urban Governance
Urban Planning
Urban Finance
Urban Economics
Course Convenor
Our Partners
