Scholarship Aids Urban Sustainability in India

Mr Sandip Kumar, founder and principal architect of a New Delhi design consultancy services firm, is the recipient of a full scholarship to study on the Oxford University Master's in Sustainable Urban Development. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding candidate from India who is able to present a consistent record of excellence both academically and professionally. Mr Kumar joined the third cohort of students on the Master's programme last term.

The scholarship, which was created to mark the visit of Oxford's Vice Chancellor to India last year, lasts for the full duration of the MSc (two years, part-time), and covers all University tuition and college fees. Applicants who wish to be considered for this year's scholarship must submit their application for the Master's programme no later than 9 March 2013. Scholarship eligibility can be found online, at: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/msc-in-sustainable-urban-development

Mr Kumar, pictured with Acting Course Director Dr Idalina Baptista, hopes that his studies on the Master's in Sustainable Urban Development will extend his professional horizons - better enabling him to embrace future challenges - and also enhance his teaching skills, thus allowing him to assist the next generation of Indian architects. Mr Kumar is a visiting member of faculty at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi - the institution he himself graduated from in the early 1990s.

In both these capacities, Mr Kumar amply fulfils the one requirement of the scholarship: he will be able to make a solid contribution to the built environment within India as a result of his studies at Oxford.

'My learning will allow me to make a contribution to the built environment that is more relevant, sensible and whole,' says Mr Kumar, who is enjoying the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of students, researchers and practitioners during his time at Oxford.

The format of the Master's programme - which is offered in association with The Prince's Foundation for Building Community - combines face to face and online learning. Eight weeks over two years are spent in Oxford and London, during which students attend lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, and are given the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and practice as well as discuss their own professional experiences. A virtual learning environment enhances and supports ongoing learning over the two year programme, and serves to keep the student cohort in touch.

The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development launched in October 2010. For full details about the programme and Scholarship eligibility and criteria, as well as other funding opportunities, please visit: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/msc-in-sustainable-urban-development

Enquiries are welcome, please email: msud@conted.ox.ac.uk

Published 31 January 2013