2021 Oxford Future of Cities Summer Courses (Online)

No matter where they are, cities face mounting and compounded challenges unlike ever before. The Covid-19 pandemic has ushered in a disruptive series of public health, economic, social, and political crises, while a growing number of cities are threatened by intensifying global risks, such as climate disasters, ethnic and racial tensions, cultural disintegration, conflicts, and depleting resources. The need to train leaders in tackling these challenges for the viability of our urban future has never been more pressing.

Starting in 2016, these courses are designed to do just that, offering a critical understanding of major aspects of historical, contemporary, and near-future urban development within their wider cultural, economic, geo-political, social, scientific, and technological contexts, with relevant case studies that explore innovative practices balancing the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainable urban development. The courses also provide leadership training in the key areas of sustainable urban development to make cities flexible, healthy, inclusive, resilient, and vibrant in response to evolving challenges and circumstances, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Aiming to connect top research and best practice, the courses engage attendees in interactive lectures and workshops taught by leading experts at the University of Oxford and other leading UK universities, practitioners from the UK government, and key players in business and industry.

The courses also help attendees develop leadership skills, including research, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills, through practical skills training workshops. Additionally, the courses offer an opportunity for attendees to be guided by experienced supervisors in participating in relevant research and practice-based projects, to help tackle local and global challenges.

All the attendees who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Oxford Network for the Future of Cities, together with the course module sheet which attendees may use to apply for academic credits at their home institutions.

The courses enrich attendees’ academic and professional experiences, whilst facilitating the fulfilment of their academic and career goals. Hundreds of talented students and professionals hailing from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and the Middle East have attended and benefitted.

Due to the impact of Covid-19, we have decided to put our short courses on hold during the 2021–2022 academic year and may resume the courses when the circumstances improve. Please visit this webpage again in due course for any update.

If you have any queries about the Oxford Future of Cities Short Courses, please contact:

Rosaleen Cunningham, Communications and Media Manager

Centre on Migration Policy and Society (COMPAS)
University of Oxford, 58 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6QS, United Kingdom
Email: rosaleen.cunningham@compas.ox.ac.uk

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