Taught across seven core themes stretching over sixteen weeks, the Commons is where Fellows understand the different approaches, systems, aspects and components that make up the urban. It is also where Fellows from different disciplinary backgrounds learn a common new vocabulary and set of conceptual perspectives to think about the urban.
There are seven core themes:
| 1. Built Environment and Planning | 5. Urban Economy |
| 2. Identity and Social Practice | 6. Urban Ecology, Environment and Sustainability |
| 3. Law, Governance and Policy | 7.Practica |
| 4. Infrastructure and Services |
