The study course is predominantly project-based with a strong emphasis on social and planning sciences and the architectural and spatial skills required by town planners. Alongside the planning project, the core module, a mix of parallel compulsory and elective modules communicate a fundamental background in the social sciences, design and planning policy. The study course has three main pillars: a strong basis in the social sciences, the architectural design of the built environment and an international orientation.

The course covers a breadth of topics required for the planning professions. The standard duration of this complex qualification is therefore eight semesters.

The core subject areas introduce students to the dimensions of social action required for practicing in the field and that are essential for relevant academic research:

_ town planning and socio-scientific urban research
_ theory, history and politics of the city and planning
_ urban design, housing and urban conservation
_ economics and technical infrastructure of spatial planning

All coursework is conducted in German. In the sixth semester, students spend a period abroad studying at a partner university or working with a practice partner. Students from abroad can spend this semester studying at another university in Germany.

In addition, before beginning the final thesis, students are required to complete 10 weeks of practical experience in Germany. This period gives students an opportunity to examine the German planning culture first-hand and students are expected to apply what they have learned in projects of their own. We recommend placements with planning authorities at an urban or regional level or comparable institutions as well as in public or non-public planning areas, for example in commercial planning offices, non-government organisations or research institutes.

After completion and defence of the final thesis the Faculty of Architecture awards students the qualification of »Bachelor of Science« (B. Sc.). This eight semesterqualification is recognised by the German Federal Chamber of Architects and entitles the holder, on completion of a necessary period in professional practice as a town planner, to officially enrol in the registry of architects.

If you are interested in fundamental issues of Urban Planning and wish to acquire expertise in the public management of urban development and developing new formats and practical, innovative urban and spatial planning tools, then you are an ideal candidate for this Bachelor of Science.

Requirements

To gain admission to Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning, candidates must have a general university entrance qualification and past an aptitude assessment test.  

Commencement

Students may only enrol in the winter semester.

Application to participate in the aptitude assessment test

Please submit all required application materials by post to:  

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Dekanat Architektur
- Bachelor Urbanistik -
D-99421 Weimar
(Germany)

Submissions by fax or e-mail are not accepted. 

Aptitude assessment test

To apply for participation in the aptitude assessment test, please submit the following documents:

• Letter of application (no form necessary)
• Completed and signed online application form (submissions are now being accepted)
• CV in tabular form
• Letter of motivation, max. one page (DIN A4), describing your academic and professional goals
• Certified copy of your university entrance qualification (translated in German)
• Details regarding your prior education, particularly any preparations you have made for university study (in list form with certificates/references if possible; no portfolios please!)
• For international applicants: Proof of language proficiency for university study in Germany (DSH-2)
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope (size DIN C6) for notification of acceptance

Your physical presence at the Faculty of Architecture is required in order to participate in the tests and interview.

Application deadline

The application deadline for participation in the next aptitude assessment test is 15 July, which means the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar must receive all your documents by 15 July at the latest, regardless of the postmark.

The aptitude assessments are carried out in Weimar during the second half of July. Invitations to interviews are sent to the candidates in advance. 

Enrolment

Students may only enrol in the Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning after passing the aptitude assessment test. The assessment results are sent to the candidates shortly after they complete the second part of the test.

The enrolment period ends on 30 September. For more information about enrolment procedures, click h.ere
The assessments are valid for two academic years, i.e. the academic year for which the candidate has applied for enrolment and the year thereafter.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact our faculty advisors.

As a study course with practical project-oriented and research-oriented components, the Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning degree course qualifies graduates to work in municipal and federal government authorities and other research institutions as experts for the spatial dimension of planning and development.

Public town planning has been instrumental in creating the conditions for an enormous increase in the standard and quality of life in many countries, especially in the second half of the 20th century, and today places new demands on the analysis and planning of spatial transformations. As a consequence the field of work both in professional practice as well as in research are changing continually.

Graduates of the Urban Planning course often go on to work as town planners in public administration, for example with municipal, regional or national planning authorities. They also work in private planning offices, in private companies, social organisations and policy consultancy agencies. A further field of work is in research, either in conjunction with an academic teaching position or in one of the many research institutes. International organisations are also increasingly seeking professional graduates with a background in Urban Studies.