The English-language Master’s degree in »European Urban Studies« at the Institute for European Urban Studies focuses on the scientific examination of urban and spatial planning, and urban design and development. The name »European urban studies« is on the one hand indicative of the intended European professional field for which this programme aims to provide qualification. On the other hand, it emphasises the focus on history and the political and social constitution of European cities, as well as the latter’s role in European unification.
With the European Union’s »Urban Agenda«, cities have become an important political and economic field. The Treaty of Lisbon assigned them a prominent role in the implementation of European objectives, such as citizen-oriented policies, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. The »European Urban Studies« programme aims to impart the knowledge and skills that enable students to face the challenges of the future in European cities. A scientific examination of aspects of urban and spatial planning, urban development, and urban research plays a central role. One unique feature of the programme is the individually supervised »Guided Research Project in Europe«, which establishes an intensive scientific link by enabling third-year students to conduct field work at a programme partner, namely a European university or research institution.
The programme aims to train international urban researchers. Complex questions of contemporary urban development are covered within the interdisciplinary programme, which imparts comprehensive perspectives ranging from urban sociology through urban landscape and spatial planning to urban development. Based on the special characteristics and developments in European urban development, the programme focuses on the international transfer of knowledge beyond European borders. The programme’s students are accordingly international. English is the language of instruction. To enable individual supervision, just 20 new students are admitted to the programme every year. The curriculum is structured to allow supervised independent research.
In-depth scientific and subject-related fundamental principles of European urban studies are imparted in the first two semesters. Students are also supported in their search for a research topic. Special courses dealing with European urban development in general and individual cities in Europe in particular underline the programme’s European orientation. In the second semester, students complete a study project on a current interdisciplinary research problem in cooperation with a European partner university. In their third semester, students undertake an individual research project in either Germany or another European country. The professorship at the Institute for European Urban Studies assigned to supervise the project depends on the project content. During the first two semesters, students prepare an exposé on their planned research stay outlining the time and work schedules.
The fourth semester is dedicated to writing the Master’s thesis. The Master’s degree concludes with an academic Master’s thesis and an oral Master’s examination. Successful graduates are awarded the academic degree of »Master of Science« (M.Sc.).
If you consider research-oriented, international, and interdisciplinary work in the context of European urban development as a professional and personal challenge, then you are well-equipped for successful studies.
Admissions requirements:
University degree from a German or international university qualifying for a profession in a spatial planning discipline
Very good proficiency in English
Successful completion of the selection procedure
Our students normally have a professional or academic background in architecture; landscape architecture; urban/regional planning; geography; or social, cultural, or political science.
Students should have a pronounced interest in spatial and social contexts.
Application deadline for EU citizens (incl. Switzerland): 15 June
Application deadlines for non-EU citizens (except Switzerland) vary between 15 May and 30 June
Qualified urban researchers have a variety of career options, including:
Professional activities with a European/international orientation in urban-related fields
Scientific activities requiring an understanding of highly complex issues relating to urban development, political decision-making processes, demanding urban planning processes, and social issues
Practical activities in social fields in which creative, social, scientific, interdisciplinary, and intercultural qualifications are required, such as the free economy, the state and local sectors, public institutions, the media, social organisations, etc.
Participation in as well as initiation and implementation of research Projects
The degree programme aims to prepare students for doctoral studies and an academic career.
Graduates of the Master’s degree in »European Urban Studies« can pursue structured doctoral studies or an individual doctoral project within one of the professorships at the Institute for European Urban Studies. This enables both thematic continuity and deepening of the research focus on urban studies.
