Urban Studies and Planning

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges, in a time marked by complex dynamic climate change. They will learn to address such challenges through interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience.Taking full advantage of the joint university structure, the programme unites expertise from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The signature elements in the programme are interdisciplinary studies that address urban challenge themes. These themes relate to urgent contemporary urban controversies found not only in Finland but on the European and global scales. The urban challenge themes may be attached to focus areas, research projects or collaborations within our universities, municipalities and regions in order to provide a constructive and critical framework for study and practice. These themes cross the boundaries of disciplines and professions, and are united in addressing a common challenge and emphasising a forward-looking perspective.For architecture specialization, the degree given is Master of Science (Architecture). The learning outcomes are based on the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). According to the directive, an architectural degree meets the expectations of the construction industry and enables a career outside Finland. To meet the requirements of the EU directive, the applicant ought to have a bachelor's degree with orientation to architectural design. The assessment of full five-year curriculum is done individually in admission process.Please see the intended learning outcomes of the study option from the Programme page.