The international research-based Master of Arts in Urban Cultures (URC) is addressed to students with an interest in urban cultural studies, striving to acquire transdisciplinary competencies regarding European and Latin American cities and urban regions. In addition to the study of respective urban theories and practices, the Master’s curriculum concentrates on the importance of culture, creativity, and the arts for sustainable and inclusive urban planning and management, taking into consideration not only urban governance and policy measures but also the constituent role of urban imaginaries and aesthetics for urban identities and creation processes. Contents: Urban Aesthetics & Discourses Urban Spaces & Governance Urban Transformation & Diversity Transatlantic Urban Cultures & Practices For further information on compulsory and optional modules, see the course website.
All students start in October their first URC semester in Augsburg/Germany (Humanities), then continue in the second semester in Santiago de Compostela/Spain (Geography), and in the third semester in Coimbra/Portugal (Sociology), which is their Urban Cultural Studies. For the last semester there are several options, where students can decide whether they want to accomplish their Master’s thesis with placement in Augsburg, Santiago de Compostela, or Coimbra (tracks one through three); or combine their thesis with a Latin American study activity in Buenos Aires or São Paulo between the third and fourth semesters (tracks four through nine).
Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
Intakes & deadlines
Winter semester
Dates confirmed for your profile
Open
Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact application deadline for your profile, free.
BA Degree or higher in Geography, Literary/Cultural Studies, Sociology, Applied Linguistics, Ethnology, History, Political Science, Urbanism, Space & Urban Planning, Architecture, Design or similar
We confirm the exact costs and the scholarships you qualify for at University of Augsburg — free, for your profile. Need funding? Check your education-loan eligibility.
No tuition fee. Checked against the university's own fees page. We confirm the current fee and the scholarships you qualify for — free.
The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
BA Degree or higher in Geography, Literary/Cultural Studies, Sociology, Applied Linguistics, Ethnology, History, Political Science, Urbanism, Space & Urban Planning, Architecture, Design or similar English: E.G. TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 5 Reading: 5 Listening: 5 Speaking: 5 Writing: 5 TOEFL Essentials: 10 Reading: 10 Listening: 10 Speaking: 10 Writing: 10 TOEIC: 945 Reading: 455 Listening: 490 Speaking: 180 Writing: 180 TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 95 Reading: 24 Listening: 22 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced IELTS Academic: 7.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
Yes — shortlisting, SOP, LOR, Resume, application, scholarships and visa guidance are all free. We're paid by partner universities, not by you.
Apply to Master of Arts in Urban Cultures (URC) — free help
A counsellor calls you back during office hours — 9am to 8pm IST, Mon to Sat. We are closed right now, so your request is first in line when we reopen.
A senior Vibedu counsellor
Study-abroad expert
Optional — so a counsellor can send your shortlist and documents in writing.
