Program Structure & Content
Program Structure
The Master’s program Urban Transformation focuses on processes of change in cities and regions. These changes are driven by technological innovation, social developments and ecological challenges, such as the mobility transition, the energy transition, digitalization and the need for more sustainable land use.
The program combines core knowledge in urban and spatial planning with practical and strategic skills. Students learn how to design transformation processes, collaborate with various stakeholders, navigate administrative structures and devise creative and analytical solutions.
Several modules focus on these skills. Module 4 (Individual project) involves a practical project, while Module 8 (Master project) reinforces project-based and research-oriented learning. Module 6 (Planning in a Political World), addresses the political and institutional context of planning. Module 7 (Forms and Formats of Intervention) explores various methods through which planners can actively support and guide urban transformation.
The program takes an international approach, drawing on academic debates and practical examples from Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world. It is also aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Graduates are prepared to work as professionals in urban transformation and to continue with further academic qualifications, such as a PhD.
Program Content
The Master’s program in Urban Transformation is organized into nine modules. These modules cover three main areas:
This area focuses on understanding, planning and managing urban transformation processes. Students learn about the objectives, participants and instruments involved in urban change.
Topics include:
- socio-economic structural change,
- digitalization,
- climate change and climate adaptation,
- urban regeneration and urban renewal
- nature-based solutions,
- energy transition,
- mobility transition,
- urban and regional development.
Students also learn about the institutions and stakeholders that shape transformation processes in cities and regions.
The program has a strong academic focus. Consequently, students develop valuable research and communication skills.
This includes:
- qualitative and quantitative research methods,
- presentation skills,
- spatial analysis,
- cartography,
- geovisualization.
These skills help students analyse urban transformation processes and present their findings clearly.
This area focuses on how planners can actively support and guide urban transformation. Students learn about various intervention strategies, such as:
- planning experiments and non-conventional interventions,
- transition management,
- strategic planning,
- urban labs,
- formal planning instruments,
- large-scale projects,
- policy advice and evaluation.
The relationship between planning and politics is also part of the program, as political decisions often influence transformation processes.
You will gain practical experience through projects and internships. These may be completed in local government, planning organizations, planning consultancies, international organizations or on research projects. We encourage internships abroad.
Priority | Module | Lectures | Credit Points |
| P1 | Module 1: Urban Transformation | 2 lectures, 1 tutorial | 10 |
| P1 | Module 2: Contents, Processes, Objectives and Examples of urban transformation | 4 seminars in 2 semesters | 20 |
| P2 | Module 3: Spatial Analysis and Visualization | lecture, 2 tutorials | 10 |
| P3 | Module 4: Individual Project | internship or individual project | 10 |
| P2 | Module 5: Scientific Skills | seminar, tutorial | 10 |
| P3 | Module 6: Planning in a Political world | lecture, tutorial | 8 |
| P3 | Module 7: Forms and Formats of Intervention | 2 seminars | 10 |
| P3 | Module 8: Projekt | project in groups | 12 |
| P1 | Module 9: Master thesis | thesis, colloquium | 30 |
| 120 |