Spatial Planning
Summary
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Engineering Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 2 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
|
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
Summer semester |
| Language | German |
| Enrollment requirements | |
| Further information | Website of Department of Spatial Planning |
Overview
The Master’s degree program serves, in particular, to prepare students for a career in international science and research, but also for management functions in those areas of professional practice in spatial planning that require a close interlinking of research and practice. The M.Sc. in Spatial Planning especially empowers students to apply their fundamental knowledge of spatial planning in an interdisciplinary manner in new contexts and to further their individual expertise and skills in areas they choose themselves from the research activities conducted at the Department of Spatial Planning. Important elements of the program are the possibility to specialize in a chosen field of spatial planning as well as group-based learning through research in a study or design project.
If preferred, the M.Sc. in Spatial Planning can be completed as a part-time course. Students must decide at the time of enrollment if they want to study part-time. This then applies first of all for the semester in question.
Skills and knowledge
The communicative skills needed for working in a team and for dealing with the different opinions of everyone involved in the planning process, e.g., technical experts, politicians, citizens, companies, authorities or social groups, are indispensable.
In order to develop and put into practice problem-solving approaches and strategies, planners require – in addition to technical knowledge – above all the ability to analyze problems and situations and to find innovative concepts and solutions. This presupposes an interest in creative, political, economic, ecological, legal and sociological topics as well as the capacity to familiarize yourself quickly in new fields.
Prerequisite for the Master’s degree program in Spatial Planning is the successful completion of an eight-semester Bachelor’s degree program in spatial planning with a final cumulative grade of at least 3.59. If the preceding Bachelor’s degree program was on a smaller scale, applicants may commence the Master’s degree program on condition that they make up the missing study and examination achievements. Scale and type are decided by the Admissions Committee.
Field of activity
Dortmund graduates work at all levels of spatial planning and in all the different areas of activity related to planning, which is reflected in the Departments’s broad portfolio, interdisciplinary structure and training concept. These different spatial levels stretch from home environment and suburb, town/city as a whole, regional and national level to European and global level.
In terms of employers, there is more or less an equal balance between public services, e.g., municipalities, urban planning departments, local government and universities, and the private sector, e.g., planning offices, housing corporations and corporate consulting. Graduates also find employment with public corporations, societies, associations and non-state organizations, both at administrative and managerial level, or are self-employed.
Additional information
The Department of Spatial Planning offers students many different opportunities to deal with spatial planning in an international context, including regular courses on international aspects as well as study projects with an international dimension. Students can also take advantage of the Department’s networks to complete a semester abroad. Erasmus, the EU’s exchange program, is a particularly good platform for this. The Department has entered into cooperation agreements with about 40 universities throughout Europe for the exchange of students.