SPRING - Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies
Summary
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Engineering Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 4 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
|
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
|
| Language | English |
| Enrollment requirements | |
| Further information | Website of Department of Spatial Planning |
Overview
The SPRING program seeks to teach students the following knowledge and skills:
- Broad intersectoral knowledge and skills across three major areas of regional development planning: Natural resource planning, physical infrastructure planning and socio-economic development planning
- The ability to design regional development activities in a pragmatic, problem-solving and proactive way
- Expertise in the three main phases of the planning cycle: Analysis, planning and implementation
- The ability to reconcile bottom-up participatory planning with top-down planning requirements and the legal framework set by national policies
- The ability to use and combine various personal characteristics such as logical thinking, flexibility, creativity as well as organizational and communicative skills.
Skills and knowledge
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field related to regional or urban planning with grades significantly above average. They need to have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English: TOEFL (550 paper-based points or 213 computer-based points or 80 internet-based points), IELTS (6.0) or MELAB (76). Two years’ professional experience prior to starting the program would be advantageous. A firm intention of pursuing a career in regional development and urban planning after completing the program is also desirable. This can favorably influence an applicant’s prospects of being admitted to the program.
Field of activity
The SPRING program prepares regional development planners and managers for employment in the public sector at national, regional or local government level, in the private sector, NGOs and international organizations.
To date, about 770 graduates from over 74 countries have completed the SPRING program. They now hold senior positions in a wide variety of fields, such as teaching and research, regional development and urban planning as well as in ministries and in national and international development.
Additional information
The first year of the SPRING program takes place at TU Dortmund University, followed by a second year at one of its five partner universities in Ghana, Tanzania, the Philippines or Chile. The language of instruction is English.
Each of the SPRING partner institutions has special academic expertise, which is reflected in the respective curriculum and course offer. These specializations range from “Urban Planning” at Ardhi University in Tanzania to “Sustainable development planning and management” at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, “Environmental economics in planning” at the Universidad Austral de Chile, “Governance and Public Policy for Sustainable Urban Agglomerations” at the Universidade Federal do ABC and “Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management” at the University of the Philippines.
The SPRING program awards a M.Sc. degree in “Regional Development Planning and Management”. Both final documents – certificate and transcript – are jointly issued by TU Dortmund University and the respective partner university for the second program year. This Master’s degree entitles graduates to continue their academic career and pursue doctoral studies worldwide.