Spatial Planning
Summary
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Engineering Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 8 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
Restricted admission (NC) for first program semester
NC table |
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
|
| Language | German |
| Further information | Website of Department of Spatial Planning |
Overview
The task and objective of spatial planning is to analyze different spatial requirements, conflicts and opportunities, to build on this to demonstrate concepts, alternative solutions and strategies and to accompany their implementation. Current and future problems are handled from an anticipatory approach.
Topics can include, for example, the impacts of demographic change on the housing market and infrastructure demand or aspects related to migration and urban development. The consequences of economic structural change for regional labor markets and the locational requirements of the business community number equally among the topics discussed as do the consequences of environmental impacts and environmental risks.
In the framework of study and design projects, lectures, tutorials and practical classes, the eight-semester B.Sc. in Spatial Planning takes an interdisciplinary approach and gives students extensive preparation for their later professional activities in planning practice and science. Apart from the fundamentals, practical skills (e.g., CAD, GIS) and specializations (e.g., transport, landscape and environment), knowledge of the theories and strategies needed to understand and solve complex (spatial) planning problems are taught. A particularly important part of the program is research-based learning. The program fosters students’ self-motivated, independent and collaborative work and their scientific and application-oriented skills are trained in the framework of study and urban design projects.
Skills and knowledge
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.
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.
Field of activity
Dortmund graduates work at all levels of spatial planning and in all the different areas of activity related to planning. These different spatial levels stretch from home environment to suburb, town/city as a whole, surrounding area, regional and national level to European and international 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 Deparment 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 Departments’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.
The Department of Spatial Planning offers a two-semester M.Sc. in Spatial Planning that follows on from the Bachelor’s degree program. A further option is SPRING (Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies), a two-semester, English-taught program leading to the degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.).