Director of the Master's Programme: Heidi Falkenbach (Anssi Joutsiniemi until 31.1.2024, change by decision 5.2.2024)

Key Learning outcomes of the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning, the student can:

• Apply relevant concepts and frameworks to analyze, and critically evaluate urban questions in their own professional fields
• Recognize and acknowledge the multidisciplinary foundations of urban studies and planning
• Apply rigorous methods and tools to address practical and scientific research questions and solutions
• Use relevant methods to collect, analyze and produce knowledge concerning urban challenges
• Recognize and develop their disciplinary roles
• Identify and develop interdisciplinary interaction
• Participate in public discussions on contemporary urban challenges

Aims of the Master of Science degree (Architecture) in Urban Studies and Planning

The aim of the degrees of Master of Science (Architecture) is to provide students with:

1. good knowledge of the advanced studies of the master's programme;
2. knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods and the skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work;
3. knowledge and skills to understand the problems of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment;
4. knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field of study;
5. good language and communication skills for work in the field and for international operations and cooperation;
6. the knowledge and skills needed for scientific postgraduate education and lifelong learning.

The education shall be based on scientific research and the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology, and on artistic activity. In addition, the degree of Master of Science (Architecture) shall meet at least the requirements set forth in the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7 September 2005) (see Appendix 3).

Aims of the Master of Science degree (Technology) in Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics

In the real estate spezialisation, the program provides students with skills for analyzing the real estate markets and understanding the dynamic processes determining supply, demand and prices. Student learn the basic methods used in the valuation of real estate and gain understanding in the business logics of various actors. The specialization provides professional capabilities relevant in real estate related position in both private and public sector.

Learning outcomes of the Master's Degree in Urban Studies and Planning

General Knowledge and Skills 

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning, the student can: 

• Identify theories, concepts and empirical research methods relevant to urban studies and planning from related fields of social sciences, humanities, ecology, engineering, architecture, design and art 
• Demonstrate a working understanding of the role of urban government, policy-making and planning in urban development 
• Critically and creatively pose and answer significant research questions relevant not only within but across multiple fields of theory and practice 
• Gather, process and develop relevant conclusions based on information from multiple sources 
• Produce, collect and analyse cases and data relevant to urban phenomena 
• Use digital and other tools to collect, analyse and share data 
• Develop responses to urban problems using relevant tools and techniques for representing, modeling, prototyping, testing and evaluating solutions 
• Understand and develop integrated approaches within and across urban research and applied planning 
• Communicate understanding of and responses to urban phenomena visually, graphically, verbally and in writing 
• Write academic, professional and popular texts on urban themes based on relevant literature 
• Apply and develop skills for co-production of knowledge and co-design 
• Work productively and cooperatively in multidisciplinary, multiprofessional and international environments 

Knowledge and Skills Related to Specializations and Professions

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning, the student can: 

• Apply general knowledge and skills introduced, developed and demonstrated within courses and thesis work 
• Situate urban analyses and proposals in relation to his/her own specialization as well as contextualize in relation to others 
• Identify, differentiate and articulate relations among various theories and methods relevant to his/her own specialization   
• Develop and reflect on his/her competence in urban studies and planning in relation to his/her professional role 
• Carry out independent research on urban issues in his/her field using adequate research methods and respecting responsible scientific practice 
• Analyzing phenomena and developing solutions through the use of digital and other tools, such as GIS and CAD 
• Fulfill specific professional degrees in accordance with respective professional codes and directives (such as architect’s, landscape architect’s and urban planner’s), as relevant 
• Demonstrate competence to work as a professional and/or researcher in urban studies and planning 
• Communicate professionally and constructively with different experts, practitioners and stakeholders in the field of urban studies and planning 
• Articulate his/her professional identification in terms of established and emerging roles relevant to urban studies and planning 

Educational content

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. They will learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience. Students will thus gain a broad understanding of urban phenomena as well as practical experience in collaborative and practical situations. This is the foundation of the programme and of the elements in the curriculum.  

Taking full advantage of the joint university structure, the programme unites expertise from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University into three major study tracks. The signature elements in the programme are interdisciplinary studies that address urban challenge themes. These themes relate to urgent contemporary issues found not only in Finland but on the European and global scale, including controversies intrinsic to urbanisation. The urban challenge themes may be attached to focus areas, research projects or collaborations within our universities, municipalities and regions in order to provide a constructive and critical framework for study and practice. These themes cross the boundaries of disciplines and professions, and are united in addressing a common challenge and emphasising a forward-looking perspective.

The degree requirements have been approved by Academic Committee for Arts, Design and Architecture on 15.12.2021 (USP Architecture) and 22.3.2022 (USP Real Estate Economics).

Major studies

• Advanced major studies 60 cr
• Thesis 30 cr
• Elective studies 30 cr

Scope of the master's degree is 120 credits.

Head of the Master's Degree Programme: Pia Fricker

Learning outcomes  

General Knowledge and Skills  

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning in architecture, the student can:

• Identify theories, concepts and empirical research methods relevant to urban studies and planning from related fields of social sciences, humanities, ecology, engineering, architecture, design and art 
• Demonstrate a working understanding of the role of urban government, policy-making and planning in urban development 
• Critically and creatively pose and answer significant research questions relevant not only within but across multiple fields of theory and practice 
• Gather, process and develop relevant conclusions based on information from multiple sources 
• Produce, collect and analyse cases and data relevant to urban phenomena 
• Use digital and other tools to collect, analyse and share data 
• Develop responses to urban problems using relevant tools and techniques for representing, modeling, prototyping, testing and evaluating solutions 
• Understand and develop integrated approaches within and across urban research and applied planning 
• Communicate understanding of and responses to urban phenomena visually, graphically, verbally and in writing 
• Write academic, professional and popular texts on urban themes based on relevant literature 
• Apply and develop skills for co-production of knowledge and co-design 
• Work productively and cooperatively in multidisciplinary, multiprofessional and international environments 

Knowledge and Skills Related to Specializations and Professions  

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning in architecture, the student can:

• Apply general knowledge and skills introduced, developed and demonstrated within courses and thesis work 
• Situate urban analyses and proposals in relation to his/her own specialization as well as contextualize in relation to others 
• Identify, differentiate and articulate relations among various theories and methods relevant to his/her own specialization   
• Develop and reflect on his/her competence in urban studies and planning in relation to his/her professional role 
• Carry out independent research on urban issues in his/her field using adequate research methods and respecting responsible scientific practice 
• Analyzing phenomena and developing solutions through the use of digital and other tools, such as GIS and CAD 
• Fulfill specific professional degrees in accordance with respective professional codes and directives (such as architect’s, landscape architect’s and urban planner’s), as relevant 
• Demonstrate competence to work as a professional and/or researcher in urban studies and planning 
• Communicate professionally and constructively with different experts, practitioners and stakeholders in the field of urban studies and planning 
• Articulate his/her professional identification in terms of established and emerging roles relevant to urban studies and planning

Educational content 

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. They will learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience. Students will thus gain a broad understanding of urban phenomena as well as practical experience in collaborative and practical situations. This is the foundation of the programme and of the elements in the curriculum.  

Taking full advantage of the joint university structure, the programme unites expertise from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University into three major study tracks. The signature elements in the programme are interdisciplinary studies that address urban challenge themes. These themes relate to urgent contemporary issues found not only in Finland but on the European and global scale, including controversies intrinsic to urbanisation. The urban challenge themes may be attached to focus areas, research projects or collaborations within our universities, municipalities and regions in order to provide a constructive and critical framework for study and practice. These themes cross the boundaries of disciplines and professions, and are united in addressing a common challenge and emphasising a forward-looking perspective.

For architecture specialization, the degree given is Master of Science (Architecture). The learning outcomes are based on the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). According to the directive, an architectural degree meets the expectations of the construction industry and also enables a career outside Finland. In order to meet the requirements of the EU directive, the applicant ought to have a bachelor's degree with orientation to architectural design. The assessment of full five year curriculum is done individually in admission process.

Code: ARTS3092
Credits: 90 ECTS credits (Advanced Major Studies 60 ECTS credits and Master's Thesis 30 ECTS credits)
Responsible Professor: Anssi Joutsiniemi

Advanced Major Studies 60 ECTS credits

In addition, students choose 30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, do an internship in Finland or abroad, or take additional alternative studies or elective courses offered by Urban Studies and Planning. The programme’s own elective course offering is presented in the following table.

Elective studies have to include a studio in building design area which will be approved in the student's personal study plan.

^{* Not organized academic year 2022-2023}

Aims of the master's thesis

To graduate, students must meet the aims set for the thesis. The aim of the master's thesis is that:

• Students demonstrate command of the field of the master's programme and ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme independently;
• Students demonstrate ability for research-oriented work on an artistic, theoretical or applied research topic and demonstrate ability to use data and source material for research purposes;
• Students demonstrate good communication skills for work in the field of study.

The thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic or applied research, a work of art or a combination of these; it may also include a production component. The production component may be, depending on the field, for instance, a design, a work of art, an exhibition, or project. Theses always include a written component. If the thesis consists of a design or other production component and a written component, the student must specify the emphasis to be given to the different components in the evaluation. However, the thesis is always evaluated as a whole, with all the components of the thesis included in the evaluation.

The recommended extent of the written component of the thesis is 25–70 pages (approx. 50 000–140 000 characters) depending on the extent of the possible production component.

For more information on completing your thesis see: Completing your master's thesis 

Head of the major of  Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics: Professor Heidi Falkenbach

• Major studies (64 cr)
• Master's thesis (30 cr)
• Elective studies (26 cr)

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. They will learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience. Students will thus gain a broad understanding of urban phenomena as well as practical experience in collaborative and practical situations. This is the foundation of the programme and of the elements in the curriculum.  

Taking full advantage of the joint university structure, the programme unites expertise from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University into three major study tracks. The signature elements in the programme are interdisciplinary studies that address urban challenge themes. These themes relate to urgent contemporary issues found not only in Finland but on the European and global scale, including controversies intrinsic to urbanisation. The urban challenge themes may be attached to focus areas, research projects or collaborations within our universities, municipalities and regions in order to provide a constructive and critical framework for study and practice. These themes cross the boundaries of disciplines and professions, and are united in addressing a common challenge and emphasising a forward-looking perspective.

In the real estate spezialisation, the program provides students with skills for analyzing the real estate markets and understanding the dynamic processes determining supply, demand and prices. Student learn the basic methods used in the valuation of real estate and gain understanding in the business logics of various actors The specialization provides professional capabilities relevant in real estate related position in both private and public sector.

Code: ENG3078 (programme code ENG217)
Credits: 64 ECTS credits
Responsible Professor: Heidi Falkenbach

Elective studies (26 ECTS credits) 

For your free elective studies module you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
   
The structure of your Master’s Programme is designed so that you are able to study your major studies i.e. common and advanced courses during the first year. This leaves the second year for elective courses and Master’s thesis. It also makes it easy for you to go for student exchange during the second year.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective courses, or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities.
The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies, and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.  
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 cr.

You can complete a (master's level) minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be master level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.  

You can also include max 5 credits of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. Please see more information Practical training.  

Please see language requirements below. 

The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme.

The topic of the master’s thesis remains valid for one year and  the school appoints a thesis supervisor and one or two thesis advisors for it. The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University.
The master's thesis includes a presentation and maturity test.

Further instructions on the master’s thesis and the related process from Completing master's thesis.