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Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Urban development NRW

The degree program combines the expertise of the five participating universities of Bochum, Dortmund, Cologne, Ostwestfalen-Lippe (Detmold campus), and Siegen. Seminars and events for the degree program take place at the Technical University of Cologne. Courses are concentrated during the week, typically being held on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing you to continue your career in addition to your studies.

Your heart beats for...

... Designing, Social coexistence,Building Moderating, Organization, Partical part, Foreign language English

A Degree Program with a Future

Type of Study

Our degree program combines the expertise of the five participating universities of Bochum, Dortmund, Cologne, TH OWL (Detmold campus), and Siegen. Seminars and events for the degree program take place at the Technical University of Cologne. Courses are concentrated during the week, typically being held on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing you to continue your career in addition to your studies.

Admission
  • Bachelor's or other graduate degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or better

  • Certification of German-language skills

  • Enroll via the TH Cologne

Structure and Contents of the Degree Program

1. Semester

  • Urban development and planning history
  • Urban sociology, urban planning building theory
  • Urban design, landscape architecture
  • City and regional development
  • Design project I 
  • Representation and presentation technologies 

2. Semester

  • Planning theory
  • City economy, public space
  • Urban renewal, traffic planning
  • General planning law, environmental law
  • Design project II
  • Planning-related information technology

3. Semester

  • Residential water management
  • Urban ecology
  • Urban land-use planning
  • Design project III 
  • Participation and integration processes
  • Elective module, excursion

4. Semester

  • Project development and project controlling
  • Planning moderation
  • Elective module
  • Master’s thesis

Focus area/advance courses

  • Individually selected focal area in elective module
  • Selected Master's thesis topic
Acquired Knowledge and Skills

Our Master's degree program in NRW urban development is divided into 15 modules. In some cases, multiple sub-disciplines must be completed.

During the program, students learn about the theoretical context of the city, design methods, technical and legal aspects of urban planning, communication and presentation technologies, and project development fundamentals. Each semester is focused around a design project, and projects become more complex as students move through the program. You can work with theoretical considerations or design tasks of your choice in your theses.

Job Profiles

In accordance with State Architectural Chamber regulations, the “Master of Science” degree qualifies graduates to enroll in the city planner register, to complete a doctoral degree at a European university, and to hold jobs in senior civil service administration. The degree is a university Master’s degree.

The Master's program prepares students to enter careers in urban planning, considering changes within both the professional field and within the social environment. Graduates are qualified for any career in urban planning and public administration.

Research in the Department
  • Institut für Designstrategien (IDS – Institute for Design Strategies): The IDS conducts research on fundamental interactions between people and spaces. It develops strategies to help achieve a climate-resilient built environment, and takes advantage of the opportunities offered by digitization for innovative approaches and complex analyses. 
    Research focal areas: Regenerative design, human centered design and data driven design
  • Institut für Energieforschung (iFE – Institute for Energy Research): Interdisciplinary research institution with members from the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Detmold School of Design, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, and Business Administration and Economics. The iFE develops technologies and solutions for efficient, networked, and innovative energy systems in the fields of districts, mobility, and industry. 

Our fields of research

As Graduate You Contribute to...

... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations

  • directly to good health and well-being
  • directly to clean water and sanitation
  • directly to sustainable cities and communities
  • directly to life on land

Studying at Creative Campus Detmold

Our Creative Campus in Detmold

Planning and building in one place. This concept can be found on our Creative Campus. Through both topics, a very special teaching and research location has been created. The internationally renowned Detmold School of Design is located here, as well as the Civil Engineering Department and the Center for Sustainable, Digital Construction, which is currently under construction. Architectural ideas thus cross paths with new thinking in civil engineering, such as sustainable 3D printing. The campus is complemented by media production, which together with the Detmold Academy of Music and the University of Paderborn have created a completely new stage for the transfer between creative science and business in the KreativInstitut.OWL. The campus is also adjacent to the city center, which can thus be reached by foot.

Campus Life

Profile

Degree Course:
Urban development NRW
Degree:
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Study model:
Full-time
Admission:
Non-restricted
Standard period of study:
4 semester
Start:
Winter semester
Course language:
German
Location:
Creative Campus Detmold
Tuition Fees:
None
Preparatory courses:
no

Application periods:

Germany and EU Countries
Winter Semester: 01.01. – 31.07.
Currently no application possible

Non-EU Countries
Winter Semester: 01.01. – 30.06.
Currently no application possible