Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation
Help shape the world of tomorrow with creative solutions for the complex landscape of our cities and spaces. Our innovative master’s program in Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation is designed for visionaries who are ready to tackle contemporary challenges in the field of urban design. Join us and help shape the future!
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in a planning-related field (e. g., urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture) or another comparable program in the context of spatial transformation and/or design.
- A compelling portfolio with project examples as proof of professional-technical, conceptual, and/or design expertise.
- Letter of application that shows your personal thematic interest, motivation, and a potential area of specialisation.
- Successful participation in a selection and motivation interview
- English language level: B2
There are three alternative routes for the winter semester 2025/26:
- With a Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, you can apply, but you must first successfully complete a two-semester 60-credit preparatory course, including a one-semester study-integrated internship and one semester of study.
- With a Bachelor's degree of 210 credits, you can apply, but must successfully complete a one-semester, 30-credit internship before beginning the Master's program.
- With a Bachelor's degree of 240 credits, you can apply and start the Master's program directly.
Study places on the Master's degree program in Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation are allocated through a selection process.
1. Semester
Research Tools and Methods
- Introduction to research tools and methods in science, technology and design.
Research Plan and Project
- Introduction: Interdisciplinary conference
- Research: Individual studies on contemporary challenges and positions in urban planning. Critiques, lectures and discourses in the Master Studio
- Development: Approach to an individual thesis topic. Explorations, excursions, experiments, self-study, critiques, interviews, performances, stand-ups, etc.
- Reflection: Review and modification of the thesis topic by setting your own priorities. Critiques, workshops, observations, etc.
- Conclusion: Presentation and colloquium on the thesis exposé and the learning outcomes during the semester
2. Semester
Master's thesis
- Processing: Individual thematic processing that reflects the state of science, social and ecological challenges, urban development processes, professional profile, etc.
- Exhibition: Individual concept for “Telling the Story”
- Presentation: Public presentation and colloquium of the thesis project
Focus areas/advance courses
Students can choose their own specialization during the Master's degree course. There are no thematic restrictions.
The Master’s program in Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation at TH OWL provides in-depth training in urban planning with an international and research-oriented focus. The program centers on sustainable transformation processes in urban spaces, interdisciplinary project work, and scientific methods from the fields of planning, design, technology, and social research. The English-language program combines independent research, master’s seminars, presentations, and critical discussions on topics such as climate change, urban development, and social transformation. International collaborations, optional study abroad opportunities, and individualized areas of focus foster a globally oriented profile for professional practice, research, and further academic pursuits.
The Master's program Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation
- guides students in the development of new creative and scientific skills through individual professional and personal growth as competent advocates of the global, regional and local environment.
- supports students in developing analytically sound attitudes and scientifically based strategies for selected tasks in spatial planning.
- supports students in developing an individual profile that enables them to work independently in various professional fields of planning sciences.
- qualifies students not only for traditional professional fields in private offices and public administration, but also for research and doctoral studies at national and international level.
- Public administration, especially in municipal planning offices, regional or national planning authorities
- Employment or self-employment in private planning offices
- Support in planning processes
- Project development and real estate agencies
- Journalism with a focus on spatial planning and development
- Urban research
The program offers students the opportunity to incorporate a wide range of issues from the current research landscape of local governments, private companies, planning firms, or research institutions into their own project work. In addition, students benefit from external expertise provided by guest reviewers and have access to lecture series and research symposia.
- 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.
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to health and well-being
- directly to clean water and sanitation
- directly to affordable and clean energy
- directly to industry, innovation and infrastructure
- directly to fewer inequalities
- directly to sustainable cities and communities
- directly to sustainable consumption and production
- directly to life on land
Studying at Creative Campus 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.
Information
- Application and Enrollment
- Dates and Deadlines
- Tuition
- FAQs on Application and Enrollment
- Study Plan
- Module Handbook
Only the information contained in the currently valid examination regulations for the degree program, as published in the official bulletin, is authoritative and legally binding. You can find the official bulletins here.
Voices from Studies, Teaching, and Practice
Marvin Göbel, Master’s student in Urban Planning & Sustainable Transformation:
"What I found particularly positive about the Master’s program in ‘Urban Planning & Sustainable Transformation’ was the combination of academic work and applied design theory in the context of current issues and challenges. Over two semesters, we were able to freely define and pursue our own research focus without being constrained by strict guidelines. This created ample space to develop our own interests and ideas. At the same time, the selection of professors for the thesis in the second semester offered the opportunity to specifically incorporate subject-specific support and relevant expertise for our own topic."
Professor Dr. Susanne Kost, Department of Planning Theory and Planning Methodology:
“Urban planning means understanding complex social and spatial requirements and processes and actively shaping them. In the program, students learn to think analytically, reflect critically, and develop viable concepts for livable and equitable cities based on these insights.”
“From the perspective of a city administration, graduates bring exactly the skills we need: They think interdisciplinarily, understand spatial and social contexts, and can develop innovative solutions for current challenges such as climate adaptation or sustainable neighborhoods.”
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advisory Service answers questions about studying at the university
- Offers for study orientation
- Get to know your faculty!
- Click here to go to the subject-specific student advisory service of the faculty
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- Information on the enrollment procedure is available from the Enrollment Office
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is there for you!
Still unanswered questions?
Our Student Service Center will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about application and enrollment:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
E-mail: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.