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Building sustainable cities is at the heart of urban and spatial planning and includes everything from efficient land use, minimising waste, increasing bicycle lanes, reforestation, establishing zoning regulations, building new renewable energy sources, etc.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that cities are the centre of all economic, social, cultural, and political activity in the modern world. This unique positioning of cities has given rise to urban planning as a discipline that deals with the design, development and use of urban infrastructure, environment, land, services - the entire ecosystem.
Building sustainable cities is at the heart of urban and spatial planning and includes everything from efficient land use, minimising waste, increasing bicycle lanes, reforestation, establishing zoning regulations, building new renewable energy sources, etc. With an active shift of the human population towards cities, a focus on sustainable spatial planning has become extremely popular (and rightly so) as a field of study.
So if you're someone who wants to contribute to the fight against climate change, but don't know where to start, we've compiled a list of study programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland that will give you an excellent start in the industry. We start with a brief discussion of what urban planning is all about, and then go into detail about what you can expect at the bachelor's and master's levels.
We hope that by the end of this article, you are already keen to take the next steps. For that, we recommend checking out urban planning jobs on GoGeoGo!
Whenever we talk about planning spaces, we hear the terms spatial planning, urban planning, and regional planning used interchangeably. While these are related fields, they can be distinguished based on their distinct focus. Let's start with the broadest of the three - spatial planning.
If you are specifically interested in the jobs that are typical for the urban planning / spatial planning domain, read more in our article on urban planning jobs.
Now that we've had a quick look at what spatial, regional, and urban planning means, let's look at typical educational opportunities and programs available at the university level. Let's start with bachelor programs.
The three most common programs in this field in the German-speaking region region are a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), of which the B.Sc. has the most options. Urban planning is offered as an individual major as well as in conjunction with spatial planning, regional planning/management, and other subjects such as:
These programs usually last 6 semesters and are often taught in English. Prerequisites for admission to such programs include a high school diploma (general or subject-specific) and a language certificate, depending on the requirements.
A degree in urban or spatial planning and related fields provides you with a strong foundation in urban/regional planning and development, as well as sustainability within these contexts. The engineering degrees have an additional focus on urban planning tools and processes as well as scientific work. Completion of the degree is contingent upon attendance at all required courses, submission of a bachelor's thesis, and completion of an internship.
Master's programs in urban or spatial planning delve deeper into the concepts, but also have a very applied approach to learning. There is an emphasis on hands-on work and the development of practical skills, complemented by a stronger focus on design methods and tools in engineering programs.
Again, similar to bachelor's programs, urban or spatial planning can be pursued as a specialisation or together with other disciplines:
These programs generally last 4 semesters and can be taught in German or English, depending on the target group. Admission to a master's program requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and language proficiency. Any internships in the field will also give your application a competitive edge.
A master's degree focuses on project work that addresses current real-world challenges while building empirical social research skills. Students are equipped with concepts and tools for spatial data analysis (e.g. using GIS) and planning strategies around existing socio-economic, cultural and political policies. The final semesters introduce more recent topics such as energy efficiency, environmental justice, building codes, etc., and culminate in a master's thesis.
Urban, spatial and regional planning are interrelated disciplines that shape our urbanisation efforts in today's world. These disciplines are the basis for creating sustainable, functional and equitable urban regions. Given the importance of this field, it is widely studied in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland at both bachelor and master levels.
On a scientific basis, these programs focus on the fundamentals of urban and spatial planning as well as the methods and tools used at the bachelor's level and usually last six semesters. Master's programs are typically four semesters in length and have an applied, project-based approach.
Students are exposed to newer niches that help them choose their interests and build on them during their thesis. Overall, these programs serve as excellent entry points into the industry and help solve current urban challenges efficiently and sustainably.
There is no time like the present to get things rolling, so go ahead and check out urban planning jobs on GoGeoGo now, and start working towards toward dream job today!
What are some of the most common career paths for urban/spatial planning graduates?
Graduates of urban planning and related programs become city planners, city managers, transportation planners, environmental planners, sustainability consultants, etc. These jobs are available in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
What kind of networking opportunities exist within urban planning programs?
Urban planning programs, especially at the master's level, are structured to be highly applied, interactive, and rooted in the industry. This means that project work is often combined with guest lectures, seminars, workshops, and networking events where students can interact with industry professionals, policy makers, and practicing planners.
How do such programs address sustainability and environmental concerns?
As mentioned above, urban and spatial planning are disciplines dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable urban spaces. This means that these programs place a strong emphasis on building a foundation for these issues and promoting innovative ideas, tools, and processes, including green infrastructure, energy efficiency, public transportation, and resilient design.
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