Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning

Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning

Cities and settlements are under extreme pressure. Social and environmental inequity is sharply on the rise. The Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning focuses on multifaceted and multi-scalar solutions to issues such as social exclusion, unequal distribution of resources and spatial contradictions, whilst reflecting the multiple and transcultural expressions of urbanism worldwide.

About this programme 

Cities and settlements are under extreme pressure. Social and environmental inequity is sharply on the rise. Urbanism, spatial planning and intervention in landscape systems are in urgent need of renewed approaches. New strategies must be developed to not only tackle social exclusion, unequal distribution of resources and spatial contradictions, but also be inspired by the multiple and (trans)cultural expressions of worldwide urbanisms.

The Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning focuses on multi-faceted and -scalar issues of contemporary urban development. The course develops a critical understanding of the contemporary conditions of settlements, cities and urban regions. It introduces students to innovative concepts and strategies for qualitative interventions in urban territories through projects, plans and policies across different scales. The course offers three possible specializations: urbanism, planning or landscape.

The programme develops a critical understanding of the contemporary conditions of settlements, cities and urban regions. It introduces students to innovative concepts and strategies for qualitative interventions in urban territories through projects, plans and policies across varying scales.

Programme structure

Design and thesis studios form the heart of the programme. They are organised as two full days of work on Mondays and Tuesdays to provide an intensive and immersive working environment such as occurs in most professional practices. These courses build a balance between teamwork and individual contribution.

Depending on the track students choose (urbanism, planning or landscape), certain optional courses are compulsory. 

Career perspectives

The master prepares you for leadership roles in urban design, urban development and management, and strategic planning, with a special focus on European-wide urban problems. MaUSP graduates are highly valued in urban design offices, consultancy firms for urban development and management, real estate agencies that develop public-private partnerships and the public sector. Graduates provide professional architectural and/or urban design experience in design offices, consultancy firms, or work as public servants. 

Graduates are recognised in Flanders as urban planners, if they comply with certain rules pertaining to their choice courses, thus being eligible for certain positions such as public servants.