Gen­eral Know­ledge and Skills

Upon completing the master’s programme in Urban Studies & Planning, you will be able to:

• Understand theories and identify concepts and empirical research methods relevant to urban studies and planning from the 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 within and 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, modelling, prototyping, testing and evaluating solutions
• Understand and develop integrated approaches within and across urban research and applied planning
• Communicate your understanding of and responses to urban phenomena visually, graphically, orally 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 Spe­cial­isa­tions and Pro­fes­sions

Upon completing the Master’s programme in Urban Studies & Planning, you will be able to:

• Apply the general knowledge and skills introduced, developed and demonstrated within the courses and thesis work
• Place urban analyses and proposals in relation to your specialisation and contextualise them in relation to others
• Identify, differentiate and articulate relations among various theories and methods relevant to your specialisation  
• Develop and reflect on your competence in urban studies and planning in relation to your professional role
• Carry out independent research on urban issues in your field using relevant research methods and responsible scientific practice
• Analyse phenomena and develop solutions through the use of digital and other tools, such as GIS and CAD
• Fulfil specific professional degrees in accordance with the relevant professional codes and directives (such as those of architects, landscape architects, and urban planners
• Demonstrate your 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 your professional identity in terms of established and emerging roles relevant to urban studies and planning

Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.

The Urban Studies and Planning is offered by the University of Helsinki (Faculty of Science, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts) and Aalto University (School of Arts Design and Architecture and School of Engineering).