M.Sc. Sustainable Urban Development

Program Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Credit Points

120

Beginning of Program

winter semester

Description

The complexity of urban systems can only be adequately grasped by employing interdisciplinary approaches, and key urban problems can no longer be developed in discreet academic disciplines alone. This multidisciplinarity is currently mirrored in ‘real-world’ praxis, which demands the cooperation of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. Up to now, institutions of higher education have been very hesitant to react to such praxis-oriented developments: before the establishment of our programs there were no substantially diverse academic programs in Urban Studies in Germany that allowed students to combine courses from the areas of technology and the natural sciences with courses in the humanities and social sciences. Further, there had also been no opportunities for students to practically apply art and design studies in advanced scientific contexts.

Bearing in mind this need for interdisciplinary courses in urban systems, we developed the two closely-linked Masters Programs (“Sustainable Urban Technologies” and “Urban Culture, Society, and Space”) as part of the Main Research Area “Urban Systems”. Students in these programs will acquire competencies from diverse academic disciplines central to understanding and sustainably designing urban systems. Above all, students will acquire knowledge of discreet disciplinary codes; this is of key importance to interdisciplinary collaborations in research and professional contexts.

Study Plan

Sustainable Urban Development (SUD)

Schedule

Schedule of the actual semester

Campus

Campus Essen

Semester

The academic year is divided into semesters.

• winter semester: from October to March
• summer semester: from April to September

Lecture Period

In winter term the lectures usually start in mid-October and end in mid-February. The summer term lectures start usually in mid-April and finish in July. During the winter semester will be a break of two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Examination Period

The examination period always starts 1 week after the lecture period and lasts for approx. 5 weeks.

Social Contribution

All students are required to pay a social contribution of about 300 Euro per semester. The social contribution includes a semester ticket covering public transport in North-Rhine-Westphalia, subsidized meals in the canteen of the university and other services.

Costs of Living

We recommend budgeting around 800 to 1000 Euro per month for personal expenses.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 300 Euro.

Student Advisory Service

Support Center for (International) Engineering Students
V13 S03 C58
Tel: +49(0)201 183-6500
e-mail: scies-essen@uni-due.de

Departmental Advisor

Dr. Elke Hochmuth

Student Council

Website:
e-Mail:

Additional Information

Website: http://www.uni-due.de/urbane-systeme/us_master_sustainable-urban-technologies.shtml

Accreditation

This degree course is accredited by ASIIN.