Master of Science in Civic Design (Architecture with an Emphasis on Urban Design)
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Civic Design at Hochschule Düsseldorf combines architecture and urban studies, focusing on conceptualization and implementation of complex design projects. Students develop research skills and work in design studios supervised by international experts. Graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and qualify for executive positions in urban planning and development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Civic Design at the Peter Behrens School of Arts (PBSA), Hochschule Düsseldorf, is a specialized master's program combining architecture and urban studies. The program's core concept synthesizes architectural design and urban design research. Starting in semester 1, students develop methodological skills for academic analysis and critical reflection on urban production, agglomerations, urban landscapes, core areas, and spatial potential/conflicts within architectural practice. The program emphasizes conceptualization as a strategic, content-specific, and artistic process, implementing projects at both architectural and urban design levels. Students can choose a design studio supervised by an international visiting professor or study abroad at a partner university. The program is research-oriented, systematically enhancing competencies and culminating in a master's thesis. Graduates are equipped to confidently apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to practice, strategically, specifically, and artistically conceptualizing, designing, and implementing complex architectural and urban design projects. The usual language of instruction is German, with English available on demand in many courses.
Outline:
The program spans four semesters.
Semester 1:
- Design Studio: Architecture as Urban Design 1
- Intra Muros: Project Week
- Instruments and Methods for Urban Planning
- Landscape and Urban Space
- Graphics and Graphic Communication
- Urban Design Theory
Semester 2:
- Design Studio: Architecture as Urban Design 2
- Extra Muros: Excursion
- Planning for Urban Development
- Graphic Analysis and Communication
- Urban Sociology and Economy
- Civic Design Theory
Semester 3:
- Design Studio: Architecture as Urban Design 3
- Ecology and Energy in an Urban Context
- German Planning and Building Laws and Regulations
- Urban Districts
Semester 4:
- Master’s Thesis (consisting of 3 disciplines):
- Discipline A: Urban Design (incl. written paper)
- Discipline B: Options for advanced studies (choose one):
- Instruments and Methods for Urban Planning
- Landscape and Urban Space
- Planning for Urban Development
- Ecology and Energy in an Urban Context
- German Planning and Building Laws and Regulations
- Discipline C: Graphics and Graphic Communication The usual language of instruction is German, with English available on demand in many courses.
Careers:
Upon completion of the master's program and two years of professional experience, graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects. The degree also qualifies for admission to higher public service. The program offers the possibility of a semester abroad at a partner university.
