Program Overview

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Urbanism

The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Urbanism is a high-level continuing education program that reviews contemporary urbanism concepts and the use of digital tools for planning, project practice, and operationalization. This program addresses the implementation of land strategies, financial arrangements, legal tools, and the deployment of local public action.

Objectives

• Update knowledge on new urbanism reflection frameworks
• Update knowledge on urbanism regulatory aspects
• Acquire or consolidate technical and methodological skills in urbanism
• Develop competence in critiquing urban actions and projects
• Understand urbanism dynamics and blockages through case studies
• Master urban project methods, combining several professional skills

Public

The program is designed for professionals engaged in urbanism and territorial development, working in offices, administrations, or associations. It is also suitable for representatives of professional organizations or interest groups and consultants seeking to update their knowledge in urbanism.

Competences Visited

• Define and formulate collective action issues in different local, regional, national, and international contexts
• Elaborate urban project content, identify concerned actors, and determine realization conditions
• Federate partners, organize consultation with inhabitants and users, and initiate participation processes
• Propose organization and project management principles from conception to realization
• Master technical, legal, and financial tools for urban action

Program

The program consists of 4 Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) and a final thesis:

• CAS Themes and Scales of Urbanism
• CAS Urban Project and Spatial Planning
• CAS Geographical Information in Urbanism
• CAS Operational Urbanism and Urban Operators
• Final Thesis

Title Obtained

The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Urbanism is awarded by the University of Geneva and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) upon completion of all required conditions.

Inscription

• Deadline for registration: January 11, 2026
• Registration fee: CHF 20,500
• Financial support: Available in the form of an annual training check

Conditions of Admission

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• At least 2 years of professional experience in a relevant domain
• Submission of a dossier including CV, motivation letter, and copies of diplomas

Cursus

• Duration: February 2026 - December 2027
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Teaching hours: 510 hours in presence
• Schedule: Fridays from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Modules

Module 1 - Themes and Scales of Urbanism

This module renews the approach to contemporary urbanism issues through seven thematic entries, analyzing the possibilities and conditions for implementing these categories.

Module 2 - Urban Project and Spatial Planning

This module analyzes each stage of constructing an urban project, associating analytical and practical perspectives, and relying on case studies in Switzerland and internationally.

Module 3 - Geographical Information in Urbanism

This module considers different modes of using geographical information to respond to contemporary urbanism challenges, through theoretical expos廥, case applications, data processing, and field visits.

Module 4 - Operational Urbanism and Urban Operators

This module analyzes the role of actors and stages in implementing plans, from defining policies to building construction, including land acquisition strategies, financial profitability anticipation, and obtaining building permits.

Module 5 - Final Thesis

The final thesis is a substantial work under the responsibility of a designated thesis director, focusing on a theme inscribed within the CAS themes or at their intersection.

Teaching Methods

The program is structured around project-based teaching, alternating theoretical courses, practical teachings (workshops and exercises), case studies, field visits, and role-playing. It also utilizes simulation software, video capsules, and MOOC excerpts.

Partnerships

The MAS in Urbanism is a joint diploma awarded by the University of Geneva and EPFL, with a partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ).

Direction and Coordination

• Direction: Prof. Laurent Matthey, University of Geneva, and Dr. J廨獽e Chenal, EPFL
• Coordination: Dr. Marl鋝e Leroux, University of Geneva

Committee

The committee includes representatives from the University of Geneva and EPFL, ensuring the program's academic and professional quality.

Related Formations

• CAS - Operational Urbanism and Urban Operators (2025)
• CAS - Themes and Scales of Urbanism (2026)
• CAS - Urban Project and Spatial Planning (2026)
• CAS - Geographical Information in Urbanism (2027)

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The program contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.