Program Overview

Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics, Master of Science (Technology)

The Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics master's program is a unique, multidisciplinary program designed for ambitious students with a background in economics, law, and/or statistics. The program is a collaboration between Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, bringing together future urban planners and developers to break down silos between local government, decision-making, and urban development.

Program Description

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address the complex challenges of urban development, including social conflicts, climate risks, affordability, and more. Students will learn to analyze and solve problems related to urban planning and real estate economics, and to make sustainable decisions in urban planning and development.

Language of Instruction

The program is taught entirely in English. Exams can be taken in Finnish, Swedish, or English, and the master's thesis can be written in English, Finnish, or Swedish.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for the program is 17,000 euros per academic year. Aalto University offers a limited number of scholarships to non-EU/EEA students, which can cover the full tuition fee.

Program Structure

The program consists of 120 ECTS credits, including:

• 64 ECTS credits of major studies
• 26 ECTS credits of elective studies
• 30 ECTS credits of master's thesis

The first year includes introductory and advanced courses in urban planning and real estate economics. The second year is reserved for elective studies, which can be taken at Aalto University or abroad. The program ends with a master's thesis.

Specialization Options

The program offers a specialization in real estate economics, where students can analyze real estate markets and understand the dynamics of supply, demand, and pricing.

Internationalization

The program has a strong international focus, with students and teachers from around the world. Many of the program's courses are taught by international experts, and students have the opportunity to participate in international collaborations and projects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in real estate development, investment, and management, as well as in urban planning, policy-making, and research. The program also provides a solid foundation for further academic studies, such as a Ph.D.

Research Focus

The program's research focus is on urban studies and real estate economics, with a particular emphasis on:

1. Real estate economics and finance: land use and housing policy, valuation, real estate finance, and investment.
2. Real estate management: corporate real estate management, real estate business models, green innovations, and digitalization.
3. Institutions: the legal and institutional basis of real estate markets and systems.

Collaboration with Other Actors

The program has strong collaborations with other universities, research institutions, and industry partners, providing students with a wide range of opportunities for networking, collaboration, and career development.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria for master's studies at Aalto University. The program's admission criteria include:

• Academic performance: the applicant's previous academic performance, including grades and academic achievements.
• Relevance of previous studies: the relevance of the applicant's previous studies to the program, including courses and credits taken.
• Language proficiency: the applicant's proficiency in English, as the program is taught entirely in English.
• Motivation and commitment: the applicant's motivation and commitment to the program, as well as their potential for success in the program.

Application Process

The application process for the program typically includes:

1. Online application: submitting an online application, including all required documents and information.
2. Academic evaluation: an evaluation of the applicant's academic performance and relevance of previous studies.
3. Language proficiency test: a language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, to demonstrate English language proficiency.
4. Motivation letter: a motivation letter, outlining the applicant's motivation and commitment to the program.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the general admission criteria, the program may have additional requirements, such as:

• Arvosteluasteikko: a document outlining the grading scale used in the applicant's previous studies.
• Motivation letter: a motivation letter, outlining the applicant's motivation and commitment to the program.

Contact Information

For more information about the program, please contact:

• Heidi Falkenbach: Professor, Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics
• Päivi Kauppinen: Planner, Urban Studies and Planning in Real Estate Economics
• Aalto University Admissions Services: for questions about the application process and admission criteria.