Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Programme in Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning

The Master's programme in Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning is a 2-year, research-based, full-time study programme offered by Aalborg University. The programme is set to 120 ECTS credits and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical, economic, and social aspects of urban planning, energy systems, and environmental management.

Programme Structure and Contents

The programme is structured in modules and organised as a problem-based study. A module is a programme element or a group of programme elements, which aims to give students a set of professional skills within a fixed time frame specified in ECTS credits, and concluding with one or more examinations within specific exam periods.

Specialisations

The programme offers four specialisations:

• Urban Planning and Management (UPM)
• Sustainable Energy Planning and Management (SEPM)
• Environmental Management and Sustainability Science (EMSS)
• Cities and Sustainability (CiSu)

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master's programme in Urban Energy and Environmental Planning requires that the applicant has passed a relevant qualifying bachelor's degree programme. A bachelor's degree programme is defined as relevant if the degree programme provides competencies to a minimum of 30 ECTS within fundamental urban, energy and environmental planning areas.

Competence Profile

A Candidatus graduate has the following competency profile:

• A Candidatus graduate has competencies that have been acquired via a course of study that has taken place in a research environment.
• A Candidatus graduate is qualified for employment on the labour market based on his or her academic discipline as well as for further research (PhD programmes).

Specialisation in Urban Planning and Management

For the specialisation in Urban Planning and Management, the candidate acquires, in addition to the competence profile of the diploma, the following:

• Knowledge of theories and methods in planning, administration and/or management within the public and private sector
• Basic understanding of the technical, structural and social conditions connected with the development and infrastructures of towns and regions
• Understanding of the complex processes taking place in connection with the preparation and implementation of strategies and plans

Specialisation in Sustainable Energy Planning and Management

For the specialisation in Sustainable Energy Planning and Management, the candidate acquires, in addition to the competence profile of the diploma, the following:

• Knowledge of energy problems and energy planning at the level of companies and organisations, as well as on a societal level
• Knowledge of institutional and organisational conditions and public regulation related to energy planning in different contexts
• Knowledge of theories, evaluation methods and tools in relation to the analysis of energy problems

Specialisation in Environmental Management and Sustainability Science

For the specialisation in Environmental Management and Sustainability Science, the candidate acquires, in addition to the competence profile of the diploma, the following:

• Knowledge of environmental challenges at the level of companies and organisations, as well as on a societal level
• Knowledge of institutional and organisational conditions and public regulation related to environmental planning in different national and cultural contexts
• Knowledge of how impact assessment, tools and evaluation methods connect to societal decision-making

Specialisation in Cities and Sustainability

For the specialisation in Cities and Sustainability, the candidate acquires, in addition to the competence profile of the diploma, the following:

• Knowledge within one or more of the following subject areas: Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Planetary Boundaries, Environmental and Climate Justice
• Understanding of the socio-technical and socio-economic conditions under which urban environmental and sustainability policies, strategies, plans, technologies and projects are implemented

Programme Modules

The programme consists of various modules, including:

• Sustainable Urban Planning
• Planning History and Urban Theory
• Planning for Urban Sustainability
• Power in Planning
• The Deliberative Planner
• Planning Theory
• The Socio-Technical Context of Planning

Assessment and Evaluation

All modules are assessed through individual grading according to the 7-point scale. All modules are assessed by external examination, internal examination, or by assessment by the supervisor only.

Additional Information

All students who have not participated in Aalborg University's PBL introductory course during their Bachelor's degree must attend the introductory course "Problem-based Learning and Project Management". The introductory course must be approved before the student can participate in the project exam.