Student Guide

Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning

For Aalto students

This site contains the student study guide for the Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning. Here you will find the programme curriculum as well as detailed guidelines for planning your studies. All the materials and instructions are for all the majors of the programme. If you are interested in applying to the programme, follow the links at the bottom of the site to the application page.

Are you an applicant? View programme pages for applicants

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning is jointly organized by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Engineering. The programme is coordinated by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as professionals capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. Students learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skill and practice. The programme started in autumn 2017 as a joint programme of the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. There are two schools participating from Aalto: School of Arts, Design and Architecture and School of Engineering.

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Group of people posing by a purple bear statue at Siemens Energy, against a brick wall

Cooperation, Studies, University Published: 8.9.2026

Unite! takes Aalto students on an energy excursion across Europe

Thanks to the Unite! Seed Fund, students from Aalto University gained first-hand experience of European energy policy, grid infrastructure and clean technology during a five-day study trip to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Wooden Mölkky skittles on green grass with numbered tops, people standing blurred in the background

Studies, University Published: 8.9.2026

Please keep the safer space principles in mind

Explore the principles and how we put them into practice at our events

Jacek Pawlak with a student cap and purple backpack stands on green campus lawn by trees and modern building

Studies Published: 4.9.2026

Jacek Pawlak dreams of decarbonising the hydrogen sector

The Finnish hydrogen strategy caught Jacek Pawlak's attention, leading him to study Hydrogen and Electric Systems

Campus Published: 3.9.2026

Submit your nomination for the Campus Sustainability Champion 2026!

Submit your nomination for the Campus Sustainability Champion.

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16.9.

Scientist in green cleanroom suit handling a grey silicon wafer with tweezers at a lab machine

Students 16.9.2026 11:00 – 14:00 (UTC +3)

Get to know semiconductor industry in Finland! Welcome to pop-up event!

Come and get to know heavily growing semiconductor industry and companies in Finland. When you know semiconductor industry better you will get more out of your future studies and build relationships that support your career.

16.9.

Campus, Information sessions, Networking, Students 16.9.2026 16:15 – 17:45 (UTC +3)

Aalto Thesis Day events 2026

Information for students: Master’s thesis in partnership with a company.

19.9.

A group of runners in a race, one person with a dog on a leash. Trees and grass line the path.

Other 19.9.2026 10:30 – 14:00 (UTC +3)

Espoo Rantamaraton events on 19.9.2026 at special prices for aaltonians

Students, staff and alumni of Aalto University have the opportunity to register at a special price for the 2026 event - registration opens on 2 February 2026.

24.9.