Study options

Urban Studies and Planning, Master of Science in Architecture

For applicants
The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges, in a time marked by complex and dynamic climate change. They will learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience. Students will thus gain a broad understanding of urban phenomena as well as practical experience in collaborative and practical situations. This is the foundation of the programme and of the elements in the curriculum.
Urban Studies and Planning

Degree:

Master of Science (Architecture)

Application period:

1 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026

Language of instruction:

English

Duration:

2 years, full-time

Eligibility:

Relevant Bachelor's degree

Field of study:

Technology and Engineering, Art and Design

Credits:

120 ECTS

Organising school:

School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €17000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

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Description

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as a professional capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges, in a time marked by complex dynamic climate change. They will learn to address such challenges through interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skills and practice. The programme balances theoretical, historical and conceptual knowledge with the acquisition of methods, skills and experience.

Taking full advantage of the joint university structure, the programme unites expertise from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The signature elements in the programme are interdisciplinary studies that address urban challenge themes. These themes relate to urgent contemporary urban controversies found not only in Finland but on the European and global scales. The urban challenge themes may be attached to focus areas, research projects or collaborations within our universities, municipalities and regions in order to provide a constructive and critical framework for study and practice. These themes cross the boundaries of disciplines and professions, and are united in addressing a common challenge and emphasising a forward-looking perspective.

For architecture specialization, the degree given is Master of Science (Architecture). The learning outcomes are based on the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). According to the directive, an architectural degree meets the expectations of the construction industry and enables a career outside Finland. To meet the requirements of the EU directive, the applicant ought to have a bachelor's degree with orientation to architectural design. The assessment of full five-year curriculum is done individually in admission process.

Please see the intended learning outcomes of the study option from the Programme page.

Language of instruction

All teaching is given in English

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

The Master of Science (architecture) degree is 120 ECTS credits. The programme includes 60 cr of major studies, 30 cr of elective studies and a master’s thesis worth 30 cr. More information on the content of the education can be found in the Student Guide under Curriculum.

Qualifications

The programme offers different degrees from two universities from the University of Helsinki, Master of Science (nat. sci., environ. sci.), Master of Arts (humanities) and Master of Social Sciences, and from Aalto University, Master of Science (architecture), and Master of Science (technology) - that ensure sufficient expertise to work in established and emerging expert roles in urban development in the public and private sectors, in Finland and internationally.

For architecture specialisation, the degree given is Master of Science (architecture). The learning outcomes are based on the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). According to the directive, an architectural degree meets the expectations of the construction industry and enables a career outside Finland.

Degree qualification in architecture is provided for students who have a B.Sc. in technology or architecture.

Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning
Courses and curriculum

Specialisations

The programme combines several degree options from Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. The target degrees are listed in the section ‘Qualifications’. The target degree should be selected in the application process, and the application should be directed to the suitable university according to the target degree. The applicability of previous studies is assessed according to the selected target degree.

For example, a student aiming for a Master of Science (architecture) degree at Aalto University must have suitable previous studies to qualify for the target degree, and the application must be submitted to Aalto University. The chosen target degree cannot be changed.

Internationalisation

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning USP provides an international scope, by taking advantage of the unique Helsinki context and diverse urban contexts around the world. Each year, the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning includes both Finnish and international applicants. We look for students whose varied backgrounds, experiences, and education reflect the richness of contemporary society. The programme’s teachers have international backgrounds and experiences, and the programme draws on their strong global networks within their respective fields. Additionally, researchers and invited lecturers participate in the teaching.

Elective courses include student exchange or internships abroad, and students are encouraged to collaborate internationally in their Master’s thesis work. All students have the opportunity to study in an international environment and acquaint themselves with different cultures.

For international and Finnish students, Helsinki and Finland are well known for their progressive planning approaches. Helsinki is a UNESCO creative city, and planning and design have strong roles within municipalities, the government and public sector. Finland is a European and international forerunner in technological research and innovation, such as open data in municipalities. Local and national policies support an experimental and participatory culture and development. In the context of urban challenges, Helsinki provides a unique case for engaging with progressive approaches to welfare state paradigms, including public-private dynamics, changing demographics and cultures, and diverse approaches to market growth and sustainability.

Further study opportunities

After completing a degree in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning, you can apply for a doctoral programme at the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and other top international universities.

At the University of Helsinki, the relevant doctoral programmes include:

  • Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences (DENVI)
  • Social Sciences
  • Sustainable use of renewable resources (AGFOREE)
  • Political, Economic and Regional Change
  • History and Cultural Heritage
  • Philosophy, Arts and Society
  • Political, Societal and Regional Change (PSRC)

At Aalto University, the relevant degrees include Doctor of Science (architecture), Doctor of Science (economics and business administration), Doctor of Arts, and Doctor of Science (technology). The relevant doctoral programmes include:

  • Arts, Design and Architecture
  • Business, Economics and Finance
  • Engineering
  • Science

Career opportunities

The programme prepares you for a career in a dynamic field, where the growing demand for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban solutions places your expertise at the forefront of change. You will acquire the knowledge, skills and experience needed to meet traditional and emerging planning roles (such as urban planning and design, real estate development, strategic planning, environmental planning, policy and service design). To these established or emerging roles, you will bring an integrated understanding of, and training in applying, interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to urban development. As a graduate you will be prepared to compete for local and international positions within public, private and non-profit organisations, urban planning, architectural and policy advisory firms, research institutes and NGOs.

Career stories from alums

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I planned to study urbanism, and the USP programme seemed to fit my objectives well. I prepared and applied only to this programme and was accepted! The moment I received the confirmation, I knew that my professional adventure was about to start.

The USP programme provided me with a wider understanding of the urban planning and design fields, the variety of actors and the complexity of challenges they involve. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme and the USP community itself taught me to understand and hear with empathy, patience and compassion the different socio-cultural contexts and its people.

The studies taught me flexibility and encouraged me to step out of the traditional professional setting into new international positions and projects. I believe that these skills and the degree were recognised and appreciated by professionals in the urban planning field.

Eglė Pilipavičiūtė
Global Outreach Officer, Public Space Academy by City Space Architecture, Italy

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When I informed my undergraduate professors that I had been accepted into Urban Studies and Planning with a focus on Real Estate Economics, they were disappointed, as they had expected me to pursue Urban Design.

However, my exposure to both urban planning and real estate economics gave me valuable insight into these interconnected fields. While I stepped away from my initial, one-discipline path in urban design, I discovered that the overlap between these disciplines offered rich opportunities for both career development and research. This intersection ultimately led me to pursue a doctoral degree investigating the impact of public land development on housing market, where planning and housing development converge.

Babak Fooladi Firoozi
Doctoral researcher, Aalto University

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A PhD researcher with dark glasses sits near a window on the Aalto University campus.
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I was thrilled when I was accepted into the USP Real Estate Economics program. I had been looking for a multidisciplinary program, as I wanted to integrate a range of topics into my studies and explore new ideas.

The USP program has provided exactly that. It offered a learning environment that introduced diverse perspectives on complex challenges — challenges that can’t be approached from a single viewpoint. It was also a social environment, where I met new colleagues and friends from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds.

Furthermore, the USP program equipped me with valuable tools for an academic career. It taught me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects at hand, a skill that has proven essential in my current role as a doctoral researcher.

Petja Peltoranta
Doctoral researcher, Aalto University

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When I received the offer from the USP Architecture programme, I realized it provided an excellent opportunity to explore the relationship between architecture and people from a broader perspective. My previous academic and professional experience had mostly focused on the building scale, and USP allowed me to expand my thinking beyond that.

The USP programme highlighted for me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. I had the possibility to understand how different disciplines prioritize issues, which helped me develop stronger communication and collaboration skills. At the same time, USP gave me the opportunity to engage with larger-scale urban design competitions.

Even before graduating, USP has also strengthened the foundation for my professional development and has opened doors for me to gain practical experience in urban design at a larger scale. Looking ahead, I plan to continue working on urban design related projects. I believe that, as an architect, enhancing people’s quality of life through thoughtful design is a profoundly meaningful pursuit.

Xiaofan Chen
Architecture Intern at Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Shanghai office

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I was very pleased when I got accepted to the USP programme in real estate economics. The interdisciplinarity and variety of courses intrigued me, since my bachelor's degree (civil engineer) was very focused on the practical side. The USP programme provided a balance of theoretical and real-life courses, while giving me the freedom to choose electives according to my personal preference.

The USP programme allowed me to broaden my way of thinking and understanding of urban planning. The most helpful skill I gained is to be able to understand larger, more complex, urban issues and how urban planning shapes our society and people's lives. Group work with people from different educational backgrounds taught me that when things are studied from multiple perspectives in a collaborative manner, the solutions are better.

I consider that my USP master's degree has broadened my options in terms of my career in the future. After returning to my work after graduation, I feel my way of thinking has evolved to a wider perspective. In the future I hope to work with urban issues on a larger scale.

Lotta Kangas
Site engineer, JM Suomi Oy

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After five years of studying architecture, I was eager to make the “leap” from architectural design to urban studies. I was thrilled to receive the offer at that time. The USP Architecture Programme is an interdisciplinary platform. I was looking forward to interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

The USP programme provided me with multidisciplinary research training and ways of thinking, which enabled me to develop adaptive and concrete research methods to explore urban topics and challenges that interest me across quite different urban scales and contexts. 

Urban studies lie under an urbanism umbrella with several branches, each focusing on specific issues, whether large or small, macroscopic or rooted in the surroundings. Therefore, knowing what other people from different disciplines are doing and what they really care about has always inspired and motivated me. It allowed me to understand the relationship between the city and people more comprehensively. Although I have returned to the architectural design field, I am now deeply concerned with the city and urban issues, and I can’t help but always ask: Are these designs positive for the city? 

Xiwei Li
Architect, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), China

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After some years in urban design and planning practice, I felt I needed a moment to invest in my own development. Since my background is in architecture, I applied for the USP in Architecture, and after seeing it through I can say it was definitely the right decision.

The USP programme is structured as a multidisciplinary environment, where students can explore many subjects and follow their curiosity within the vast field of urban studies. This was exactly what I needed. Coming from practice, I wanted the freedom to expand my perspective, and the programme made that possible. Being hosted at Aalto School of ARTS also gave me the chance to complement the core curriculum with a wide variety of courses.

The programme allowed me to sharpen my knowledge and professional skills, giving me confidence for future career growth, as well as an outstanding network of professionals I can rely upon. In my opinion the programme is truly reflective of the nature of the city itself: diverse and comprehensive.

Raphael Padhila 
Urban Planner at the City of Helsinki and Founder of Frente Urbana Consultancy
 

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I have always been interested in going beyond architecture and working in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments, fulfilling my aspiration to be a professional committed to contributing to global sustainability through different areas of the architectural and urban sector. The USP programme offered exactly that. From the moment I was accepted, I knew there would be a turning point in my academic and professional career.

The USP programme not only expanded my theoretical knowledge of urban planning but also gave me the opportunity to apply these lessons in contrasting contexts and international settings, breaking down cultural differences and understanding that addressing complex urban challenges requires collaborative work across different disciplines.

This degree allowed me not only to work in a variety of different fields and explore non-traditional pathways when approaching a problem, but it also sparked my interest in delving deeper into the field of urban research.

Maribel Salazar
Freelance Architect and Urban Planner

Research focus

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning is offering research-oriented studios, which focus on current and future-oriented challenges in the field of Urban Studies and Planning. Students will be introduced to a diverse range of research methods, setting particular focus on scientific writing. These basic research skills will be further developed during the Master Thesis.

Co-operation with other parties

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning is profoundly interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral.

The programme combines the most important fields of urban studies from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University into a progressive and interdisciplinary curriculum. Courses include extensive co-teaching to ensure multiple perspectives on core topics. There are continual exchanges among disciplines and between theory and practice, for example, through dynamic learning-by-doing pedagogical approaches within urban challenge studios.

Building on the established joint bachelor’s programme, the master’s programme further develops multiple forms of collaboration with the City of Helsinki. The programme includes collaboration with other city administrations, local media, civil society organisations, heritage and cultural institutions, think-tanks and companies. At these universities, and in Finland in general, societal impact is highly valued and effectively implemented in education and research.

Evaluation criteria 2027

Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for Master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option. The applications to Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning - M.Sc. In Architecture will be evaluated based on the following criteria 

Evaluation process

The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option.

The selection process for applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises of two phases and is described next. 

Documents required by the study option

This study option (master’s programme) requires two sets of documents from their applicants:

  1. Obligatory application documents detailed on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage
  2. Documents required by the study option listed below

Checklist of application documents

Obligatory application documents required from all applicants:

  1. Bachelor’s degree certificate
  2. Transcript of records
  3. Authorised translations (if applicable)
  4. Degree certificate and transcript of records of another higher education degree (if applicable)
  5. Copy of a valid passport or an official identification card (does not apply to Finnish citizens)
  6. Proof of language proficiency
  7. Copy of your fee-exempting residence permit card in Finland (if applicable)

Remember to check the detailed instructions for the obligatory application documents, including the language requirements, on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage. In addition, please submit the documents required by the study option.

Contact information

Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.

arts-admissions@aalto.fi

Admissions Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.

admissions@aalto.fi

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