M.A. Urbanism – Concepts for the Built Environment

• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Model: full-time
• Language: English
• ECTS: 90 ECTS
• Info: accredited
• Duration: 3 semesters
• Location: Heidelberg

Our Master of Arts program in "Urbanism – Concepts for the Built Environment" will prepare you for the current and future challenges in urban development. You’ll gain a wide range of learning content from the involved disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, social-psychology, urban history and planning, mobility, environmental sciences. 

You start by building a strong foundation in focusing placemaking and urban neighborhoods in semester one and in semester two at the scale of urban networks and infrastructures. In your third semester, you work on your Master Thesis. An interdisciplinary student body as well of the professors is characteristic of the program for shaping an interconnected environment. 

You’ll learn based on strong theoretical foundations and the transfer into real-world projects with municipalities and practice partners.

The program "Urbanism CBE – Concepts for the Built Environment" aligns its academic vision with the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, promoting a holistic understanding of the social, environmental and spatial dimensions of global urban challenges. The programme equips students with the analytical and design tools necessary to critically engage with the transformation of cities and territories in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

By engaging with case studies and real-world urban scenarios across diverse geographical and cultural contexts, Urbanism CBE enables students to develop an international perspective on sustainable development. Graduates are prepared to act as responsible practitioners and critical thinkers, capable of shaping urban and rural futures that support both social equity and environmental leadership within an international global framework.

With the interdisciplinary skillset learned, you’ll be ready to drive change in the field of urban development. You will be qualified for key roles such as: 

• Climate Protection Specialist
• Environmental Planner
• Urban Designer (with pre-qualification in design)
• City Architect /Municipal Planner (with pre-qualification in design)
• Housing and Development Specialist
• Project Developer
• Urban Developer
• Urban Research, Analysis and Policy Expert Consultant
• Working in public organizations, private companies, research institutes and NGOs. 

The demand for qualified experts with an interdisciplinary education and competencies is growing globally – and you will be prepared to thrive in this important market and context.

Our master's program in Urbanism – Concepts for the Built Environment provides a broad understanding of cities, space, and the built environment. It combines theoretical foundations, design methods, and practical analysis. Students learn to approach urban and rural challenges in an interdisciplinary manner and develop innovative solutions. In studios and project work, real scenarios are examined and addressed creatively. Overall, the program combines scientific reflection with practice-oriented work.

• Concepts of City, Space, and Place: Fundamentals of theories of built space, design communication, and drawing methods.
• Human Centered Design: Anthropological and psychological perspectives on built environments.
• Applied Urban Analysis: Methods of socio-spatial evaluation and advanced drawing.
• Urban & Rural Challenges: Urban economics, the future of mobility, and inclusion.
• Sustainability Frameworks: Sustainability concepts, ethical systems, and environmental assessment tools.
• Studio series (1–4): Project-based, practical case studies on space, place, systems, and networks.

The program prepares our students to understand complex urban systems and develop them responsibly. Through theory, analysis, and project-oriented studios, a holistic skill set for designing the built environment is developed.

1st Semester

1. Concepts of City, Space and Place – 6 ECTS
2. Human Centered Design – 6 ECTS
3. Applied Urban Analysis – 6 ECTS
4. Studio 1 – Space and Place I – 6 ECTS
5. Studio 2 – Space and Place II – 6 ECTS

2nd Semester

1. Urban and Rural Challenges – 6 ECTS
2. Sustainability Frameworks and Environmental Adaptation – 6 ECTS
3. Studio 3: Urban Systems and Networks I – 6 ECTS
4. Studio 4: Urban Systems and Networks II – 6 ECTS
5. Wahlbereich: Field Trip/Special Fields in Architecture – 6 ECTS

3rd Semester

1. Workshop Thesis – 6 ECTS
2. Master-Thesis – 24 ECTS

In addition to technical and methodological skills, social and personal skills are crucial today. SRH University 's innovative, successful and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning so that you can apply your knowledge directly in practice - for a clear competitive advantage.

To apply for the Master's program in Urbanism – Concepts for the Built Environment, you need:

• bachelor's degree in any academic field related to the built environment is required, with a final grade of at least 2.5
• English language skills: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 or other proof of English language proficiency
• A compelling portfolio (at least 25–50 pages) that should include a comprehensive examination of the built environment, e.g., designs (architecture/urban planning), exhibitions, lectures, citizen participation, etc. Academic work such as essays and publications should be briefly
• presented in the portfolio (summary and images) and can be included with the application
• Copy of ID (front and back); for international students, a copy of the national identity card

English language requirements:

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required