Blekinge Institute of Technology
Master's Programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design (120 Credits)
Karlskrona, Sweden
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2027
TUITION FEES
SEK 70,000 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students
Key Summary
About: The Master's programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design at Blekinge Institute of Technology combines theory and applied, project-based learning to design resilient, digitalization-focused cities. You’ll analyze and develop sustainable living environments linked to research, Swedish municipalities and international partners. The programme awards a Master of Science in Spatial Planning and comprises 120 credits.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as an urban planner or spatial planner, strategist in sustainable urban development, project manager in municipal or regional planning, or advisor/consultant in climate adaptation, energy transition and mobility. They may also pursue policy, research, urban design or consultancy roles internationally.
How can we plan cities that withstand climate change, social challenges, and rapid societal transitions? In the Master's Programme in Sustainable Urban Planning, you gain the tools to analyse, design, and develop the sustainable cities and living environments of the future. The programme combines theory and practice, with close links to research and society.
You will explore how urban planning can drive climate transition, support sustainable mobility, foster social sustainability, and build resilient communities. The programme combines theoretical courses with applied, project-based modules where you tackle real planning challenges and issues in collaboration with Swedish municipalities and international partners.
Year 1 – introduction and methodology
The first year provides a foundation in sustainable urban planning and design and develops your ability to analyse and model urban environments, apply sustainability perspectives, and connect theory with practice. Courses include:
- Introduction to Sustainable Urban Planning – studio course (15 credits)
- Urban Planning Theory and History – theory course (7.5 credits)
- Urban Modelling – applied method course (7.5 credits)
- Scientific Work: Theoretical Starting Points– applied method course(7.5 credits)
- Urban Infrastructures in Transformation – applied method course(7.5 credits)
- Urban Ecologies – studio course (15 credits)
Year 2 – specialisation and thesis
The second year offers in-depth studies of social, ecological, and global perspectives on urban planning. It concludes with a substantial independent project. Courses include:
- Social Organization and Forms of Governance – applied method course (7.5 credits)
- Global Challenges and Perspectives in Urban Planning – theory course (7.5 credits)
- The Global Metropolis – studio course (15 credits)
- Master’s thesis in Urban Planning with a focus on Sustainable Urban Planning (30 credits)
The programme comprises 120 credits and leads to a Master of Science degree in Spatial Planning with a specialisation in Sustainable Urban Planning. After graduation, you can work as a:
- Urban planner or spatial planner
- Strategist in sustainable urban development
- Project manager in municipal or regional planning
- Advisor or consultant in climate adaptation, energy transition, or mobility
The demand for planners with expertise in sustainable urban planning is high and is expected to continue growing, both in Sweden and internationally.
The programme is aimed at students with a bachelor’s degree in spatial planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or an equivalent subject. It is taught in English and has a clear international profile, with exchange opportunities in Europe and collaborations beyond Europe.
Teaching is based on studio approach with project-based learning and problem-oriented tasks with strong links to research. As an on-campus programme, you will collaborate and learn together with fellow students and tutors in an intensive studio environment. You work with themes such as energy transition, climate adaptation, social sustainability and mobility, often in collaboration with municipalities, authorities and international partners.