Urban Design and Sustainable Revitalisation

Program overview

This English-taught master's programme welcomes motivated applicants from Germany and around the world. It builds on undergraduate study in architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, landscape architecture, or closely related fields. The course is designed to develop core urban design skills with a clear emphasis on revitalising existing neighbourhoods and urban landscapes that have cultural significance.

Teaching and learning

The curriculum prepares students to tackle the complex, interlinked challenges of contemporary cities by promoting sustainable, inclusive and culturally sensitive solutions. Learning is interdisciplinary and practice-oriented: students work on design-led projects alongside focused coursework to investigate how architecture, urban design, urban development and heritage preservation interact. The programme encourages holistic thinking and provides opportunities to develop interventions at multiple scales, from neighbourhoods to broader urban systems.

Study options

• Standard track: a four-semester master’s programme fully delivered at the university, with the option to spend one semester abroad.
• Double degree track: a cooperative double-degree pathway in partnership with Cairo and Alexandria universities in Egypt.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, landscape architecture, or a related discipline
• Programme language: English

Curriculum overview

This four‑semester Master’s centres on urban design with a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and critical evaluation. Each semester includes a hands‑on design project alongside selectable electives, so you continuously apply theory to real urban interventions. Core learning outcomes include advanced urban design methods, strategies for rehabilitation and regeneration, and the ability to critically assess and propose sustainable interventions in complex urban contexts.

Semester structure and key learning modules

• Semester 1 prioritises urban design and rehabilitation: students complete a design studio and a module on the Fundamentals of Urban Design and Development, supported by a range of elective options to tailor technical or theoretical interests.
• Semesters 2 and 3 broaden into urban design, planning, landscape architecture and architecture topics. Students undertake at least one compulsory project and pick additional electives covering themes such as urban regeneration, mobility planning, and landscape‑oriented design approaches. These semesters develop skills in integrated planning, contextual analysis and design-led problem solving.
• Semester 4 is reserved for the Master’s thesis, a supervised research and design project that synthesises skills acquired across the programme and demonstrates capacity for independent, research‑driven urban design solutions.

Double degree pathway

The double degree route combines study across partner institutions in Germany and Egypt. Students start with Semester 1 at the German partner, then spend Semester 2 at Cairo University and Semester 3 at Alexandria University: the Cairo term focuses on urban development topics (including regeneration and mobility), while the Alexandria term emphasises architecture in historic contexts, adaptive reuse and technologies for sustainable building rehabilitation. The final semester (thesis) is completed at one of the partner universities; thesis supervision involves two professors from two of the three institutions. Successful completion results in a double Master of Science awarded by the two universities affiliated with the student’s chosen thesis supervisors.

Key programme requirements

• Four‑semester duration with a design project each semester
• Semester 1 includes a Fundamentals of Urban Design and Development module
• Semesters 2 and 3: one mandatory project plus elective coursework across urban design, planning, landscape architecture and architecture
• Semester 4 dedicated to the Master’s thesis, supervised by two professors
• Double degree option: Semesters 2 and 3 undertaken at Cairo University and Alexandria University (after starting at the German partner in Semester 1)
• Thesis supervisor pair determines which two partner universities award the double degree
• Graduates demonstrate advanced analytical and critical skills, design proficiency in urban rehabilitation and sustainable revitalisation, and capacity for interdisciplinary, research‑led practice

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require expertise in urban design, regeneration and heritage-sensitive rehabilitation. Typical career paths include positions in urban and regional planning offices, architectural and landscape practices, heritage conservation agencies, consultancy firms, public sector planning departments and non-governmental organisations involved in urban development.

The programme’s international orientation and double degree option also support opportunities in transnational projects, research institutions and further academic study (PhD), where skills in interdisciplinary analysis, design-led problem solving and cross-cultural collaboration are valued.