Well-designed infrastructure is fundamental to economic and social development. This master's prepares professionals to lead the design, planning and construction of essential infrastructure — especially transport, water and waste-management systems — at urban and regional scales. The curriculum trains graduates to balance economic, social, ecological and managerial considerations, equipping them for international and interdisciplinary practice.
Offered at the University of Stuttgart since 1983, the programme is practice-oriented and internationally recognised. Teaching is delivered by faculty from 13 different institutes together with experienced practitioners, and class size is limited to 35 students to ensure close supervision and strong peer networking. The programme stresses an interdisciplinary approach, which is vital for contemporary infrastructure planning and for working in international teams.
Curriculum highlights include modules such as Introduction to Integrated Planning; Transportation Planning and Modelling; Regional and Urban Planning; Economics, Statistics and Information Processing; GIS and Data Acquisition; Methodological Aspects of Planning; Tendering, Contracting and Project Management; Development Policy and Planning; Ecological Aspects of Infrastructure Planning; Energy Supply; Water and Waste Management; Project Appraisal, Planning and Financing; and an Integrated Case Study. For full module descriptions and up-to-date details, consult the programme homepage.
Curriculum overview
This full-time master's runs over four semesters and builds from broad foundational knowledge to applied, project-based work. In the first semester you take core/basic modules designed to widen your professional perspective within civil engineering and infrastructure planning. The second semester lets you tailor your studies through a range of elective modules.
In the third semester you continue with electives and take on a major integrative case study that focuses on the complex challenges of integrated infrastructure planning. That semester emphasises interdisciplinary teamwork and intensive group work, training you in methods that have been applied successfully in Germany. The programme culminates in the fourth semester with an individual, interdisciplinary Master's thesis on a topic from infrastructure planning — which can be linked to a real problem or project from your home country.
Programme structure (semester-by-semester)
Key modules and learning outcomes
This structure is designed to move you from foundational knowledge to hands-on, interdisciplinary practice and independent research — equipping you to tackle integrated infrastructure planning challenges in international or German contexts.
You must hold a completed Bachelor's degree (at least three years / six semesters) in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related discipline. Your undergraduate studies need to be fully finished and the final degree awarded by the time you submit your application — provisional, temporary, or preliminary degree certificates are not accepted.
While prior professional experience in infrastructure planning can strengthen an application, it is not required. All required application documents must be uploaded through the program’s online application portal; incomplete submissions will not be considered. Refer to the program website for the complete checklist and any further specifics.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 February 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles in conception, planning and implementation of urban and regional infrastructure (transport, water, waste, energy). Typical employers include municipal and regional planning authorities, engineering and planning consultancies, construction and project management firms, and organisations involved in infrastructure financing and development projects.
The programme's emphasis on interdisciplinary methods, GIS and data analysis, project appraisal, tendering/contracting and integrated team work also equips graduates for positions in international development agencies, NGOs and specialised consultancies handling complex, cross-sector infrastructure projects. Skills gained are applicable to both technical and managerial roles in public and private sectors.
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