Introduction to the programme
Nordic urban planning has recently become the focus of intensified interest from urbanists worldwide who are seeking to learn from innovative approaches to sustainability, liveability, mobility, ‘smart’ cities, empowerment, welfare and more.
This international joint master's programme provides a unique opportunity to study such approaches to planning cities and urban life in a global context with leading researchers from the universities of Roskilde (Denmark), Malmö (Sweden) and UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, in Tromsø.
By moving between three universities and countries, you will develop international and interdisciplinary perspectives on urban planning and development. You will also become skilled at working collaboratively and imaginatively with diverse communities, organisations, companies and municipalities.
Through conducting your own research in groups and individually, you will become experienced in qualitative and creative methods as well as techniques of spatial visualisation and geographical information systems. You will further gain first-hand insights into planning problems and potential solutions.
Funding to support programme mobility is available from the Nordic Council of Ministers and Erasmus+.
For more information see also:
Three universities - one programme
Programme structure
The programme is based across the three universities with opportunities to specialise at each. Core training is provided in Semester 1 at Roskilde University. You then choose from different tracks in Semester 2 (either Roskilde University or Malmö University) and in Semester 3 (either UiT The Artic University of Norway or Roskilde University). In Semester 4 you decide where to conduct your master’s thesis. At least one semester (30 ECTS) must be taken at a different university, i.e. students must study at at least two universities and have the opportunity to attend all three.
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Career
Nordic Urban Planning Studies qualifies you for a wide range of job opportunities. Graduates will be attractive for businesses, public authorities and organisations working nationally and internationally with cities and regions, including as:
- Project leaders and entrepreneurs in urban consultancies
- Managers, facilitators and coordinators of city development in international planning, design and consultancy companies
- Urban planners and social innovators for international organizations and NGOs
- Urban planners for local, regional and national public authorities and municipalities
- Advisory positions in public and private sector working to build urban futures
- Research positions, including within universities (for example PhD studies).
Academic staff
Academic staff Nordic Urban Planning Studies
Facts about the programme
Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Social Sciences in Nordic Urban Planning Studies. Graduates of the joint programme will be awarded a degree from either two or three universities, depending on their chosen programme of study (double or multiple degree).
Teaching language: English
Study start: First study start September 2022
How can mobility management improve sustainability in urban areas?
How can green mobility be integrated in everyday life and urban planning?
How are concepts of ‘smart’ technologies informing urban planning and with what consequences?
How can perceptions of mobilities and mobility planning explain car dependency in late modern urban areas?
How can more inclusive urban public spaces be created for diverse cities of the 21st-century?
How can citizens be empowered to make more democratic, socially just and sustainable forms of urbanism?
What can be learned from Nordic approaches to welfare planning for meeting contemporary urban challenges?
Liveable cities. What can we learn from the Nordic countries?
Scandinavia is famous for its liveable cities, but is it possible to replicate one particular region’s approach in other contexts? Are Nordic cities really as “liveable” as they claim, or is this just a case of clever marketing?
Three Universities - one programme
Nordic Urban Planning Studies is jointly delivered by universities in Roskilde, Malmö and Tromsø. You have the possibility to participate in courses at all three universities. Through this programme you will develop international interdisciplinary perspectives that draw on the research strengths and networks of each of the three universities.
Nordic Master
Nordic Urban Planning Studies is a Nordic Master - an international study programme, jointly delivered by universities from at least three Nordic countries. The label ‘Nordic Master’ is awarded to programmes based on research, excellence and high quality. Nordic Masters programmes are funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and seek to attract students from all over the world.
”Understanding the Nordic planning tradition is very important. No doubt that the Nordic welfare model and planning tradition will be subject to export”
Contact us
If you have specific questions about the Nordic Urban Planning study programme, please send an email to nups-info@ruc.dk
Contact Study Guidance if you have questions about admission to the programme.
Meet us
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Ready to apply?
Read all about requirements and admission.