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Programme - Master in urban planning

The Urban Planning programme (Master) spreads over three semesters: two semesters of teaching at Sciences Po and one off-campus semester allowing students to gain professional experience. It is designed for highly motivated students who have completed at least one year of Master’s study and are prepared to devote themselves to a fast-track programme demanding full-time commitment.

Semester 1 - End of August to january, at Sciences Po

Core courses equipping students with a firm base of knowledge of urban planning and policy; introduction to territorial analysis and planning mechanisms; first role play scenarios.

The first semester allows students and young professionals coming from highly diverse backgrounds to gain a common base of theoretical knowledge in urban planning, urban policy and real estate economics. The aim is to understand the development of cities over time and in its fullest sense. Courses also offer a wealth of applied skills and training in territorial analysis methods and strategy, along with planning and housing production mechanisms. Over the course of these first few months, students are immersed in concrete scenarios through various tailor-made teaching methods (study trip to a major French city, mini urban project, Urbax simulation exercise etc.).

The group projects also begin in the first semester. These invite students to respond to a question set by one of the School’s external partners (a local authority, planner, developer, civil society organisation etc). This mode of teaching forms a central part of the programme (covering two days a week between October and June) and is overseen by the programme director. Each group of four to eight students is supervised by a team of professional or academic mentors.

In addition, students take one core course of teaching and one cross-cutting course open to all Master’s programmes at the Urban School. This gives them a chance to mix with other students, participate in the wider school community and attend high-level courses in the social sciences.

Semester 2 - February to end of June, at Sciences Po

Examining current and emerging issues in urban development; analysing the challenges surrounding complex urban projects; familiarising students with the language, tools and modes of thought for city-makers and developers; continuing role play scenarios. 

The second semester gives students a choice of a range courses inviting them to examine and debate current and emerging issues surrounding urban production in France and abroad. A second branch of courses is designed to give them an insight into the challenges involved in complex urban projects and their networks of stakeholders. This is provided through the intervention of numerous professionals from the public and private sector, including project supervisors, project managers and consultants, as well as through case study analysis. Emphasis is also placed on complementary themes, such as ecological transition, digital cities, mobility and so on.

Another objective of the second semester is to deepen student’s knowledge of the themes and tools (logistical, legal, financial etc.) used in urban planning professions. Students have the opportunity to personalise their training by choosing from various additional thematic courses (e.g. city planning, consultations) and professional training (social project management, property development, etc.). Role play scenarios continue to form a central part of teaching, particularly during the workshop in a foreign city. The semester of teaching concludes with a general presentation of students’ group projects, combined with an analytical report on this several month-long experience.

Semester 3 - July to February, off-campus

Professional placement or academic exchange.

The third and final semester of the Urban Planning Programme gives students the opportunity to complete a professional placement (internship or fixed-term contract, determined by students’ previous experience and career plans) or an academic exchange at one of the Urban School’s partner universities. These include The Bartlett at UCL, Bocconi University in Milan and the University of Amsterdam. During this semester, students will also be preparing to sit their Grand Oral exam in December. They should select an issue to discuss that relates to their experience of the third semester and which they will analyse in depth as part of an end of programme paper. An end of programme group discussion is also held in January, providing an opportunity for a debate with external guests around two themes that have emerged from students' work.

BROCHURE

Key facts

  • One and a Half Years Master's: the 3 semesters are subject to tuition fees
  • Language: French