LUND UNIVERSITY · SWEDEN
Sustainable Urban Design - Master's Programme
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€50k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- 120 creditsTotal Credits
- EnglishLanguage of Instruction
- Lund, SwedenPlace of Study
- State-of-the-art facilitiesResources
- International networkConnections
This Master's programme focuses on designing sustainable, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. It equips students with the knowledge and tools to address contemporary urban challenges through research-backed strategies and innovative design. The curriculum integrates architectural design with sustainability principles, covering social, economic, and environmental aspects. A strong emphasis is placed on humanistic urban design, promoting liveability, community, and social sustainability. The programme involves theoretical learning alongside practical, hands-on projects that tackle real-world urban design issues. It also fosters international collaboration, bringing together students and professionals from various backgrounds to develop proposals for sustainable urban development.
Curriculum
The programme combines lectures, seminars, design studios, and workshops to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in advanced design projects, individually and in teams, receiving regular feedback from faculty and industry practitioners. Guest lecturers from leading firms offer professional insights. The final degree project allows for in-depth exploration of a chosen area within sustainable urban design, potentially in collaboration with external actors in Sweden or abroad. Field trips to cities like Copenhagen, Berlin, and Amsterdam offer practical insights into urban design practices (students cover travel expenses, with alternative assignments available for those unable to attend).
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Master's Thesis
Careers
Graduates are highly sought after globally for roles in sustainable urban development. The programme provides valuable professional exposure through industry connections and opportunities to present work in exhibitions and reviews. Alumni have secured positions at leading firms and governmental agencies.
- Urban Designer
- Architect
- Landscape Architect
- Planner
- Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for this Master's programme?
- Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay tuition fees, amounting to SEK 540,000 per year. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not pay tuition fees.
- What is the duration of the Sustainable Urban Design Master's Programme?
- The programme duration is 2 years, totaling 120 credits.
- What are the entry requirements for this programme?
- You need a Bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, physical planning, or urban design, with a strong digital portfolio and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
- How do I apply for the programme and when is the deadline?
- Applications are submitted through the University Admissions portal. The application period typically opens mid-October and closes mid-January for the following autumn intake; applications for Autumn 2026 are currently closed.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this programme?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Urban Designer, Architect, Landscape Architect, Planner, and Researcher, with alumni securing positions at leading firms and governmental agencies.
- Are there scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, Lund University offers several merit-based scholarships for top academic students from outside the EU/EEA, including the Lund University Global Scholarship Programme and the Swedish Institute Scholarship.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeIn architecture, landscape architecture, physical planning, or urban design. Must include a digital portfolio demonstrating good potential for the programme.
IELTS6.5 (no section less than 5.5)
TOEFL90
English 6 (Swedish system)Required
Selection is based on the submitted portfolio and a statement of purpose. Specific instructions for the portfolio are available.
Fees
Tuition (international)SEK 540,000 per year
Tuition (home)No tuition fees for citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
LivingNot specified
Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay tuition fees, with an initial payment of SEK 135,000 per semester. An application fee may also apply.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the general entry requirements (Bachelor's degree, English proficiency) and the programme-specific requirements (degree in architecture, landscape architecture, physical planning, or urban design, plus a strong portfolio).
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather your Bachelor's degree transcripts, diploma, and prepare a digital portfolio showcasing your best work relevant to urban design. You will also need proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL score) and a statement of purpose.
3. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the University Admissions website during the application period. Note that applications for Autumn 2026 are currently closed.
4. Submit Portfolio and Statement of PurposeFollow the specific instructions for submitting your digital portfolio and statement of purpose, as these are key selection criteria.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released after the application period closes. Check your application status regularly.
Scholarships
Lund University Global Scholarship ProgrammeVaries
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) ScholarshipVaries
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global ProfessionalsVaries
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEMVaries
Country-specific scholarshipsVaries
External scholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for this Master's programme?
+
Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay tuition fees, amounting to SEK 540,000 per year. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not pay tuition fees.
What is the duration of the Sustainable Urban Design Master's Programme?
+
The programme duration is 2 years, totaling 120 credits.
What are the entry requirements for this programme?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, physical planning, or urban design, with a strong digital portfolio and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
How do I apply for the programme and when is the deadline?
+
Applications are submitted through the University Admissions portal. The application period typically opens mid-October and closes mid-January for the following autumn intake; applications for Autumn 2026 are currently closed.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this programme?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Urban Designer, Architect, Landscape Architect, Planner, and Researcher, with alumni securing positions at leading firms and governmental agencies.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, Lund University offers several merit-based scholarships for top academic students from outside the EU/EEA, including the Lund University Global Scholarship Programme and the Swedish Institute Scholarship.