At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
pl
Language
Master's
Level
- Master's DegreeDegree Awarded
- Interdisciplinary ApproachStudy Focus
- ZIP 2.0 Program OpportunitiesAdditional Benefits
- Career in Urban Planning & DevelopmentEmployability
- Study Locations: Krakowskie Przedmieście CampusCampus Facilities
Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary Master's program that focuses on the complex dynamics of urban development in a rapidly changing world. This program equips you with knowledge and skills to analyze contemporary urban issues from economic, spatial, social, and environmental perspectives. It is designed to enhance your competitiveness in the job market by preparing you for research and practical roles in urban planning, spatial management, public administration, and social development institutions. This program is part of the "Integrated Development of Didactics - ZIP 2.0" program, co-financed by the European Social Fund. This funding provides opportunities for additional activities, such as workshops with practitioners, international team collaboration, research trips, tutoring, and professional mentoring, all aimed at fostering your passion and competencies for the modern labor market. The curriculum combines approaches from social sciences (geography, economics, sociology, political science), humanities (history, cultural studies), and natural sciences (earth and environmental sciences). You will engage with modern teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, project work, and research collaborations with faculty, preparing you for a dynamic career in understanding and shaping urban environments.
Curriculum
The program is structured in a modular format. The first year focuses on common subjects that introduce the core concepts and research methods in urban studies. In the second year, you will specialize in one of three modules: economic-political, spatial, or social. While specialization occurs, interdisciplinary elements and integration within the student group are maintained through shared classes.
- Year 1
- Introduction to Urban Studies
- Research Methods in Urban Studies
- Common core subjects across disciplines
- Year 2
- Module: Economic-Political
- Module: Spatial
- Module: Social
- Selected common subjects
Careers
Graduates of Urban Studies are prepared for diverse roles in both public and private sectors, equipped with a deep understanding of contemporary urban challenges and development strategies.
- Urban Planning Departments (Central Government)
- Spatial Development Agencies
- Local Government Units
- Institutions for Strategic Planning (Territorial Arrangements)
- Organizations managing EU Funds
- Spatial Planning Companies
- Research and Development Institutions
- Business-Administration and Business-Science Relations Organizations
- Social Development Institutions
- Local and Regional Strategy Firms
- Social Research Companies
- Cultural Institutions
- Consulting and Advisory Firms
- Development Agencies
- Aid Organizations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Urban Studies Master's program?
- You need a Bachelor's, Master's, or Engineer's degree or an equivalent qualification in any field. Admission is based on an essay, an interview, and the evaluation of your undergraduate diploma.
- How do I apply for the Urban Studies Master's program?
- Applications are submitted online through the University of Warsaw's Internet Recruitment of Candidates (IRK) system. You will need to register, submit an application form with an essay, and attend an interview.
- What is the application deadline for the Urban Studies program?
- The registration period in the IRK system for the 2026/2027 academic year is from June 9, 2026, to July 9, 2026.
- What is the tuition fee for international students?
- Tuition fee information for academic years 2021-2027 is available via downloadable PDF documents, but specific amounts for the 2026/2027 academic year are not directly listed.
- What is the structure and duration of the Urban Studies Master's program?
- The program is a two-year Master's degree. The first year covers common subjects and research methods, while the second year allows specialization in economic-political, spatial, or social modules.
- What career opportunities are available for graduates of Urban Studies?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in urban planning departments, spatial development agencies, local government units, research institutions, consulting firms, and various public and private sector organizations.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's Degree or equivalentCandidates must hold a Bachelor's, Master's, or Engineer's degree or an equivalent qualification in any field.
Admission is based on a point system including an essay demonstrating scientific interests, an interview justifying the choice of studies, and the evaluation of the undergraduate diploma. For candidates with foreign diplomas, assessments will be converted to the University of Warsaw scale. Specific details for foreigners from outside the EU/EFTA/OECD or those whose diplomas require recognition are not fully detailed but follow the same principles as Polish diploma holders, with necessary conversions.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Tuition fees and payment information for academic years 2021-2027 are available via downloadable PDF documents. Specific amounts for the 2026/2027 academic year are not directly listed on the provided pages.
How to apply
1. Register in IRKCreate an account on the Internet Recruitment of Candidates (IRK) portal. This account will be used for submitting applications, uploading documents, and receiving communication from the university.
2. Submit Application and EssayComplete the online application form. Prepare an essay (in PDF format) consisting of two parts: one addressing contemporary urban development issues and the other outlining your scientific interests. Upload the essay to your IRK account during the registration period.
3. InterviewAn interview will be conducted, based on your submitted essay, to assess your motivation and justification for choosing the Urban Studies program.
4. Diploma EvaluationYour undergraduate diploma will be evaluated for its overall grade. For foreign diplomas, grades will be converted to the University of Warsaw's grading scale.
5. Ranking and AdmissionAdmission is based on a cumulative score from the essay, interview, and diploma evaluation. Candidates are ranked, and places are offered to those with the highest scores.
6. Submit Original DocumentsIf admitted, you will be required to submit original copies of your documents within specified deadlines.
Scholarships
Integrated Development of Didactics - ZIP 2.0 ProgramFunding available for additional opportunities
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Urban Studies Master's program?
+
You need a Bachelor's, Master's, or Engineer's degree or an equivalent qualification in any field. Admission is based on an essay, an interview, and the evaluation of your undergraduate diploma.
How do I apply for the Urban Studies Master's program?
+
Applications are submitted online through the University of Warsaw's Internet Recruitment of Candidates (IRK) system. You will need to register, submit an application form with an essay, and attend an interview.
What is the application deadline for the Urban Studies program?
+
The registration period in the IRK system for the 2026/2027 academic year is from June 9, 2026, to July 9, 2026.
What is the tuition fee for international students?
+
Tuition fee information for academic years 2021-2027 is available via downloadable PDF documents, but specific amounts for the 2026/2027 academic year are not directly listed.
What is the structure and duration of the Urban Studies Master's program?
+
The program is a two-year Master's degree. The first year covers common subjects and research methods, while the second year allows specialization in economic-political, spatial, or social modules.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of Urban Studies?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in urban planning departments, spatial development agencies, local government units, research institutions, consulting firms, and various public and private sector organizations.