Study programme description for students
City and Regional Planning - Master
Facts
Studyprogram code M-BYUTV
Credits (ECTS) 120
Level Master's degree (2 years)
Leads to degree Master of City and Regional Planning (byplanlegging)
Full-/Part-time Full-time
Duration 4 semesters
Undergraduate No
Language of instruction English, Norwegian
The goal of this study programme is to educate students who are equipped with multi-disciplinary competences, with the ability to create and evaluate sustainable, functional, safe, and resilient urban infrastructure and communities. Graduates of the Master’s in City and Regional Planning develop advanced knowledge of urban and regional development processes, sustainable land use, and spatial design. They learn to lead interdisciplinary planning projects, apply analytical and digital tools such as GIS, and design inclusive, resilient environments. The programme also builds strong skills in communication, critical reflection, and innovation—preparing students for professional and research careers in Norway and internationally.
The programme integrates technical courses with design and social understanding. Placemaking, spatial analysis, conceptual development and design, as well as planning processes are central topics in this programme. The master's programme in City and Regional Planning focuses on shaping sustainable and robust urban infrastructure and communities, along with renewable energy solutions.
The target group for this study programme is planning-, civil engineering- or architecture students who are interested in combinations of design, technical and social issues. Experience with city/urban/spatial planning courses as well as traditional and digital graphic design and representation skills are highly recommended.
The language of instruction for the programme is English; however, some elective courses may be conducted in Norwegian.
Objectives, Content, and Organisation of the Study Programme
The study programme is a master's programme that runs over four semesters and covers 120 ECTS, resulting in a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning.
The programme includes 90 compulsory study points (ECTS) in oral, project-based, and report-based assignments focusing on planning theory, methods, design, and regional planning. In the third semester, students can choose either exchange visits abroad (30 ECTS) or one of three specializations (each 30 ECTS): “Sustainable Urban Development and Mobility,” “Renewable Urban Energy,” or “Safe and Resilient Cities.” During the final semester, students write a master’s thesis.
Details on teaching and learning methods, required literature, evaluation methods, and assessment criteria are provided in each course description.
The University of Stavanger strives to deliver all study programs as planned; however, it reserves the right to make adjustments should there be insufficient resources and/or student enrollment to ensure implementation. Over time, it is expected that both the academic content and the range of courses will evolve in response to developments within the discipline, advancements in technology, and broader societal changes.
Learning outcome
A graduate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
K1: Has advanced knowledge within city and regional planning, and specific insight into selected topics.
K2: Has in-depth knowledge about scientific theory and methods within city and regional planning.
K3: Can apply knowledge to new topics within city and regional planning.
K4: Can analyse relevant problems while taking planning history, traditions, methods and social responsibility into account.
K5: Can understand and evaluate technical and aesthetic aspects of existing urban environment as well as propose new ones.
Skills
S1: Can participate and lead interdisciplinary planning processes on city, region and neighbourhood scales.
S2: Can analyse a space in terms of topography, history, built environment and traffic.
S3: Can propose compound master plans and small-scale designs.
S4: Can shape sustainable, functional, safe and resilient environments.
S5: Can critically assess consequences associated with proposed land use, building development and transport plans.
General Competence
G1: Can analyse professional, theoretical and research-ethical problems.
G2: Can apply knowledge and skills to new areas in order to implement advanced tasks and projects.
G3: Can convey extensive pieces of independent work and master planning terminology –orally, written and graphically.
G4: Can communicate planning problems, analyses and conclusions, to both experts and the public.
G5: Can critically assess and reflect on literature and projects on city and regional planning.
G6: Can contribute to original thinking and innovation.
Career prospects
The programme’s combination of courses in technology, design, and social sciences give students a wide skillset, and thus a large spectrum of job opportunities. Typical examples include:
- public administration (municipalities, county authorities, government agencies, and ministries)
- private consulting firms (architectural offices and urban development companies, planning and engineering consultancies, construction and contractors, property developers and housing developers)
- research institutions, universities and colleges
A degree in City and Regional Planning provides a basis for work with:
- preparation of land-use and zoning plans in accordance with the Norwegian Planning and Building Act
- design of public spaces and regional development
- decision support through studies and analyses
- climate adaptation and nature-based solutions
- smart city development and digital tools
- public participation and citizen dialogue
- project management in development projects
Course assessment
Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality system for educationStudyplan with courses
Student exchange
Schedule for the exchange
Students can go on a study abroad experience during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in City and Regional Planning. This semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of electives. During the exchange semester you can choose courses similar the master program specialisation. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the subjects/ courses from abroad do not overlap with courses you have already taken.
More opportunities
In addition to the recommended universities, The University of Stavanger has several agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at The University of Stavanger, provided that they find a relevant course offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.
Contact your student adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses.
General questions about exchange:
Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk
See where you can travel
Contact information
Faculty of Science and Technology, tel. 51 83 17 00, e-mail: post-tn@uis.no
Study Adviser: Sabrina Ebenhoch
