© Stefan Heiland

Environmental Planning, M.Sc.

Program overview

Our environment is constantly changing. Humans and nature must continually adapt - whether due to the increase in greenhouse gases, the decrease in biodiversity, or the growing use of area in urban spaces. Environmental planning offers methods and tools to react to these changes. The objective is to coordinate our standards and requirements when it comes to nature and landscape in an efficient and environmentally compatible way. 

In the English-language, international master’s program in Environmental Planning, you will look at these challenges with a strong interdisciplinary focus, whereby ecological, design, social scientific, engineering, and planning scientific contents all play a role. During your studies, you will also benefit from TU Berlin's many cooperation agreements with partners in the public and private sectors.

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Credit points120
Program start Winter semester
Admission Restricted admission
Language of instruction English

Admission requirements

The formal admission requirement for the consecutive master’s program in Environmental Planning is a first university degree in ecology and environmental planning, ecology, environmental planning, landscape planning, landscape architecture, urban and regional planning, geography (with a focus on physical geography and geographic information systems), environmental sciences, ecology/nature conservation, urban space planning, environmental policies, or a closely related subject. In the degree programs listed or closely related programs, you must be able to show proof of coursework totaling at least 90 credit points in modules related to the environment and planning at the time of your application.

The Environmental Planning master’s program is taught in English. Applicants are therefore required to provide proof of English skills at CEFR level C1 or equivalent. Proof of German skills is not required. Foreign applicants are advised to acquire basic German skills, however, before beginning the study program.

You can find more information about the application, admission, and selection procedures in the application and admission regulations of the degree program (see the link "Study and examination regulations").

Program structure

The projects are a key element of the program. Work on projects is done both in the project group (plenary) and in research groups. The project serves to teach and practice analytical tools (theories, methods, techniques) and develop model solutions on the levels of planning, society, construction, design, and planning policy. It is supported by the degree program’s other courses. The project work also includes carrying out excursions.

The master’s program in Environmental Planning is divided into compulsory, compulsory elective, and elective components. The compulsory component totals 78 credit points, which include two projects and the master’s thesis. The compulsory elective component includes 24 credit points and is divided into the core and complementary areas. The elective component encompasses 18 credit points.

By choosing project topics and the modules in the core area, you can set your own focus in the course of your studies. There is also a supplementary area offering you a chance to select modules that are either closely related to the subject or are interdisciplinary and meaningfully round off or expand your own focus.

The objectives and further structure of the program as well as the examination requirements and details on how the examinations are carried out are set down in the study and examination regulations. 

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. You can find it as an annex to the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Environmental Planning consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats like lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module. 

 A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the content, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, type of assessment, and much more.

The module catalogue is based on the study and exam regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

An internship is not a compulsory component of the program.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of study abroad or internships. General information concerning stays abroad is available from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) or the Career Service (internships abroad).

Acquired skills

In the master’s program in Environmental Planning, you will gain the following competences and skills: 

  • Understanding of processes in planning and environmental assessments in Europe and around the world as well as knowledge of
  • spatial environmental planning and the tools for carrying out plans and environmental assessments, 
  • application of the key guidelines and sector policies of the European Community relevant to environmental planning, 
  • important links to ecological, landscaped architectonic, and socio-scientific areas as well as
  • knowledge about possibilities for continuing and new developments in European environmental regulations. 

You will also expand your team skills, confidence and communication, social and leadership skills, and factual assertiveness.

After your studies

The master’s program in Environmental Planning enables you to take on positions of responsibility in European and international planning offices and think tanks, public administration such as ministries and subordinate authorities, but also for academic-scientific careers in the areas of environment, landscape, and planning. After completing the program, you are able to work on research projects and take on leadership, management, and development tasks. You can also continue on with a doctorate to gain qualifications for research and teaching.

Further information & downloads

Website of the Degree Program

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board

Subject-specific Counseling and Services

Office of Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty

 

General guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs