Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning

Student Guide

Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning

For Aalto students

This site contains the student study guide for the Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning. Here you will find the programme curriculum as well as detailed guidelines for planning your studies. All the materials and instructions are for all the majors of the programme. If you are interested in applying to the programme, follow the links at the bottom of the site to the application page.

Are you an applicant? View programme pages for applicants

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning is jointly organized by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Engineering. The programme is coordinated by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning prepares students to excel as professionals capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. Students learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skill and practice. The programme started in autumn 2017 as a joint programme of the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. There are two schools participating from Aalto: School of Arts, Design and Architecture and School of Engineering.

See all

Microscope image of wavy skin tissue layer, pink and purple cells forming dense clusters

Cooperation, Studies, University Published: 2.4.2026

Apply now: Bioengineering human tissue: Design, fabrication, analysis

Unite!’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on bioengineering human tissue combines online learning with hands-on training in Germany.

Group of friends sitting on grass reading books, near a stone building.

Studies Published: 1.4.2026

Languages, culture and communication courses in period V

The Language Centre offers a wide range of courses.

Studies Published: 1.4.2026

Supporting your study wellbeing, April 2026

Aalto offers self-study materials, guidance and services that support student wellbeing. Below you will find more about the services available and links to useful materials.

Opiskelijoita työskentelemässä. Kuva: Mikko Raskinen

Studies Published: 1.4.2026

See your programme's Student Guide pages for 2026–2027, 2027–2028 degree requirements

Check the changes and start planning your studies of the coming academic year! The curriculum information is published for applicants and students for planning the studies and familiarizing with the programmes.

See all

6.4.

Students 6.4.2026 10:00 – 11:30 (UTC +3)

Theses & Tomatoes: Start your studies with Pomodoro

Join us for guided studying and pick up tips for more effective work during Pomodoro sessions!

8.4.

Students 8.4.2026 13:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Career Design Lab: job search support

We will answer your questions about job hunting and provide feedback on your job application documents.

9.4.

Live-in-labs vierailu intialaisessa kylässä

Information sessions 9.4.2026 11:00 – 12:00 (UTC +3)

Info session: The Live-in-Labs® Program, Amrita University, India

Spend two weeks to six months in Indian villages. Design, test, and implement an affordable, comprehensive, and sustainable solution to the specified challenge. Gain first-hand knowledge along with the know-how of identifying and assessing community needs.