Urbanization is an irreversible global trend involving a multitude of social, economic, environmental and spatial aspects.

While urbanization is widely accepted as an indicator for economic development, its pace and impact on social and spatial conditions pose unprecedented challenges to both politicians and professionals.

The experience of the past decades has shown that conventional concepts of urban planning and development based on control and investment in key infrastructure have not been adequate to cope with the rapid changes, financial constraints, high population growth, increasing urban poverty, informal land development and the adverse environmental impacts of urbanization.

In recent years local and national governments in collaboration with development agencies have made progress in developing flexible and action- oriented strategies that emphasize on the interconnectivity of sectors, without denying the importance of sectoral measures. Such strategies integrate a wide range of actors that usually work in isolation from or even compete with each other (e.g. the private sector, NGOs, CBOs and local governments).

International development organizations such as the German GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), UNDP or the World Bank have been supporting these efforts in many countries. These new concepts are based on an approach that borrows from management and governance theories and take into account which resources are available for implementation.

In most countries the development of human resources did not keep pace with the challenges of urbanization. This has led to an increasing demand for specialized training for administrators, decision makers as well as planners. In response to this demand the Berlin University of Technology, Faculty VI, offers the three-semester Master Course in Urban Management. It has a focus on development situations in the South and transition countries.

The course urban management offers training in management approaches that cross the boundaries of isolated professional knowledge and aims to present workable solutions for city management. The issues addressed are related to the most urgent problems of urban development in many countries, including environmental degradation, uncontrolled urban growth, insecure land tenure, substandard housing conditions for the urban poor, and inadequate decision making and local planning systems. Teaching draws on case studies and experience gained by local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. German language courses are offered throughout the first year. The course language is English.

The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 30 people per course. Most of the students come from non-European countries. Graduates from Germany and other EU countries planning a career in development organizations are also invited to apply. The internationally recognized and accreditated Master of Science Degree in Urban Management is awarded for the successful completion of the program. This degree also provides eligibility to register for PhD programmes in Germany and the rest of Europe.

Course outline

The duration of the Master Course is 3 semesters including a master thesis. Two semesters are reserved for classes at the Technical University Berlin. The third semester is dedicated to further specialization and the preparation of a master thesis. Topics addressing issues derived from problems in the students’ home countries are encouraged. The program also involves internships in relevant institutions in Germany or abroad:

1st semester:
creating a common knowledge base including subjects such as urbanization history and theory, concepts of sustainable development, public administration and management, planning and management methodology, urban economics, urban planning.

2nd semester:
creating knowledge in core areas of urban management, including subjects such as land management, environmental management, financial management, urban planning techniques, traffic and transportation management, management of infrastructure and public services, urban water, housing.

3rd semester:
thesis preparation. Theses may be prepared in the participants' home countries with supervision via internet.

Internships:
Details available on request.

Academic and professional requirements

The Master Course in Urban Management is open for graduates from any country and from various disciplines. Requirements are:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in urban development-related fields
• At least 2 years practical experience in a field related to urban management
• TOEFL score of no less than 213 (computer-based), 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based), IELTS Grade 6, or equivalent for non-native speakers

Tuition fees, costs and scholarships

The fee is € 11,000 for three semesters. It covers the teaching lessons and materials, field trips as part of the regular program and the use of services of the TU Berlin such as library and computer facilities. A list of possible scholarships can be found on the homepage of the program.

Deadline for application

Application Deadline for the Urban Management Masters Course starting October:  April 30th every year. Please visit our website for application form and further information.

International, postgraduate Master: Science [M.Sc.]

The city of Berlin as a hub of learning in Central Europe

With three prestigious universities and numerous other educational institutions, Berlin is a centre of academic life in Germany. The city of Berlin has undergone far-reaching changes in the aftermath of the re-unification of the country. Through its location and history the German capital is a major hub for learning as well as economic and cultural development in Central and Eastern Europe. Living and studying in this vibrant urban centre offers an opportunity to actively participate in European urban culture and learn from the experience of dealing with a bustling metropolis.

Berlin University of Technology, Faculty VI

TU Berlin Faculty VI is actively involved in the training of foreign experts since 1990. The Urban Management Program is institutionally linked to the Habitat Unit, to the Institute for Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and to the Institute for Urban and Regional Planning and benefits from their contacts and experience. Both institutions cooperate intensively in teaching and research with national and international development agencies as well as with individuals and institutions in Latin America, Asia and Africa.