Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies (SPRING) Master’s Programme
An interdisciplinary Master’s programme in urban and regional planning with a global, postcolonial perspective.
Best for:Best for graduates in spatial/regional planning or related fields with a passion for global urban development, postcolonial theory, and hands-on fieldwork in emerging economies.
Overview
The SPRING Master’s programme at TU Dortmund University offers a two-year, joint-degree opportunity in spatial planning, combining theoretical and practical training in urban and regional development. Students study at TU Dortmund in the first year, then spend the second year at one of five partner universities in Ghana, Tanzania, the Philippines, Brazil, or Chile. The curriculum integrates postcolonial planning approaches, climate resilience, and participatory strategies, preparing graduates to address urbanisation, globalisation, and climate change in diverse contexts. Fieldwork and research workshops in partner countries form a core component, ensuring hands-on experience in regional planning challenges. This programme is ideal for professionals and graduates seeking to specialise in comparative urban planning with a focus on equity and sustainability.
What you'll do
- Develop and critically analyse urban and regional planning concepts using postcolonial and comparative lenses.
- Conduct field research and participatory planning workshops in partner countries (Ghana, Tanzania, Philippines, Brazil, Chile).
- Translate socio-economic needs into spatially informed policies, projects, and programmes for diverse target groups.
- Design and implement climate-resilient land-use and infrastructure plans tailored to rapidly urbanising regions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate informal city-making practices into formal planning processes.
- Write and defend a Master’s thesis based on research conducted during the second-year fieldwork.
- Engage in cross-cultural exchanges and comparative analyses of planning systems across global contexts.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in spatial planning, regional planning, urban planning, or a related discipline with a planning-relevant focus, with significantly above-average grades.
Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)
Language: English proficiency at B2 level (or equivalent); official certificate required (e.g., TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS Academic 5.5).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic or professional experience in planning-related fields.
- Strong commitment to regional development planning and equity-focused urban policies.
- Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with urbanisation challenges in global south contexts (preferred but not mandatory).
- Basic proficiency in research methods and data analysis for planning applications.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No German language skills required.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior residency requirements.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2024-03-01
Applicants must submit their materials via email to the programme coordinator. Required documents include a completed application form, Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Additional materials may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- Completed application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (B2 level)
- Statement of purpose (motivation letter)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of professional experience (if applicable)
Contact
SPRING Programme Coordinator· Application Contact
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