phd in urban planning in sweden

PhD programmes

When you apply for a phd programme in sweden, you’re actually applying for a job. yeah, you read that right. 👀.

“Do a master’s here – I’d say it’s a very good step to doing a PhD in Sweden. I did my master’s at Malmö University and now I’m doing a PhD at Lund University” – Sanjay, Malmö University. Photo: Oskar Omne

So that means – no tuition fees, no scholarships. But you’ll receive a monthly salary instead. Nice, eh? And that’s why available PhD positions are listed on a university’s job board.

How to apply for a PhD position? You’ll apply directly to the university.

Just so you know, there’s no centralised application process. And things like requirements and application dates? This kind of stuff is decided by each department. But we do know that you’ll need to have a master’s degree – in the same field of study – and a great level of English to apply for a PhD here. You might even need to be fluent in Swedish. But that’ll depend on the subject.

+ - Find a PhD at a Swedish university

• PhD at Blekinge Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Chalmers University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Dalarna University ↗️
• PhD at Halmstad University ↗️
• PhD at Jönköping University ↗️
• PhD at KTH Royal Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Karlstad University ↗️
• PhD at Karolinska Institutet ↗️
• PhD at Konstfack ↗️
• PhD at Linköping University ↗️
• PhD at Linnaeus University ↗️
• PhD at Luleå University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Lund University ↗️
• PhD at Malmö University ↗️
• PhD at Marie Cederschiöld University ↗️
• PhD at Mälardalen University ↗️
• PhD at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm School of Economics ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University of the Arts ↗️
• PhD at the Swedish Defence University ↗️
• PhD at Södertörn University ↗️
• PhD at Umeå University ↗️
• PhD at University College Stockholm ↗️
• PhD at University West ↗️
• PhD at University of Borås ↗️
• PhD at University of Gothenburg ↗️
• PhD at University of Gävle ↗️
• PhD at University of Skövde ↗️
• PhD at Uppsala University ↗️
• PhD at Örebro University ↗️

+ - Find other academic positions in Sweden

• University Positions ↗️
• Academic Positions ↗️
• EURAXESS academic positions in Europe ↗️

+ - Useful info about research

• CORDIS ↗️ – EU Research and Information Service
• EURAXESS information ↗️ – Portal for information and practical assistance for researchers moving to Sweden
• Formas ↗️ – The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
• Swedish Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare ↗️
• Swedish Research Council ↗️
• Vinnova — Sweden’s Innovation Agency ↗️ – An organisation that integrates research and development in technology, transport and working life
• Handbook for International Researchers ↗️ – Stockholm University’s handbook for international researchers

• 👩🏽‍🎓 Beyond the master's: a PhD?
• Find a research position at a Swedish university ↗️

PhD studies at Stockholm University

Stockholm University stands as an attractive destination for those considering PhD studies. With a strong commitment to research excellence and a growing network of international collaborations, the university offers a favourable environment for advanced research and academic growth.

Stockholm University has a long tradition of research excellence spanning various fields of study, both in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Many faculty members are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, producing influential research that addresses pressing global challenges and contributing to the shaping of industries, policies and societies.

Doctoral students are employees

Moreover, Stockholm University recognizes international collaborations as an essential part of scientific research, thus actively fosters partnerships with esteemed institutions and scholars from around the world. This global perspective enriches the academic experience for PhD candidates, providing valuable insights and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.

• Stockholm University is one of the 100 highest-ranked universities in the world and one of the top 50 universities in Europe
• We offer a wide range of research subjects within science and human science
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education in Sweden
• Doctoral students are employees at SU and  receive salary and other standard benefits of employment.

Available PhD positions

As the academia constitutes the cradle of knowledge, I am proud of being part of this community which actively contributes in the generation of innovative ideas which target to solve everyday problems. I also enjoy the close connection to the industry in Sweden.

- Varvara Apostolopoulou Kalkavoura

Read the full interview with Varvara

Doctoral studies in Sweden

Our doctoral studies take four years and result in a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the highest academic degree in Sweden. During this period you will both take advanced courses in your field of interest and work in a original research project.  However, after two years, you might have the possibility to take an intermediate degree of licentiate.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to PhD studies, you need to meet the general entry requirements, the specific entry requirements, and have the ability to successfully complete your studies.

General entry requirements include a completed master’s degree from a Swedish university or at least 240 higher education credits including at least 60 at the master’s level, or the corresponding international equivalents.

Institutions may have specific eligibility requirements. Verify the requirements for your area of interest with the relevant institution.

How to apply

One thing that differentiates PhD programmes at Stockholm University and Sweden from those elsewhere is that most of our PhD students are treated like full employees of the university. PhD positions are posted alongside other jobs on our website and applications are made for specific positions. PhD positions can be announced once or twice per year, depending on funding availability.

Before sending your application, you can check the department’s website for further information about the faculty and the possibilities connected with the PhD position. You can also find specific information about the application process in the announce for the position, along with the contact person if you have further questions.

There is usually an opportunity to apply for doctoral studies both in the autumn and spring. On the institutions' websites about doctoral studies, you can find the specific dates applicable to that institution. You can also see the current doctoral positions advertised. 

Find available PhD vacancies at Stockholm University

Funding and financing doctoral studies

In most cases, doctoral students are treated as employees at Stockholm University, which means they receive a salary and other standard benefits of employment.  There is even the possibility for you to extend your period of studies by working with teaching or administrative tasks within your department, up to 20% of a full-time position, which can result in a full extra year of employment as PhD student.

However, it is possible to pursue doctoral studies at Stockholm University also in case you have an external scholarship or special agreement with a company or other external employers. In these special cases, you will be subject to your employer-specific conditions only, and be considered solely a student at Stockholm University.

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you are an international student from a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland and you plan to pursue a PhD in Sweden, you will need a residence permit to study in the country. The residence permit is required for stays longer than three months.

You will find more information on the Swedish Migration Agency's website:

Residence permit for doctoral studies

Faculty information

Faculty of science.

Research at the Faculty of Science covers broad knowledge areas, ranging from the elementary particles of atomic nuclei to the outermost limits of the universe, for example. Several of the faculty's institutions have been behind discoveries and scientific breakthroughs that receive recognition worldwide.

The Stockholm University BioResearch School organizes PhD courses for students at any of the Biology departments at SU no matter their subject area.

Stockholm University BioResearch School

Faculty of Humanities

Research in the humanities maintains high quality, with a wide range of subjects, allowing university researchers to engage in collaborative efforts across scientific domains. Philosophy, history, art and literary studies, journalism, linguistics, and Swedish as a second language for the deaf are examples of subjects in which research is conducted.

Those admitted to doctoral education have the opportunity to participate in the Faculty of Humanities Research School.

Faculty of Humanities Research School

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law achieves nationally leading and internationally outstanding research. The researcher's freedom characterizes the scientific work. Legal discussions are expected to be lively, open, and ongoing.

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences conducts qualified and high-quality research within its various established disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields. Strong connections to current challenges for society and politics generate central research questions.

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers doctoral education courses for those admitted to an institution belonging to the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Doctoral Education Courses

Research subjects at Stockholm University

Research infrastructures at Stockholm University

The departments provide education at the PhD level

The individual departments often publish specific information doctoral studies programmes at their respective website.  All institutions offering education at the PhD level are categorized into the following fields: humanities, languages, social sciences, and law, as well as natural sciences.

Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

• General Archaeology
• Ancient Culture and Society
• Laboratory Archaeology
• Osteoarchaeology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

• Languages and Cultures of Asia
• Languages and Cultures of the Middle East

Doctoral studies at the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Department of Culture and Aesthetics

• History of Ideas
• Art History
• Literary Studies
• Theatre Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Fashion Studies
• Film Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Culture and Aesthetics

Department of History

Doctoral studies at the Department of History

Department of Philosophy

• Practical Philosophy
• Theoretical Philosophy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Philosophy

Department of Teaching and Learning

• Didactics of Mathematics
• Didactics of Natural Sciences
• Language Didactics
• Subject Didactics with a focus on the didactics of aesthetic, humanistic, or social science subjects

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learning

Department of English

Doctoral studies at the Department of English

Department of Linguistics

• Linguistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Linguistics

Department of Romance and Classical Languages

• Romance Languages
• Classical Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Romance and Classical Languages

Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

• Baltic Languages
• Slavic Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

• Nordic Languages
• Bilingualism
• Translation Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

Social sciences and law

Department of child and youth studies.

• Child and Youth Studies
• Preschool Didactics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Child and Youth Studies

Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

• Computer and Systems Sciences
• Information Society

Doctoral studies at the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

Department of Criminology

• Criminology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Criminology

Department of Economic History and International Relations

• Economic History
• International Relations

Doctoral studies at the Department of Economic History and International Relations

Department of Economics

Doctoral studies is provided in collaboration with:

Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES)

Swedish institute for social research (sofi).

Programs at the doctoral level at the Department of Economics

Department of Education 

Doctoral studies at the Department of Education

Department of Human Geography

• Geography with a Cultural Geography focus

Doctoral studies at the Department of Human Geography

Department of Political Science

• Political Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Political Science

Department of Psychology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Psychology

Department of Public Health Sciences

• Public Health Sciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Public Health Science

Department of Social Anthropology

• Social Anthropology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Anthropology

Department of Sociology

• Sociological Demography

Studies at the doctoral level at the Department of Sociology

Department of Social Work

• Social Work

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Work

Department of Special Education

• Special Education

Doctoral studies at the Department of Special Education

Department of Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learnin

• International Economics
• Research and higher education in economics

Doctoral studies in Economics

Stockholm Business School

• Business Administration
• Financial Economics

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Business School

• Doctoral candidates at SOFI are enrolled in either the Department of Sociology or the Department of Economics.

Doctoral studies at the Swedish Institute for Social Research

Department of Law

• Jurisprudence

Doctoral studies at the Department of Law  

Natural Sciences

Department of ecology, environment and plant sciences.

• Ecology and Evolution
• Ecotoxicology
• Marine Biology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Systematics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences  

Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

• Molecular Biosciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

Department of Zoology

• Functional Zoomorphology
• Population Genetics
• Zoological Ecology
• Zoological Systematics and Evolution

Doctoral studies at the Department of Zoology

Stockholm Resilience Centre

• Sustainability Science

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Resilience Centre

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department of geological sciences.

• Geochemistry
• Marine Geology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Geological Sciences  

Department of Environmental Science

• Environmental Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Environmental Science

Department of Physical Geography

• Physical Geography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physical Geography

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Biophysics

• Biochemistry
• Biochemistry towards bioinformatics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics  

Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Neurochemistry with Molecular biology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry  

Department of Organic Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Organic Chemistry

Math/Physics

Department of physics.

• Chemical Physics
• Medical Radiation Physics
• Theoretical Physics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physics  

Department of Astronomy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Astronomy  

Department of Mathematics

• Computational Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Mathematics

Department of Meteorology

• Atmospheric Science and Oceanography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Meteorology

For a general study plan in any natural science subject, please contact  [email protected].

The graduation ceremony

Every year, over 200 PhD students defend their thesis at Stockholm Universit, and get a chance to celebrate their achievement at the Stockholm City Hall.

Opportunities abroad for PhD students

There are several ways to participate in international mobility experiences during your PhD studies.

Find possible exchange opportunities for PhD students here

Available PhD Student Positions

On the employee web portal PhD students will find more detailed information about the dissertation defence process .

Last updated: February 6, 2024

Source: Offices of Human Science and Science, Communications Office and Student Services

15 Best universities for Urban and Regional planning in Sweden

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Sweden ranked based on their research performance in Urban and Regional planning. A graph of 85.1K citations received by 3.53K academic papers made by 15 universities in Sweden was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Lund University

For Urban and Regional planning

2. Stockholm University

3. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

4. University of Gothenburg

5. Uppsala University

6. Umea University

7. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

8. Chalmers University of Technology

9. Linkoping University

10. Jonkoping University

11. Malmo University

12. Stockholm School of Economics

13. Lulea University of Technology

14. Mid Sweden University

15. Blekinge Institute of Technology

The best cities to study Urban and Regional planning in Sweden based on the number of universities and their ranks are Lund , Stockholm , Gothenburg , and Uppsala .

Environmental Science subfields in Sweden

Architecture and Civil Engineering

Urban design and planning.

The Urban Design and Planning division researches and educates in urban design and planning in all scales, from single urban spaces to larger urban landscape and entire regions, with its’ main focus on built environment in relation to sustainable development. Cities and regions today are facing great challenges regarding sustainable development, with ongoing large scale urban development projects and a need to handle societal challenges such as climate change, urbanisation processes, increasing regional imbalance, segregation and gentrification processes. Thus, cities and regions today face large challenges that architects and planners need to handle in their daily practice and there is a great need for new knowledge within the field.

In our research and education, three complementary knowledge traditions meet: 

• Practice based knowledge and generative methods, focusing on developing sustainable urban design and planning solutions
• Quantitative, analytical methods, focusing on describing effects of different urban strategies
• Critical, interpreting methods, focusing on understanding the built environment in a broader societal context.

The research activities of the division is mainly conducted within, but also cross, three research groups:

Urban and Regional Transformations

The Urban and Regional Transformations research group, focusing on spatial inequalities and uneven geographic development using both discursive and spatial approaches

The Spatial Morphology Group (SMoG)

SMoG is concerned with the interaction between form (the built environment) and society (people, processes) using methods and theories central to spatial morphology, space syntax, urban analytics and informatics.

The Dialogue in urban complexity research group, focusing on compact cities from different perspectives, such as spatial analysis, systems thinking, actor network theory, complexity theory, social inclusion and regenerative design.

The division educates in urban design and planning on the bachelor and master level. The education in urban design and planning led by the division addresses contemporary and complex urban design and planning issues with the overall goal to develop the students’ ability to describe, analyse and form sustainable urban design and planning solutions. On the master level, the division is responsible for two master studios within the master program Architecture and Urban Design; Architecture and Urban Space Design and Spatial Morphology studio , and two master studios within the master program Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability; Planning and Design in a Local Context and Planning and Design for Social Inclusion .

Altogether, the different research and educational areas illuminate contemporary urban design and planning issues from a broad perspective, focusing on both the political reality of power relations and the concrete design of the built environment.

Head of Division

• Head of Division , Urban Design and Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering
• [email protected]
• +46 76 856 48 79
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PhD student position in Urban Design and Planning

--1-12738 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description We invite applications for a full-time PhD position in the Division of Urban design and Planning

PhD student position in Agricultural and Food Economics

to a PhD thesis and take PhD courses (90 credits). This PhD position is part of the research programme Mistra Food Futures, the largest research programme on sustainable and resilient food systems in

PhD candidate in landscape planning with a focus on digital twins

, planning and management is part of the Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Crop Production Sciences (LTV). The department is organised in four subject areas: Design of urban landscapes

. As a PhD student in economics, you will carry out supervised research leading to a PhD thesis and take PhD courses (90 credits). This PhD position is part of the research programme Mistra Food Futures

Crop Production Sciences (LTV). The department is organised in four subject areas: Design of urban landscapes, Landscape planning , Landscape governance and management and Urban vegetation

PhD student position in Food Science - Hybrid Plant-based foods

Sweden Application Deadline 25 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme ? Not funded by an EU programme Reference

PhD student position in Innovation systems of..

Application Deadline 25 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme ? Not funded by an EU programme Reference Number 304

PhD position in Circularization of the Construction Industry

, urban planning , industrial ecology, or another field relevant to the description of the project, and a strong interest in urban sustainability. We are seeking a self-motivated candidate with analytical

Doctoral position in Technology

mitigation and resource use efficiency of rooftop greenhouses for urban food production Research subject: Technology Description: The PhD work aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the climate

PhD student in biochemistry/structural biology with focus on biotechnology

16 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme ? Not funded by an EU programme Reference Number 1035--1-34138 Is

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Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning

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Students in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning are enrolled in and receive their degree from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, even though they may work primarily with faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

This program is ideal for individuals wishing to enter teaching and advanced research careers in the history and theory of architecture, architectural technology, landscape architecture, and urban form from antiquity to the present or the analysis and development of the built environment from a social, economic, technological, and ecological standpoint.

Program cohorts are small, enabling close one-to-one contact with faculty. In this interdisciplinary program, you will interact with a wide range of Harvard departments including History of Art and Architecture, Art Film and Visual Studies, Anthropology, American Studies, and the History of Science as well as the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Projects former students have worked on include Constructing Classicism: Architectural Theory, Practice, and Expertise in Paris (1670-1720) ; Prehistory of the Digital: Architecture becomes Programming, 1935-1990 ; Private Projects, Public Ambitions: Large-Scale, Middle-Income Housing in New York City ; The Well-Fed Subject: Modern Architecture in the Quantitative State, India (1943-1984) ; Britain’s Imperial Prospects and the Aesthetic Origins of the Scenographia Americana .

Most graduates have gone on to secure faculty positions at schools such as Columbia, Bard, Yale, MIT, Northeastern, UC Berkeley, Emory, and University of North Carolina and abroad at the University of Toronto, McGill University, The Courtauld, University of Basel, and Sweden Royal Institute of Technology.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the PhD Program in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the PhD Program in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning .

Academic Background

A professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning is recommended but not required. Applicants are required to indicate a proposed major subject of study that is congruent with the interests and expertise of at least one member of the PhD standing committee.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required as part of the application and can be a paper written for a course, journal article, and/or thesis excerpt and no longer than 20 pages. The writing sample should focus on a subject related to architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning.

Please note: Unless a specific justification is provided by the applicant, design portfolios are not typically considered as part of the application.

Standardized Tests

GRE: Not Accepted

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning

See list of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Call for applications - 4 PhD positions in Urban Planning, Design and Policy at Politecnico di Milano

A call is now open for applications for four open subject positions (of which three fully funded with scholarships) in the PhD programme of Urban Planning, Design and Policy (39th PhD cycle) at Politecnico di Milano. All scholarships cover three years of study and research starting from September 2023. 

The PhD programme in Urban planning, design and policy aims to explore the impact of contemporary urban change and understand how it can be governed through planning, design and policy-making activities. The programme focuses on territorial, social, economic and institutional transformations in contemporary cities. It aims at addressing the latter as a complex of intertwined phenomena, which calls for new governance, planning and design approaches. By fostering a dialogue with the best international schools, this programme is the place for research and innovative approaches to urban studies, spatial planning and urban design. PhD candidates are encouraged to reflect upon traditional and innovative practices in these fields by participating in research activities concerning cities and regions, and paying attention to international comparison. This approach is fostered through the organization of international seminars and an internship period at one of the research institutes, universities or public agencies that make up the international network of the programme.

The application for admission to the competition and related attached documentation must be drawn up and entered exclusively in digital form by 26th May 2023, 02 PM (Italian Time C.E.T.). Information about the application procedure, required qualifications and conditions of employment is available at:  https://www.dottorato.polimi.it/en/prospective-phd-candidates/calls-and-regulations/39-cycle/39th-cycle-phdcall-2023-24-starting-september-2023

April 29, 2024

URBDP PhD Student is Awarded Microsoft AI Fellowship

Haoyu Yue, a second-year PhD student in the Interdisciplinary PhD program in Urban Design and Planning, was recently awarded a prestigious Microsoft Research AI & Society Fellowship, making him the first to receive this award from the field of urban design and planning.

You can find more information about Haoyu’s fellowship award here .

Recent Posts

• Climate Change Publication Addresses Interplay Between Urban Impacts on Climate, Biodiversity, and Society April 29, 2024
• URBDP PhD Student is Awarded Microsoft AI Fellowship April 29, 2024
• Research Seminar Brendan Wallace – April 23 April 18, 2024
• Research Seminar March 26 – Youyang You March 25, 2024
• Research Seminar February 27 – Zeyu Wang February 20, 2024

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MSc Sustainable Urban Planning and Design

The master's programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design focuses on the correlation between the built environment and social, economic and institutional forces. Students gain a profound and broad understanding of the multiple factors in sustainable urban development. Project work provides students with strong practical skills. Graduates have the expertise to adapt planning and design practices to the environmental conditions and societal needs of the future.

Application deadlines for studies starting 2024

16 October (2023): Application opens 15 January: Last day to apply 1 February:  Submit documents and, if required, pay application fee 21 March:  Admission results announced August: Arrival and study start

Next application round

Application for studies starting next year opens in October. Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll remind you when it opens.

Sustainable Urban Planning and Design at KTH

The programme brings together students of architecture, planning, civil engineering and natural and social sciences. You are equipped with theoretical knowledge and professional tools that position them as critical links, joining multiple perspectives in sustainable planning and design processes relevant in Sweden and worldwide. Coursework includes substantial time spent in studios and on projects that train you in practical skills and give you a deep understanding of planning and design practice.

The programme offers three specialisations pursued through recommended course combinations, representing different professional competencies in sustainable urban planning and design. You can also broaden your knowledge by making your own combinations of courses. During the programme, students interact across the specialisations in courses and projects that foster a mutual exchange of knowledge and ideas.

• Specialisations

Urban Planning and Design Urban and Regional Planning Environment and Planning

All students take part in the introduction course that presents the subject and deepens their understanding of how planning and design practices can enhance sustainable urban development. After this course, you choose one of the specialisations with recommended courses addressing different methodological, theoretical and practical aspects of urban design and planning. The spring semester includes a mandatory course that aims to develop students' research skills within the scope of the programme.

The third semester deepens the students' specialisation by integrating accumulated knowledge into applied project work. Projects are supported by several core courses highlighting conceptual and analytical approaches. The programme concludes with a degree project carried out in the fourth semester. The degree project allows you to investigate a problem in-depth under the supervision of experienced practitioners and researchers.

Throughout the programme, invited lecturers from local/regional authorities, consultancies, and other private actors will give students insights into the contemporary practice of planning and design in Sweden and abroad. In studios and on project assignments, you work with ongoing city development projects in the Stockholm region, which allow you to apply your knowledge in sustainable planning and design in a practical setting.

This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly at KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Architecture and Built Environment (at KTH).

Programme Presentation

Programme presentation.

In this recording from October 2023, you will learn about the master's programme in Sustainable Urban Planning & Design. The webinar is hosted by programme director Peter Brokking and student Shahpara.

Topics covered

Urban planning, social sustainability, regional development, public space, urban form, green cities, community participation, sustainable transport, urbanism, resilience.

Courses in the programme

Find out what students from the programme think about their time at KTH.

"One of the programme's best features is its flexibility, allowing students to customize their studies based on their interests. This break from the traditional approach is empowering, as it has allowed me to have more control of my career path."

Shahpara from Pakistan

Meet the students

The programme prepares students as professionals in a growing and meaningful field, building a thorough understanding of the planning and design process and aesthetic, social, environmental, economic and institutional factors that contribute to sustainable urban development. Graduates from this programme work with urban and regional planning, environmental planning and urban design in public organisations, private companies, research institutes and NGOs. Examples of public organisations are municipalities responsible for urban planning and development, regional development authorities, environmental protection authorities and national transport administrations, which employ nearly half of the graduates. The private sector, which includes architectural, planning and policy consultancy firms and project developers, employs almost half of the graduates. The remaining 5–10 per cent go on to doctoral studies at KTH and abroad or work in NGOs.

After graduation

City architect, urban planner, project leader, sustainability consultant, architect, traffic planner, urban designer, environmental planner.

"My duties as a Sustainability Manager are twofold – firstly to develop and integrate our sustainability strategy in all parts of the business, and secondly to develop and oversee different sustainability initiatives in one of our portfolios for commercial real estate."

Simon Iaffa Nylén, Brunswick Real Estate

Meet the graduates

Sustainable development

Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design are:

Equity and equality are core qualities of sustainable societies, involving, for example, equal access to housing, public services and transport systems. The causes and consequences of inequality are analysed in courses such as Introduction to Urban Economics and Planning Theory and Urban Governance. In project courses, students will learn to address equality issues in urban planning and design.

Cities and communities are the objects of study in the programme, with sustainability as the goal. Throughout the programme, you will be introduced to different tools, methods and concepts that will enable you to address sustainability issues in local contexts and to develop strategies and solutions that contribute to sustainable cities and communities.

To minimise the environmental impact of urban development, innovative solutions are required. Through exercises and lectures, students will be encouraged to incorporate new technologies, sustainable materials and green solutions, and strategies that reduce the need for urban expansion in their proposals to enhance ecosystem services and sustainable management of natural resources.

• Faculty and research

The programme spans disciplines within an increasingly important field within the KTH School of Architecture and the Built Environment. The school provides multi-disciplinary research and teaching, an environment ranked 26 in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject (Architecture and Built Environment).

The programme benefits from interdepartmental expertise in engineering, architecture, natural and social science at the Department for Environment and Planning, the school of Architecture, and the Department for Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Technology.

KTH's virtual campus tour

Nicholas from the US is a student at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment (at KTH). In the virtual tour he and some other KTH students will show you around the campuses.

• Take the full campus tour

Explore KTH

Visit our campuses through an immersive digital tour where our students guide you through their favourit KTH spots.

• Virtual campus tour

Through our newsletter you will receive important real-time information to make your road to KTH as smooth as possible.

Whether you have questions about studies at KTH or student life in Stockholm we will get you the information you need.

• Ask us about studies

Sustainable Urban Planning and Design

• How to apply
• Entry requirements
• Scholarships
• Why choose KTH?

School of Planning and Public Affairs

Gabin kundwa - class of 2024.

Area of Study: Master of Urban and Regional Planning Concentration: Transportation Planning

What did you do before you joined the masters program? I completed a B.S. in Integrated Science at the University of Nebraska.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA)? As an international student, I noticed the urban planning program at the University of Iowa is designated as STEM which will give me extended time to pursue visa sponsorship. I realized I made a good decision when I joined the program and found out how it was organized and the help that's offered for obtaining career opportunities.

What excites you the most about being a part of the Iowa City community? My basic needs are within walking distance, with a great downtown which has many activities going on, especially in the summer and the fall. Iowa City is safe and the people are nice. I came to know and connect with many people.

What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing a master's in urban planning at the School of Planning and Public Affairs? The University of Iowa planning program is great, especially the small class sizes which makes it easier for students to connect with and get help from their professors. SPPA also has great connections with alumni and the best career services on campus which helps in internship and job searching. For future international students, the program is diverse and is STEM designated.

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Events See all →

Maggie nelson.

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk

2024 Sachs Grant Awards

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Arts Lounge at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.

Alumni Weekend 2024

Various locations

268th Commencement

Franklin Field

Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences

An ambassador with big plans

Originally from louisiana, trevian ambroise, a graduate student ambassador for penn’s stuart weitzman school of design, chose philadelphia as the place to study economic development techniques to become a well-rounded planner..

Trevian Ambroise is a graduate student ambassador in the City & Regional Planning’s Public Private Development at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design . He is also a GAPSA representative for the Weitzman School, co-president of the Black Planners Society, and a member of the Weitzman School Real Estate Club. Originally from Saint Martinville, Louisiana, Ambroise became interested in the built environment and how people interact with their surroundings.

“My hometown of Saint Martinville, with its quaint historic district and population of 5,000, has experienced periods of change, deep racial divisions, and economic stagnation. Still, being raised in this place, especially one so interconnected with neighboring cities in a broader cultural/geographical/economic region, I became keen that the stories of St. Martinville are not separate, but instead are part of how place is understood and how built environments can become active when centering (comm)unity.”

What drew Ambroise to study at Penn was the city itself. “I was drawn more to Weitzman Planning simply due to Philadelphia and the applicability of learning from the city and wider region to become a well-rounded planner and engage authentically in equity-centered and justice-driven work.”

Read more at Weitzman News .

Picturing artistic pursuits

Campus & Community

Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania

Solar production has begun at the Great Cove I and II facilities in central Pennsylvania, the equivalent of powering 70% of the electricity demand from Penn’s academic campus and health system in the Philadelphia area.

Education, Business, & Law

Investing in future teachers and educational leaders

The Empowerment Through Education Scholarship Program at Penn’s Graduate School of Education is helping to prepare and retain teachers and educational leaders.

‘The Illuminated Body’ fuses color, light, and sound

A new Arthur Ross Gallery exhibition of work by artist Barbara Earl Thomas features cut-paper portraits reminiscent of stained glass and an immersive installation constructed with intricately cut material lit from behind.

25 years of ‘LOVE’

The iconic sculpture by pop artist Robert Indiana arrived on campus in 1999 and soon became a natural place to come together.