Master in Spatial Development and Analysis (Master académique)

Aims of the programme

The main objective of this Master’s programme is to offer a very high standard of academic education in the fields of spatial analysis, spatial development and sustainable planning strategies in Europe. Despite the growing need for European or transnational co-ordination in spatial development, national planning cultures and concepts within Europe continue to be markedly heterogeneous. The same is true of the analytical concepts and models used to monitor and predict spatial development.

The programme provides an interdisciplinary, intercultural and multilingual learning environment, combining the most up-to-date approaches in spatial analysis and planning. It thereby gives students an excellent knowledge of appropriate research tools, a detailed knowledge of spatial systems and planning philosophies in Europe as well as mastery of the “soft skills” which are increasingly required, such as project management in international, interdisciplinary teams.

Participants will be qualified in the scientific monitoring of current development trends and will be familiarised with forecasting techniques and strategic development planning in transnational contexts. The Master’s course prepares the students to meet the growing demand for comprehensive spatial analyses and development at all levels. It also provides key strategies to address the challenge of socio-economic coherence and sustainability in the European Union.

Studying in Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg, which was founded in 2003, offers students:

• An inspirational international study environment
• Innovative course formats and a high degree of interaction in small classes
• Insights into transnational cross-border spatial development
• Opportunities to learn from different planning cultures
• Spatial proximity to significant European institutions such as EUROSTAT, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Coordination Unit of the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON)
• Close links with partner universities in Belgium, France and Germany

Career opportunities

Graduates will be qualified for a wide range of academic and professional careers at different spatial levels and in various sectors, for example:

• Public and private research institutes
• National, regional and local authorities as well as planning agencies
• Consultancy
• Cross-border institutions, chambers and associations
• European institutions and projects

Furthermore, the Master’s course prepares students for PhD programmes in the fields of spatial analysis and development.

Requirements for application

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (at least 180 ECTS credits) is essential. Excellent marks and a very good knowledge of English are necessary. The programme is particularly suitable for students with a primary degree in human geography or spatial planning. Students from related disciplines such as architecture, urban studies, regional economics, urban sociology, anthropology etc. are encouraged to apply and may be accepted on demonstration of sufficient knowledge in the relevant fields.

Course programme

The Master’s programme is organised over two years (four semesters) of full time studies and has a total of 120 ECTS. It is also possible to study part-time in up to seven semesters. The programme starts annually in the winter term and is designed for a maximum of 25 students per year. Courses are taught in English. Advanced knowledge of French and German is mandatory for students opting for a regional track in the second year. The courses are organised in interactive and problem-oriented forms, providing the students with advanced conceptual and methodological knowledge as well as exposing them to realistic research situations that challenge their scientific and organisational problem-solving capacities. During the first semester, particular attention will be paid to individual intensive teaching (levelling-up) for any students with deficits in certain fields of knowledge, whether methodological or conceptual.
Major topics during the first year are:

• Theoretical approaches in spatial analysis
• Spatial modelling and forecasting
• Conceptual approaches to governance and spatial development
• Integrative approaches to sustainable spatial development
• Spatial development in Europe
• Implementation and monitoring of spatial policies
• Preparation and submission of EU dossiers
• Project management skills

In the third semester, specialisation involves choosing two out of three tracks:

> Track A: Spatial Analysis and Modelling focuses on quantitative theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to the analysis, monitoring and forecasting of spatial phenomena and patterns. A profound knowledge of appropriate research skills is necessary for the students to master complex research tasks dealing with spatial development.

> Track B: Analysis of Spatial Governance provides the students with an advanced set of conceptual approaches relevant to the spatial sciences, as well as qualitative methodological skills. It enables the students to analyse and monitor the social, political, and economic mechanisms behind quantitatively observable spatial phenomena.

> Track C: Strategic Spatial Development – in addition to the more research-oriented Tracks A and B – aims to prepare students for applied careers, concentrating on the case of the “Greater Region” which will be used as a showcase for cross-border regional development in Europe and the complex interplay between different national development policies and intercultural issues.

The fourth and last semester is dedicated to an internship as well as to the preparation of a Master’s thesis. The students’ research work during this semester is accompanied by individual supervision as well as regular meetings in a research seminar where the students report on the progress of their work and this can be discussed. The thematic courses are complemented by language courses offered during the first two semesters

Brief programme outline

Duration Full-time Two years (120 ECTS), 4 semesters / Part-time 120 ECTS, up to 7 semesters
Start of the programme Mid September
Costs No tuition fees are charged, but students must pay a registration fee of 200 Euros per semester
Number of seats The programme is designed for 25 students per year
Eligibility Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in human geography or spatial planning (or relevant related disciplines), very good knowledge of English

Further information

The programme is organised by the Geography and Spatial Planning research centre. Please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Laboratoire de Géographie et Aménagement du Territoire
Université du Luxembourg
Campus Walferdange
T. +352 / 46 66 44-6327 / -6625 / -6765
Route de Diekirch F. +352 / 46 66 44-6348
L-7220 Walferdange geo@no-spamuni.lu

Enrolment

Online registration is possible on www.uni.lu in the students' section. The "Service des Etudes et de la Vie Etudiante" (SEVE) provides enrolment and individual support to students:
seve.infos@no-spamuni.lu
T. +352 / 46 66 44-6060

Université du Luxembourg
Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Educational Sciences Campus Walferdange
Route de Diekirch, BP2
L-7220 Walferdange
T.: ++ 352 46 66 44 9000

For further information see the following website.
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