The ‘Spatial Planning’ study programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to space in all its dimensions. Taking a theoretically founded, process-related and future-oriented perspective, the programme aims to balance and integrate the ecologically compatible use of resources, economic efficiency, and the socially compatible distribution of wealth, opportunities, and quality of life, in the sense of sustainable development and social diversity. The programme covers independent analytical work, the integration of spatial information and its methodical transformation into knowledge, the critical and scientific evaluation of spatial qualities and challenges, and the independent development of strategies, spatial concepts and measures, as well as the legalisation and evaluation of spatial utilisation possibilities. 

Degree programme codeUE 066 440 - Master's Programme Spatial Planning
Related Master's programmesMaster's programmes in Architecture and Planning
Duration4 semesters
Credits120 ECTS
Language of instructionGerman
DegreeDipl.-Ing. (internationally comparable with "Master of Science")
Module structureSpatial Planning

Programme Structure

Full details about structure and content of the program are available in the curriculum (PDF) and in the list of courses in TISS.

Graphic representation of the curriculum in Spatial Planning Master

© TU Wien

To successfully complete the Master’s degree programme in Spatial Planning, you must absolve the following modules: 

  • Two compulsory modules (33 ECTS)
  • Two elective modules (36 ECTS)
  • Master's project (12 ECTS)
  • Module "Free Electives and Transferable Skills" (9 ECTS)
  • Master's thesis with a thesis seminar and board examination (30 ECTS)

Examination subjects and corresponding modules: 

Concepts and methods for research and planning

  • Compulsory module 1: Process design and methods; Elective module 8: Digital analysis and visualisation

Theories, strategies and instruments of spatial planning

  • Compulsory Module 2: Theories, Strategies and Instruments; Elective Module 1: Global Development of Cities and Metropolitan Regions; Elective Module 6: Project Development, Project Evaluation and Real Estate Economics; Elective Module 7: Spatial Planning Law and Land Policy

Practice of spatial planning 

  • Master's project in Spatial Planning; Elective Module 2: Spatial Planning in Rural and Alpine Areas; Elective Module 3: City and Landscape. Planning and intervention practice; Elective module 4: Mobility and energy spatial planning; Elective module 5: Society, Everyday Life and Space

Free Electives and Transferable Skills (9 ECTS)

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Further Information

Admission to the Master’s programme in ‘Spatial Planning' is possible after completing an eligible Bachelor’s degree at an accredited national or international post-secondary educational institution. Admission is subject to an individual assessment of your prior education and, where applicable, supplementary examinations.

For example, the following Bachelor's programmes at TU Wien are considered eligible for admission: 

You can find the general admission requirements on the page Admission to Master’s Programmes.

Spatial planners mostly work in complex, inter- and transdisciplinary contexts. 

The fields of work of spatial planning can be found, for example

  • in regional or municipal development planning in urban and rural areas
  • in urban development, urban redevelopment and urban renewal
  • in transport, infrastructure and environmental planning,
  • in location analysis and evaluation, in real estate management and project development
  • in economic development and structural policy, in urban and regional marketing,
  • in political and economic consulting or in international development cooperation, and
  • in spatially related research institutions.

For graduates of the Master's degree programme "Spatial Planning", employment opportunities arise above all:

  • in public administration and downstream institutions, such as urban planning offices and corresponding municipal departments, municipal and regional associations, in regional management, in economic development agencies, area support agencies, city and regional marketing agencies,
  • in private planning offices, as self-employed civil engineers, companies in spatial, urban or regional planning, transport, infrastructure and environmental planning as well as consulting companies, -in other private sector companies, especially in the field of real estate and location development,
  • in associations, interest groups or other non-governmental organisations such as chambers of commerce, business or environmental protection associations, initiatives or societies, as well as
  • in scientific and research institutions. 

The activities mentioned may relate to all spatial and operational levels:

  • local and neighbourhood level
  • city and municipal level
  • small regional, regional and state level
  • national (federal) level
  • cross-border, inter- and transnational level
  • European and international level

At TU Wien, you can undertake one of the following doctoral programmes after completing your Master’s degree:

  • 796 700 – Doctoral Programme in Engineering
  • 796 600 – Doctoral Programme in Natural Sciences
  • 796 300 – Doctoral Programme in Social and Economic Sciences