Best Universities for Urban and Regional planning in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Urban and Regional planning. A graph of 1.68M citations received by 122K academic papers made by 583 universities in Europe 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. University College London

For Urban and Regional planning

University College London logo

2. University of Manchester

University of Manchester logo

3. London School of Economics and Political Science

London School of Economics and Political Science logo

4. Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology logo

5. Utrecht University

Utrecht University logo

6. University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge logo

7. Newcastle University

Newcastle University logo

8. University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield logo

9. University of Amsterdam

University of Amsterdam logo

10. University of Oxford

University of Oxford logo

11. Lund University

Lund University logo

12. Cardiff University

Cardiff University logo

13. Polytechnic University of Milan

Polytechnic University of Milan logo

14. University of Sussex

University of Sussex logo

15. National Research University Higher School of Economics

National Research University Higher School of Economics logo

16. University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow logo

17. St. Petersburg State University

St. Petersburg State University logo

18. University of Wales

University of Wales logo

19. Catholic University of Leuven

Catholic University of Leuven logo

20. University of Leeds

University of Leeds logo

21. University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham logo

22. Autonomous University of Barcelona

Autonomous University of Barcelona logo

23. Durham University

Durham University logo

24. Wageningen University

Wageningen University logo

25. Moscow State University

Moscow State University logo

26. University of Lisbon

University of Lisbon logo

27. Stockholm University

Stockholm University logo

28. King's College London

King's College London logo

29. University of Groningen

University of Groningen logo

30. Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam logo

31. University of Reading

University of Reading logo

32. University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki logo

33. Aalborg University

Aalborg University logo

34. University of Bristol

University of Bristol logo

35. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome logo

36. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration logo

37. Free University Amsterdam

Free University Amsterdam logo

38. Loughborough University

Loughborough University logo

39. University of Strathclyde

University of Strathclyde logo

40. University of Montenegro

University of Montenegro logo

41. Ghent University

Ghent University logo

42. Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt University of Berlin logo

43. University of Antwerp

University of Antwerp logo

44. University of Copenhagen

University of Copenhagen logo

45. Vienna University of Economics and Business

Vienna University of Economics and Business logo

46. Polytechnic University of Turin

Polytechnic University of Turin logo

47. University of Liverpool

University of Liverpool logo

48. University of Oslo

University of Oslo logo

49. Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University logo

50. University of Belgrade

University of Belgrade logo

51. University of Bologna

University of Bologna logo

52. University of Southampton

University of Southampton logo

53. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH Royal Institute of Technology logo

54. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich logo

55. University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh logo

56. University of Warwick

University of Warwick logo

57. Complutense University of Madrid

Complutense University of Madrid logo

58. Leiden University

Leiden University logo

59. University of Barcelona

University of Barcelona logo

60. Technical University of Berlin

Technical University of Berlin logo

61. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Norwegian University of Science and Technology logo

62. Maastricht University

Maastricht University logo

63. University College Dublin

University College Dublin logo

64. University of Exeter

University of Exeter logo

65. University of Gothenburg

University of Gothenburg logo

66. University of the Basque Country

University of the Basque Country logo

67. Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology logo

68. University of Porto

University of Porto logo

69. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki logo

70. University of Salford

University of Salford logo

71. Lancaster University

Lancaster University logo

72. University of Twente

University of Twente logo

73. University of Liege

University of Liege logo

74. Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University

Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University logo

75. University of Lodz

University of Lodz logo

76. University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen logo

77. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation logo

78. University of Warsaw

University of Warsaw logo

79. Imperial College London

Imperial College London logo

80. University of Oulu

University of Oulu logo

81. Federico II University of Naples

Federico II University of Naples logo

82. University of Vienna

University of Vienna logo

83. Technical University of Munich

Technical University of Munich logo

84. Catholic University of Louvain

Catholic University of Louvain logo

85. University of Florence

University of Florence logo

86. University of the West of England

University of the West of England logo

87. Adam Mickiewicz University

Adam Mickiewicz University logo

88. Autonomous University of Madrid

Autonomous University of Madrid logo

89. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne logo

90. Bocconi University

Bocconi University logo

91. RUDN University

RUDN University logo

92. University of Hamburg

University of Hamburg logo

93. Technical University of Madrid

Technical University of Madrid logo

94. Free University of Brussels - VUB

Free University of Brussels - VUB logo

95. Claude Bernard University Lyon 1

Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 logo

96. University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham logo

97. University of Bonn

University of Bonn logo

98. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics logo

99. Polytechnic University of Valencia

Polytechnic University of Valencia logo

100. University of Cagliari

University of Cagliari logo

Environmental Science subfields in Europe

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MPhil/PhD Regional and Urban Planning Studies

  • Graduate research
  • Department of Geography and Environment
  • Application code L8ZR
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the social scientific study of urban planning. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The MPhil/ PhD in Regional and Urban Planning Studies is part of a vibrant, innovative and interdisciplinary graduate training programme that addresses the opportunities, problems, politics and economics of urban and regional planning in cities around the world. Our emphasis is on “understanding the causes of things”, to quote the School’s motto. We do this by employing analytical skills and theoretical insights gained from the social sciences and the fields of planning, architecture, economics and the environment.

Our programme aims to produce top-quality social scientists who are able to engage with the conceptual foundations of urban planning and employ robust and appropriate methods in their research.

As well as taking your time to look through the sections below,  we also encourage you to take a look at our  FAQs , which cover a range of frequently asked questions, including on the application process and funding.

Programme details

Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline 23 May 2024. However, please note the funding deadlines
Duration Three to four years (minimum two) full-time. Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. Please see   for more information. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you are shortlisted.
Financial support LSE PhD Studentships, ESRC funding (+3 and 1+3) (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement Taught master’s degree, with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in dissertation, in a related discipline
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Research (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd regional and urban planning.

The programme is offered in the following alternative formats:

Either  the MPhil/PhD in Regional and Urban Planning

Or  combined with the MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies progressing onto the MPhil/PhD in Regional Planning (1+3 route)

MPhil/PhD in Regional and Urban Planning

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in the dissertation, in a related.

Most students take four years to complete the PhD.

1+3 Route: MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies (1 year) + MPhil/PhD in Regional Planning

The 1+3 route is suitable for those individuals who do not hold a relevant an ESRC recognised postgraduate research training degree and is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in planning, urban geography or closely related subject. (See entrance requirements for the  MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies programme ).

The 1+3 Combined PhD Programme is only available as part of an ESRC Funded pathway.

The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training MSc programme plus three years in a linked PhD programme. Progression from the master’s onto the PhD programme is dependent upon performance in the master’s programme (Students must score 65 per cent overall and at least 70 in their dissertation to comply with the Department’s usual PhD entry criteria).

Once on the PhD Programme, 1+3 students will follow the same programme structure as ordinary PhD students but adjusted to account for courses already taken on the MSc.

In practice, most students take four years to complete the PhD in addition to the year of study for the relevant MSc.

How to apply

To apply for the 1+3 route, an application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway and associated funding within their personal statement. If you apply for the PhD programme directly, will not be considered for the 1+3 pathway.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - outline research proposal - sample of written work.

 See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 23 May 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme. The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover  living costs  or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Regional and Urban Planning

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status​

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.  

Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well. 

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

In addition to progressing with your research, you are expected to take the courses listed below. You may take other courses to those listed but must discuss this with your supervisor.

(* denotes a half unit)

Training courses Compulsory (not examined) Planning Practice and Research or Staff/Research Students Seminar Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents.

Compulsory (examined) Courses to the value of one unit from the list of options on the relevant MSc degrees Relevant advanced research method courses to the value of one unit from the following: Applied Quantitative Methods* Techniques of Spatial Economic Analysis* Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design* Qualitative Research Methods* Doing Ethnography* Non-Traditional Data: New Dimensions in Qualitative Research* Special Topics in Qualitative Research : Introspection-based Methods in Social Research* Survey Methodology* Causal Inference for Observational and Experimental Studies* Special Topics in Quantitative Analysis: Quantitative Text Analysis*

Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques.

Second year

Training courses

Compulsory (not examined) Staff / Research Students Seminars Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents.  

Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques.  

Compulsory (not examined) Staff / Research Students Seminars Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents. 

Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques. 

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s   Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

You will be assigned two supervisors who are specialists in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Your supervisors will guide you through your studies.

Progression and assessment

Once on the MPhil/PhD programme you will go through a First Year Progress Review, taking place in the Spring Term of your first year.

For the First Year Progress Review, you must submit a written progress report containing an extensive and updated research proposal (typically including an introduction to the topic and motivation for the research; aims and objectives/research questions; contribution to knowledge; summary of methods to be used; and outline of the work to be done) and either a comprehensive literature review or a substantive draft of a chapter/paper as evidence of progress made during the year. Normally, there will be a progress review meeting between you and your supervisors to discuss the written material presented. The work has to reach an acceptable standard to enable you to progress. There is provision for a second Supplementary Review in cases where there are doubts as to whether progress has been sufficient to allow entry to the second year. Progression to the second year of the MPhil/PhD programme is also dependent on you having passed all required examinations and obtained at least one merit, and having presented your work satisfactorily in the research project seminar.

All research students are initially registered for an MPhil and have to be upgraded to PhD status. The upgrade from MPhil to PhD usually occurs during the second year of full-time registration on the programme. The exact timing depends on your progress. You are required to submit a formal written upgrade report consisting of an extensive revised research proposal, two substantive draft papers/chapters, of which one can be a literature review, and a detailed plan for completion. You will be asked to discuss your research paper/thesis outline during an Upgrade Meeting in front of an Upgrading Committee normally formed by your supervisors and a third member of staff with relevant expertise. The material is evaluated by the Upgrading Committee, who will recommend transferral to PhD registration if your work is judged to be of sufficient quality and quantity. The upgrade is also dependent on you having completed all required training courses and having made a satisfactory research presentation in the research project seminar.

In addition to these formal arrangements, each year during the Spring Term and throughout the course of your studies, you and your supervisors have to complete a yearly Progress Report Form, detailing progress made, problems arising and plan/timeline for completion. The forms are sent to the Director of Post-Graduate Studies for approval before you are able to re-register for the following session. If perceived lack of progress is identified, it can trigger a more formal annual review of progress in which you will be asked to produce specific written documents to be evaluated by a review panel.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Geography & Environment

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £35,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

  • Government, Public Sector and Policy   
  • Financial and Professional Services              
  • Education, Teaching and Research            
  • Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
  • Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

We prepare students for a variety of careers in academia, international organisations (eg the World Bank, OECD, UNEP, European Commission), urban planning, community development, NGOs and national and local governmental institutions.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Enrico Orru

Enrico Orru 170x230

My PhD allowed me to achieve a more comprehensive and critical understanding of the main issues underlying my field of work and to gain strong methodological and analytical skills. After my PhD I've published in journals such as Papers in Regional Science and The Annals of Regional Science . I've worked for the President of the Italian region Sardinia, by providing advice and support in education, labour markets, innovation and regional economic development. Since 2015 I have been working as a research consultant for Eurofound (European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions).

Sabina Uffer

Sabina Uffer P170x230

My PhD focused on the effects of a changing housing strategy on Berlin's urban development. During my research, I worked at LSE Cities on the project Resilient Urban Form and Governance, conducting comparative research on residential and commercial real estate in Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Paris, London, and Berlin; and I taught research methodology in social science.

Now, I'm head of research for the Cities team at BuroHappold, undertaking projects at the intersection of urban development and infrastructure planning with an emphasis on housing, transportation, and waste. My expertise lies in developing and executing research projects and policy analysis around national and local urban issues in the US, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. 

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mphil/phd human geography and urban studies.

Code(s) L8ZG

MPhil/PhD Economic Geography

Code(s) L7ZQ

MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies

Code(s) L8U4

MSc Geographic Data Science

Code(s) F9UZ

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PhD Research

The Urbanism Research Programme provides a lively stimulating environment for PhD research. Candidates also participate in the TU Delft Graduate School which provides doctoral education in research skills and personal and career development. PhD work forms a major part of Urbanism research. The research programme is organised in research themes, and all proposals must demonstrate how they will contribute to the themes. The overall Urbanism Research Programme can be viewed here . PhD candidates participate in a four-year programme. In the first year, the candidate prepares a comprehensive research proposal and a long paper, which is assessed by a professorial panel following a public presentation. PhD opportunities may arise for specific projects funded by the Dutch National Research Organisation (NWO) or other funding bodies. In these cases the PhD candidate will be employed by the TU Delft to undertake a specific project. These opportunities will be advertised at ‘ Working at TU Delft’ . However, most PhD candidates find their own funding. In this case TU Delft offers supervision and an academic environment and the candidate performs research in the university on a daily basis based on hospitality to enable him/her to write a thesis within four years. The PhD candidate may be granted time or financing by a) a foreign university; b) personal grant-issuing organisations such as national research councils, or c) his/her employer. If the Urbanism Programme decides to accept an applicant on a preliminary basis who has not already secured funding, supervisors are able to assist with the preparation of applications for grant funding, but the responsibility for finding funding rests with the applicant. Applicants will need to explain on their application where they expect to gain funding. We do not accept applicants who are self-financed from personal funds.

Call for applications

New topics will be posted periodically on this website.

Topic 1: Cross-national comparison of territorial governance, spatial planning and regional design.

phd in urban planning europe

The Urbanism Research Programme conducts research on the theme of international comparative planning and regional design. We aim to take forward comparative research that builds knowledge of the key factors that determine the performance of 

regional and urban planning and design, and which supports more responsive and progressive planning that can influence spatial development in more sustainable directions. We are keen to develop our comparative knowledge of spatial planning in China in collaboration with colleagues at South China University of Technology through the joint Centre on Urban Systems and Environment. The theme will continue to build on previous work, for example:

Nadin, V. and Stead, D. (2008) European spatial planning systems, social models and learning, DISP 172, January, 35-47;

Nadin, V. (2013), and International comparative planning methodology: introduction to the theme, Planning Practice and Research, 27(1): 1-5. 

Potential supervisors include Vincent Nadin, Dominic Stead, Wil Zonneveld and Marcin Dabrowski.

Topic 2: The meaning and role of ‘spatial planning’ and ‘territorial governance’ under difficult and adverse conditions

phd in urban planning europe

Many recent spatial planning reforms across the world have led to shifts in planning regimes: often from statutory plan-led to development-led approaches. In various countries regional design and the ‘art’ of making spatial representations and the imagination of spatial metaphors has emerged as a powerful tool in capacity- and consensus building in multi-actor settings. It is often used as a

 way of overcoming conflicting rationales and images of desired spatial development and spatial futures. In practice, regional design fulfils different roles in different situations, depending on the actor settings and the nature of the issues at hand. We would like to develop research that focus on the performance of regional design in various institutional settings in different countries and (urban) regions. This research will continue current research including:

Balz, V. & Zonneveld, W. (2014) Regional Design in the Context of Fragmented Territorial Governance: South Wing Studio, European Planning Studies, OnlineFirst doi 10.1080/09654313.2014.889662.

Potential supervisors include: Wil Zonneveld, Vincent Nadin, Dominic Stead

Topic 3: The performance of regional design in complex governance settings.

phd in urban planning europe

Many recent spatial planning reforms across the world have led to shifts in planning regimes: often from statutory plan-led to development-led approaches. In various countries regional design and the ‘art’ of making spatial representations and the imagination of spatial metaphors has emerged as a powerful tool in capacity- and consensus 

building in multi-actor settings. It is often used as a way of overcoming conflicting rationales and images of desired spatial development and spatial futures. In practice, regional design fulfils different roles in different situations, depending on the actor settings and the nature of the issues at hand. We would like to develop research that focus on the performance of regional design in various institutional settings in different countries and (urban) regions. This research will continue current research including:

Topic 4: The process of metropolisation in polycentric metropolitan regions.

phd in urban planning europe

Metropolisation is understood as the process through which a loose collection of proximally located cities starts to become more functionally, culturally and institutionally integrated. It can be assumed that in theory metropolisation enhances 

performance, and indeed this conviction underlies many European metropolitan development strategies. Yet little is known about how this potential is realised in practice, nor has the relationship between the level of metropolisation and performance of polycentric metropolitan areas been explored. Issues that can be addressed include the development of regional identity alongside urban identities, overcoming governmental fragmentation in polycentric metropolitan regions and the development of functional relationships within such regions. Also, from an economics perspective, the concepts of ‘borrowed size’ and ‘agglomeration shadows’ within polycentric metropolitan regions deserve further exploration. This research builds for instance on:

Meijers, E., Hoogerbrugge, M & K. Hollander (2014) Twin Cities in the Process of Metropolisation, Urban Research & Practice, 7(1), 35-55

Burger, M., Meijers, E., Hoogerbrugge, M & J. Masip Tresserra (2014) Borrowed Size, Agglomeration Shadows and Cultural Amenities in North-West Europe – European Planning Studies; available online first DOI:  dx.doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2014.905002 .

Potential supervisors include: Evert Meijers, Wil Zonneveld. 

Topic 5: The relationship between the spatial and socio-economic performances of built environments.

phd in urban planning europe

Urbanism is concerned with the relationship between the spatial structure of the physical built environment and social and economic life. However, there is a great uncertainty about the effect of the 

physical world on society and how it varies according to the local cultures and planning laws or regulations. This hinders effective intervention though planning and urban design.

Our research aims to improve understandings of the variable performance of the physical arrangement of the built environment, the spatial structure of the transport networks at varying scales from neighbourhood to regional levels, in terms of economic vitality, social cohesion and environmental sustainability (Van Nes, Akkelies, 2011, “Measuring spatial visibility, adjacency, permeability and degrees of street life in urban areas. The one- and two-dimensional isovists analyses in Space Syntax”, in: S. Nijhuis, R. van Lammeren, F. van der Hoeven (eds) ”Exploring the visual landscape; Advances in Landscape physiognomic Research in the Netherlands”, IOS press, Amsterdam, Ye, Yu, and Van Nes, Akkelies 2014, “Quantitative tools in urban morphology: Combining space syntax, spacematrix and mixed-use index in a GIS framework” in: Journal of Urban Morphology (forthcoming); Van Nes, Akkelies and Lopez, Manuel, 2010, “Macro and micro scale spatial variables and the distribution of residential burglaries and theft from cars: an investigation of space and crime in the Dutch cities of Alkmaar and Gouda”, in: Journal of Space Syntax, no 2.). We examine the extent to which planning and other urban interventions take account of knowledge of these relationships and with what effects.

Future research will explore the relationship between physical layout, building functions and social life, comparing historic districts with contemporary developments in different cultural (national) contexts. We are particularly interested in the effects of the spatial morphology of built environments on society in terms of the incidence of crime, vitality of shopping areas, livability of housing areas and land values. This requires developing or improving existing analyses tools, to test combination of existing tools, and to deal with the possibilities of improved computer capacities and software development useful for handling research on built environments. Other methods for analyzing the spatial properties of built environments needs improvement, from a phenomenological as well as from a morphological and topological/configurationally approach.

Potential supervisors include Akkelies van Nes.

Topic 6: Planning and Designing for Development: Spatial Strategies for Urban Development in Rapidly Growing Economies.

The Urbanism programme undertakes critical analyses of urbanization processes in the developing world, including the comparative study of planning frameworks, tools and cultures, governance structures and the dynamics of spatial form, as well as issues arising from the interactions between planned and unplanned, formal and informal and legal and extra-legal urban development. We examine the interactions between spatial planning, political structures, social struggles and the built environment. This research cluster relies on expertise of several staff members and builds on previous research and education programs carried out in the Department of Urbanism of TU Delft. Prospective PhD candidates must be able to conduct research aimed to inform the preparation of plans and strategies that tackle issues associated with international urban development. Research in this area must also underpin education offered at Master level in the Department of Urbanism. Our recent work includes:

Ballegoijen, J. V. & Rocco, R. 2013. The ideologies of informality: Informal urbanization in the architectural and planning discourses. Third World Quarterly, 34, 1794-1810;

Fernández-Maldonado, A.M. (2014) Incremental housing in Peru and the role of the social housing sector, in: van Lindert, P., Smets, P. & Bredenoord, J. (eds) Affordable Housing in the Urban Global South, London and New York: Earthscan;

Fernández-Maldonado, A. M. (2011) Trends toward Urbanization in the Americas, in: H. M. Tarver (ed.), World History Encyclopedia, Era 8: Crisis and Achievement, 1900-1945, Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO;

Pojani, D. 2013. “From Squatter Settlement to Suburb: The Transformation of Bathore, Albania.” Housing Studies 28 (6): 805-821. 

Potential supervisors include: Ana María Fernández Maldonado, Roberto Rocco.

Topic 7: Doing a PhD at the research group 3D GeoInformation

The 3D Geoinformation research theme studies the technologies underpinning geographical information systems (GIS), and aims at designing, developing, and implementing better systems to model 3D cities, buildings and landscapes. The research focuses on spatial data, and specifically the modelling, structuring, maintenance, analysis and dissemination of large amounts of (3D) geoinformation about urban areas.   

3D geoinformation can make a key contribution to the design and planning of interventions in the urban environment. Thus, serving the needs of practice is extremely important and we develop solutions in close collaboration with users such as experts in noise, wind and emergency evacuation simulations.  We have a history of successful collaborations with the industry and the government: our research has led to open source software, standards, and patents for the management of 3D geographic information.

Example research questions 

  • 3D geoinformation infrastructure: how to collect, model, maintain or disseminate 3D information about urban and rural areas and use it for many different applications?
  • How to reconstruct semantically rich 3D city models?
  • What data structures and algorithms are needed for 3D modelling?
  • How to deal with different levels of detail of 3D geoinformation?
  • How to connect information from the design&construction world (BIM) with geo-information applications? 

Interested in doing PhD in our group?

If you are interested doing a PhD in our group there are two possibilities:

(1) Apply for a paid position Sometimes paid positions become available for a postdoc or PhD candidate, when a research project has been granted funding. Whenever we have such a position, you can find it at our home page: https://3d.bk.tudelft.nl

(2) Open application with own funding If you have found own financial support, you can apply for a PhD position in our group to either work on your project full-time as a contract PhD candidate or keep your current job and/or stay where you live and work on your project part-time as an external PhD candidate. Please contact the chair of the group for more information and the conditions for such a type of PhD research: Prof dr Jantien Stoter, [email protected]

Process of consideration of applications

  • Applications must be made through the Graduate School AB+E. See the application & selection process on the Graduate School website .
  • Please state clearly at the top of your proposal which topic your proposal addresses.
  • A panel will assess the applications and create a shortlist. The criteria are: a) the scientific quality of the research proposal; b) the societal relevance of the research proposal; c) the quality of the curriculum vitae including academic qualifications; d) other considerations like evidence of writing skills, funding and English language competence.
  • The panel will pay particular attention to the ability of the candidate to develop knowledge in the relevant topic.
  • Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed, if necessary by video link or telephone.
  • Subject to funding, the successful applicants will be given hospitality for 4 years, during which they will undertake a formal progress review (a go,no-go). Following a successful review the candidate will register with the University for the PhD. 

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Human Geography and Spatial Planning

Phd programme.

Promovendi doen onderzoek in de universiteitsbibliotheek

We are part of the national research school  NETHUR  (Netherlands Graduate School of Urban and Regional Research) and a leading international centre for the multi-disciplinary study of urban and regional development.

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies

Urban and Rural Transformations, Addis Ababa, 2016. © Sascha Delz, ETH Zürich.

The doctoral programme at the ETH Zurich Department of Architecture’s Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) offers one fellowship position starting on 1 October 2024. 100%, Zurich-based, fixed-term. Job description

The LUS Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, is dedicated to exploring contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical frameworks. This programme is designed to foster critical discourse and nurture independent, innovative, and proactive research that addresses pressing social and environmental issues.

The LUS Institute engages with the production of landscape, territory, and human settlements across various scales and diverse global geographies. Key research areas include landscape and designed ecologies, energy transition, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, housing, and socio-economic development with a focus on urban inequality. Geographically, the LUS Institute’s research spans Switzerland, Europe, and the broader global South.

By bringing together disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design, and planning, as well as the social sciences, the doctoral programme at the LUS Institute adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. This approach encompasses a diverse range of methodological approaches, from qualitative and quantitative research to ethnography, critical cartography, design-based action research, systems research, and urban theory.

About the Programme

The doctoral programme is conducted in English. With a current enrollment of over 25 participants, the LUS doctoral programme encourages both individual research and collaborative engagement within the doctoral community. The programme offers multiple platforms for interaction, such as the LUS methods seminar, institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. Embedded in the vibrant doctoral education environment of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, the LUS doctoral programme actively collaborates with the doctoral programme at the Institute of History and Theory of Architecture (gta) , ETH Zurich. This collaboration enhances interdisciplinary perspectives and provides enriched research opportunities.

Participating Chairs at the LUS

While the proposed research should align with the individual and collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute, candidates are welcome to apply with an independent research topic, provided it aligns with the collective competencies of the Institute. The LUS Institute currently comprises seven chairs, each contributing to its diverse research landscape:

  • Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design, Prof. Dr. Tom Avermaete
  • Chair of Architecture and Housing, Prof. Maria Conen
  • Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Dr. Teresa Galí-Izard
  • Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Hubert Klumpner
  • Chair of Architecture and Urban Transformation, Prof. Freek Persyn
  • Chair of Architecture and Territorial Planning, Prof. Milica Topalovic
  • Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Martina Voser

Job description

Conduct original doctoral research on an individually determined topic within the disciplines of landscape and urban studies. The fellowship places no restriction on the geography or time period of the proposed research project. You are expected to devote a small part of your time to community building activities at the LUS doctoral school and co-curate LUS Talks during the second year of your studies. See past LUS Talks here.

100% doctoral employment at the ETH standard rate, with an expected term of three-and-a-half years to completion, pending successful approval of the doctoral plan at the end of year one.

Your Profile

We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and social sciences, with strong research or design experience that can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the institute.

You must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and social science, or related fields.

You must additionally demonstrate excellent research and writing skills.

The programme provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years, with a potential extension. You will be employed at full employment (100% pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link .

You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship. Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

Applications must be addressed to the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies rather than to individual professors. Applicants must note that the application will be solely evaluated for their content and the applicants are thus requested to not contact individual professors before applying.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by 15 March 2024, 23:59 CET:

  • Letter of motivation (1 page).
  • Outline for the Proposed Research Project (4 pages + addendums). The document should include the research title, a review of the current state-of-the-art related to the proposed topic, clearly defined research questions, articulated aims and objectives, anticipated formats for publication, and a demonstration of why the LUS Institute is an ideal host for the proposed research. The main content must adhere to a 4-page limit, utilizing 11pt. font and single-spacing. Supplementary pages may be used for up to three illustrations (maps, drawings, images), bibliography, and a project timeline.
  • Curriculum vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, max. 10 pages).
  • Published piece of writing if available (1 text, max. 15 pages).
  • Name, affiliation, and email addresses of 2 referees.

Please note that applications missing any of the documents listed above and/or exceeding specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The programme exclusively accepts application documents submitted through the ETH online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

Application Timeline

  • 15 March 2024: Submission deadline (23:59 CET).
  • Middle of April 2024: Notification to shortlisted candidates.
  • End of April 2024: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
  • Beginning of May 2024: Notification to successful applicants.
  • 1 October 2024: Start of programme.

Further information about the programme, the participating faculty and the application process.

Applicants are requested to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before approaching the programme coordinator. Only for questions that cannot be addressed through the FAQs contact the doctoral programme coordinator Nitin Bathla . Requests sent to any other email will not be considered.

PhD programme

Graduation ceremony of the IHS PhD candidate Hung Viet Ngo

The PhD on Urban Development & Governance is a 4-year flexible trajectory programme that fuses urban management with governance. 

  • More about this study programme
  • Why study this programme?

Part of the  Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities (EGSH) , the PhD programme offers a chance to earn your doctoral degree from the high-ranking Erasmus University (#72 globally). Participants learn from and with urban policy advisers and real-life cases, connect with like-minded people from all over the world and expand their professional network.

Career perspectives

IHS graduates work in urban academia, international consultancy, local and national governments and non-governmental organisations.

  • Your career opportunities

Fees and costs

The PhD programme is fee-based and students are required to secure funding for the duration of their research, either through private resources or external fellowships, before they join IHS.

Please kindly note that the four-year PhD programme at IHS is a full-time programme. Therefore, taking on a part-time job to cover expenses is not an option.

  • Information about the fees and costs for this PhD programme

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Urban Planning

Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research / AISSR

Our approach to research is characterized by the pursuit of an intimate link between theoretical depth and empirical grounding, with a particular emphasis on concept driven, action-orientated research and case study analysis. We aim to develop knowledge that is valuable not only to the academic community, but also has strong social impact, and helps shape urban futures. Key areas of research are:

  • Urban governance 
  • Critical transport studies 
  • Political ecology
  • Urban sustainability

All the staff of the Urban Planning programme group is actively involved in teaching the  Bachelors programme in  Human Geography and Urban Planning   and the  Masters Programme in  Urban and Regional Planning  , and the  Masters Research Programme in Urban Studies . These programmes target different student groups, but common to all is that they aim at cultivating in students a both critical and constructive attitude towards different ways of understanding and impacting social, spatial and environmental processes in cities.

Mission and aim

The mission of the Urban Planning group is furthering research and teaching on social, spatial, and environmental processes in cities, their interrelationships, and ways of purposefully and positively impacting on them.

The aim of the Urban Planning group is to contribute to the capacity of cities to cope with urgent social, spatial, and environmental challenges.

Citizens who experience social and geographic exclusion often have difficulty influencing local decision making on urban planning, and this experience can reinforce dissatisfaction with the democratic system and foster societal fragmentation. Although local governments around the world increasingly seek to involve citizens in decision making, studies show that formal participatory processes still fail to include all citizens.

This project turns a lens onto the informal politics by which marginalized citizens already claim their ‘right to the city’, so that those practices can be better recognized by urban planners and their concerns can be heard. How do relatively marginalized citizens informally claim their right to the city in ways that are not recognized by formal participation efforts? How do these informal politics shape formal processes of participation? How can these informal ways be better included in participatory planning?

The project contributes to the scholarship of ‘participation’ by theorizing informal politics via contrasting ethnographic case studies of citizens’ politics in response to participatory urban development projects, in the distinct institutional contexts of Amsterdam (the Netherlands), where participation is highly regulated, and Bogotá (Colombia), where experimental efforts seek to creatively involve citizens. In-depth field research examines informal politics around the edges of formal meetings, in street-level encounters between citizens and public officials, and in other settings, and how these encounters shape formal participatory processes.

The research design challenges two taken-for-granted ideas: that informality in politics is a Southern phenomenon and that citizen involvement is better organized in welfare states. Further, the comparison will illuminate how state institutional frameworks variously enable or constrain citizen participation. Using an innovative approach to the methodology of political ethnography, I involve local stakeholders in knowledge production and utilization, to ultimately generate multi-dimensional understandings of participation from below and above.

  • Funded by: NWO VENI
  • Duration: 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

GPIO : Urban Planning

[email protected] +31 (0)6 34 09 19 37

TOD-IS-RUR will produce an innovative contribution to the scientific and societal challenge of sprawl in Europe. The ITN aims to both accommodate mobility and decentralized living while attracting sustainable and inclusive urbanization around sustainable transport. To meet this aim, TOD-IS-RUR transforms current urban and undifferentiated, model-based approach to TOD into a context-based, interdisciplinary rural-urban approach in which mobility-urbanization relations are analyzed and improved in relation to social and environmental qualities of RURs.

  • Funded under: EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions 
  • Duration: 1 January 2021 - 31 December 2024

[email protected] +31 (0)20 525 4007

Across Europe, cities are trying to radically reduce their reliance on car-based mobility in order to address sustainability challenges. Two things are lacking in these efforts towards a ‘post-car’ city: a proactive vision of cities that are both sustainable and accessible without cars, and effective strategies to deal with systematic resistance to change.

EX-TRA will generate knowledge that address these shortcomings. Central to EX-TRA’s approach are transition experiments in city streets, or intentional, temporary changes in street use, regulation and/or form, aimed at exploring systemic change towards a ‘post-car’ city. By way of urban living labs in Amsterdam, Bologna, Milan, Ghent, Munich and London, the project will generate insights into:

1.    Possible combinations of physical design and regulation that increase the types of usage and inclusivity amongst users of city streets 2.    Transport and land use conditions for the purpose of enabling and improving walking and cycling accessibility in city districts 3.    Shared mobility platforms and micro-mobility and freight delivery options which complement attractive streets and accessible districts 4.    Strategies of change that can accelerate the transition towards a ‘post-car’ city.

  • Funded by: Urban Europe
  • Duration: 2021-2024
  • Fact sheet  

A transition towards a degrowth economy is necessary to tackle the related challenges of resource scarcity and waste accumulation. Degrowth pursues socio-economic wealth while reducing material flows and reusing waste in socially responsible and ecologically regenerative ways. As a concrete approach to realizing these ends, the concept of the circular economy has gathered political momentum. However, this model will have no impact on city-regions' ecological footprint unless it challenges the regulations that dismiss certain materials as waste in the first place.

DECYCLE lays the groundwork for studying the regulatory frameworks that make it possible to revalue waste materials as a resource for city-regional development. It develops an approach termed 'institutional urban political ecology', which combines city-regions' regulatory, spatial, and ecological dimensions, usually studied separately. It interrogates the legal, spatial, and economic regulations that define waste streams' political responsibilities, geographies, and financial architecture.

DECYCLE puts forward a new concept, the material valorization regime, to explain how these regulations govern the valorization of waste across multiple scales. It develops a distinct new method of 'enactment tracing' for critical urban research, which involves mapping actors engaged in defending and contesting regulations. DECYCLE comparatively analyzes how regulations valorize streams of construction, food, and heat waste in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, and Milan. It also explains how transnational regulatory frameworks affect waste reduction at the city-regional scale.

By theorizing the relationship between regulatory change and the urban metabolism in contemporary eco-capitalism, DECYCLE sets out to free urbanization from its dependency on the production of waste and raw materials. In so doing, it lays the foundations for future socio-spatial inquiry into the institutional basis of city-regional metabolisms.

  • Funded by: European Research Council - Starting Grant
  • Duration: 

[email protected] +31 (0)20 525 5085

Programme group leaders

[email protected]

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  • Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

  • Urban Studies
  • Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Urban Studies PhD

Glasgow skyline at night - featuring a shipping crane

Urban Studies at Glasgow is widely recognised as a world-leading centre for innovative, interdisciplinary urban research with high international impact. The UK funding council ranked us joint 1st in the UK in research excellence in the Research Assessment Framework (REF, 2014), with 100% of our output assessed as internationally excellent or better.

We are multi-disciplinary in research approach and a PhD in Urban Studies will allow you to develop excellent skills in research methods and theory as well as engaging with pressing real-world problems that affect cities. You will have the opportunity to be supervised by internationally acclaimed scholars.  Our strengths include:

  • Big data, GIS, transport modelling, urban analytics
  • Educational inequalities and outcomes for young people
  • Housing, planning, real estate, regeneration, urban design
  • Public policy, welfare reform, health and health inequalities
  • Smart/future cities, challenges facing cities in the developing world
  • Systems of governance, communities and participation

If you study with us you will have the opportunity to join a large, stimulating community of PhD students and benefit from engagement with major funded research centres, long-term research projects and will be able to join our long-established research groups.

A PhD in Urban Studies can be taken as a 1+3 programme in conjunction with an ESRC-recognised MRes programme (MRes in Urban Research or MRes Public Policy Research).

Study options

  • PhD:   3 years full-time; 5 years part-time. 

Final assessment involves the submission of a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva voce).

Entry requirements

Our research degree applicants will usually possess a good Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent), with a significant component in urban planning and real estate.

Your proposed research topic should be in an area in which supervision can be offered. You may find it helpful to  search our staff research profiles .

Required documentation

Applicants should submit:

  • Transcripts/degree certificate 
  • Two references
  • A one-page research proposal
  • Name of potential Supervisor

Research proposal

Candidates are required to provide a single page outline of the research subject proposed (approximately 1000 words). This need not be a final thesis proposal but should include:

  • a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
  • the question that your research will address
  • an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
  • an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
  • a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
  • a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
  • an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 7.0 with no sub-test under 6.5
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
  • IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

  • 94; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 185 overall, no subtest less than 176

Oxford English Test

  • Oxford ELLT 8
  • R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
  • W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Fees and funding

  • UK: £4,786
  • International & EU: £25,290

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

  • Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

  • Re-submission by a research student £540
  • Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
  • Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

Urban Retrofit PhD scholarship – Place adaptation and urban retrofit ‘on the move': Urban policy mobilities and transnational planning for the climate emergency

The  College of Social Sciences Graduate School  draws together internationally recognised scholars and respected practitioners to offer a range of research programmes.

Our programmes are based on thorough training in research methods and we encourage you to take part in numerous exciting seminars, conferences and events. We offer modern library, IT services and a wide-range of support services. You will be living in one of Europe’s most exciting cities which has a vibrant cultural and social life. 

Our Graduate School  Researcher Development Programme  will support you to plan your professional development over the course of your PhD and ensure your employability.

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search .

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

  • Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  • Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  • Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploaded   as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to  [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
  • Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
  • If you have any questions about your application:  contact our Admissions team
  • Any  references  may be submitted by email to:  [email protected]

International Students

  • Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found on our  International student pages

Our research environment

  • Discover how we support and develop postgraduate researchers
  • Getting started with PGR development:   how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community

Postgraduate researcher blogs

  • A community blog, written by and for postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow

Related links

  • College of Social Sciences
  • School of Social & Political Sciences

UCL logo

Planning MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The School is internationally distinguished within the planning field and offers a unique hands-on learning environment for students, involving interaction with some of the leading urban planning academics and practitioners, through close supervision, creative project work and teaching innovation.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

  • Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject, is essential. Exceptionally: where applicants have other suitable research or professional experience, they may be admitted without a Master's degree; or where applicants have a lower second-class UK Honours Bachelor's degree (2:2) (or equivalent) they must possess a relevant Master's degree to be admitted. We expect any successful application to include a sufficiently strong and convincing proposal, and those holding a Master's degree are typically well prepared to provide one. Relevant work experience is highly desirable.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The MPhil/PhD in Planning Studies is an advanced level doctoral programme geared to interdisciplinary post-graduates interested in pursuing a career in planning or related fields in policy, research and/or teaching. The course is individually-directed and motivated, driven by the scholarly research interests and project development of the applicant which is supported by a supervisory panel usually consisting of two members of academic staff. The final product is a thesis of 100,000 words and an oral examination assessed by a small panel of experts in the chosen field of study.

Who this course is for

What this course will give you.

Research students at UCL are heavily involved in the academic life of the department, organising and contributing to seminar series, interacting with renowned academics from across the globe and adding their own expertise to the body of work that the department produces.

In order to best prepare our students for academic life we offer funds for international conference attendance, for training in teaching and research (to complement other formal training sessions offered by UCL Doctoral School) and above all else, we embed the fundamentals of academic teaching by employing our research students in the teaching of undergraduate and Master's level students.

We are the UK’s largest faculty of the built environment and REF 2021 has confirmed both our unique breadth, and excellence across this portfolio. Key highlights: The Bartlett is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken; 91% of our research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’; The Bartlett is number one for Research Power in the built environment.

The foundation of your career

At The Bartlett School of Planning our research informs our teaching. The school offers a unique hands-on learning environment for students, involving interaction with some of the leading urban planning academics and practitioners, through close supervision, creative project work and teaching innovation. These are the features that distinguish the School's teaching programmes within the planning field internationally. Through our undergraduate, taught Master's and doctoral programmes, students learn in a creative and highly stimulating environment about the form, planning, design and management of cities and about how to shape their future.

Employability

Students completing a research degree have been very successful in gaining subsequent employment. Graduates typically find employment with a wide variety of public and private employers in the UK and abroad, including universities, research institutes, consultancies and government organisations.

The school offers students numerous opportunities for networking with the professional community. Engagement with practising planners on taught programmes is reinforced through contact with visiting speakers in our extensive seminar series. Careers events are attended both by past alumni who have become successful planners and by employers seeking expertise within our student body.

Teaching and learning

The PhD Programme is largely self-directed with each candidate responsible for developing a training programme catering to their individual skill and knowledge advancement requirements. UCL Doctoral School offers a suite of extensive advanced level training opportunities and the School of Planning runs a bespoke series of research training seminars throughout the first year of study, which is augmented by regular in-house and external training opportunities via workshops, seminars and conferences.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

Initially, you will be registered for the MPhil degree. If you wish to proceed to a PhD, you will be required to pass an 'Upgrade' assessment. The purpose of the upgrade is to assess your progress and ability to complete your PhD programme to a good standard and in a reasonable time frame. It is expected that a full-time student will attempt upgrade within 18 months of registration.

There are only two formal points of assessment within the PhD programme – the upgrade from MPhil to PhD candidacy (around 12-14 months since registration) and the Viva-Voce (oral examination following submission of the final thesis). Theses are either passed without corrections, passed with minor revisions or referred for resubmission.

The PhD is a self-directed, but supervised study pattern. Regular meetings with the primary supervisor are expected (minimum once a month), whilst joint supervisions with the second supervisor may be less frequent across the academic year. There will be periods of more or less intensive supervisory contact dependent on the agreed patterns of data collection, field work and writing up, which coordinate differently for each research student. There is no specified quantum of time that is ‘expected’ but timely completion on a full-time basis requires a pattern of time management consistent with a full-time job.

Research areas and structure

  • Economic development : diverse aspects of the economy in complex city-regions; processes of industry clustering and innovation; local and regional economic development; impacts of multinational companies; foreign direct investment and trade openness; political economy of urban regeneration
  • Housing, society and culture : housing design, development and planning; representation of space; questions of identity and the engagement of different groups in space; housing supply; affordability; mix and social cohesion
  • Property and regeneration : inter-relationship of property markets and planning; effectiveness and sustainability of urban regeneration in the UK, Europe and internationally
  • Spatial planning : planning systems, policies and processes in the UK, Europe and beyond
  • Sustainable development : lifestyle, consumption and production; investment and property development; eco-design and planning for climate change
  • Transport and infrastructure : sustainable modes of travel; inequalities in urban and rural mobility; delivering major infrastructure projects
  • Urban design : public space design and management; the design dimension of planning; questions of form, type and quality; the value of design

Research environment

The Bartlett School of Planning at UCL is one of the oldest and most respected in the world. It benefits from its location in Bloomsbury in the heart of London and additionally, London itself serves as an ‘urban laboratory’ providing a rich resource for urban and planning research: in its role as a world city, as a political and financial centre; with its historic city core and garden suburbs, the Docklands and Olympic park regeneration areas, and within close range are historically significant new towns such as Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City.

The school’s increasingly international and inter-disciplinary staff and student body are evidence of the distinctive reputation the Bartlett School of Planning has achieved, and is a testament to the school's commitment to excellence in planning-related education and research.

The school has made major contributions to socio-spatial knowledge that ranges from understanding the fundamentals of urban form, complexity, society and development, to critiquing the processes of planning, governance, regeneration and investment, and analysing the outcomes from planning as they affect urban quality, culture, sustainability and mobility. Staff and research student projects cover a vast range of UK, European and other international contexts, and relate to both the global North and South.

A PhD at The Bartlett School of Planning will allow you to pursue original research and make a distinct and significant contribution to your field. We are committed to the quality and relevance of the research supervision we offer and as an MPhil/PhD candidate. Furthermore as a research student, you will be an integral part of our collaborative and thriving research community. An end-of-first-year PhD workshop will give you the opportunity to present and discuss your research with peers and academic colleagues. Tailored skills seminars will provide you with a supportive research environment and the critical skills necessary to undertake your research. To foster your academic development we also offer additional faculty funds, which can assist you with the costs of conferences and other research activities.

There is no taught element to the programme, however as a first year you will usually be offered workshops that typically include the following timetabled sessions:

  • Identifying your research topic
  • Refining your research question(s), objectives and/or hypothesis/es
  • Choosing your theoretical framing
  • Thinking theoretically
  • Choosing your methods for data collection and data analysis
  • Introducing the progress review and upgrade processes
  • Relations with supervisors
  • Time management.

In addition there are a range of seminars, public lectures and training events on offer within the Bartlett School of Planning for the research student community. 

In common with a number of other UK Universities, UCL does not admit students directly onto a PhD programme in the first instance, but requires all research students to first enrol for an MPhil degree. After having completed the first year, the majority of students do not complete the MPhil and instead go through a process of transferring (upgrading) to the PhD programme. Providing satisfactory progress has been made in the first year, the transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD is usually approved. The normal time allocated for doing this MPhil/PhD programme is three years full time and five years part time. Within the School of Planning, research students generally upgrade between 12-14 months following registration, or 24-28 months for Part-time students. There are no compulsory taught modules as part of the programme, but it each research student is expected to complete a bespoke training plan in consultation with their supervisory panel.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £6,035 £3,015
Tuition fees (2024/25) £28,100 £14,050

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

As a research student, your additional costs may include expenses such as books, conference attendance and field research, in the UK or overseas.

The Faculty provides financial support to students through the Bartlett Student Conference Fund, Bartlett Doctoral Initiative Fund and Bartlett Extenuating Circumstances Fund. However, please note that these funds are limited and available through competition. 

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

Any additional funding available from the Bartlett School of Planning and the Built Environment Faculty Office are advertised on the respective websites.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Bartlett Promise PhD Scholarship

Deadline: 19 May 2024 Value: Full fees, plus £19,668 maintenance (Normal duration of programme) Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)

Deadline: 12 January 2024 Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

Prospective MPhil/PhD applicants are encouraged to send an informal research enquiry before applying. This should be sent directly to the academic you would like to supervise you. Please refer to the staff list on the  department website  and see UCL's  Institutional Research Information Service  (IRIS) for staff profiles. Please attach to your e-mail a referenced research proposal (maximum 3000 words) and your curriculum vitae (CV).

Further details on how to apply to an MPhil/PhD can be found on the  UCL Graduate Admissions  website.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Bartlett School of Planning

Bartlett School of Planning

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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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

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Doctoral Programmes

phd in urban planning europe

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offers structured doctoral programmes in addition to the individual doctorate. An intensive support aims at a degree within three years. Supplementary courses impart disciplinary as well as transferable skills. Especially young researchers benefit from manifold assistance: teamwork, curriculum, supervision by several professors and practical application constitute a framework for successful projects.

The Research Training Groups of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offer positions for doctoral candidates and post-docs. Ph.D. candidates in other structured programmes are self dependent for their funding. They may apply for a scholarship from one of the organizations for the promotion of young talent or for a scholarship directly the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

If your research interest fits into one of the doctoral programmes of our university, you may apply directly at the programme. Please note the application deadlines and the doctoral regulations of the respective faculty.

NEW: GRK "Gewohnter Wandel" | start in autumn 2024

phd in urban planning europe

Social conflicts, ecological needs and the digitalisation of the living environment: if current social developments are shaping the built environment of tomorrow, what challenges, problems and contradictions will this cause for housing? 

From autumn 2024, young researchers in Weimar and Frankfurt will conduct interdisciplinary research on the current housing situationin the the joint research training group (Graduiertenkolleg, GRK) " Gewohnter Wandel. Social Transformation and Spatial Materialisation of Housing" , funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Over the entire funding period of nine years, up to 36 doctoral theses on housing issues can be completed. >  more info

Contact:  gewohnter.wandel[at]arch.uni-weimar.de

Research Training Group (DFG) Identity and Heritage

phd in urban planning europe

The research training group  »Identität und Erbe« started as a joint programm of the TU Berlin and the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar in October 2016 with all in all 12 doctoral positions (6 at each university). The first group (2016–2019) is still working on their doctorates in Weimar and Berlin. The following subjects are involved: architecture, architectural theory, history of building and urban development, fine arts, monument preservation, history of art and architecture, history of culture and media, landscape architecture, planning and architectural sociology, spatial planning and spatial research, urban planning.

The second funding period until 2025 has been approved. The interdisciplinary orientation of the GRK will be expanded in the new funding period to include archival science and the philosophy of science.

Please see here more of the latest news from the GRK.

Research Training Group (DFG) Medienanthropologie

phd in urban planning europe

The Research Training Group is primarily aimed at doctoral students of media studies, cultural studies, film and theatre studies, literary studies, philosophy, sociology, ethnology or one of the neighbouring disciplines.

The programme began its work in April 2020, the 2nd cohort started in summer 2023.

For more information, see www.uni-weimar.de/gkma

Doctoral Programme Art and Design

(photo: Michael Braun, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar)

The degree course Art & Design offers a Ph.D.-degree created solely for Master and Diploma graduates of Art- and Design-Schools was the first of its kind in the German-speaking area since 2008. The graduation, supervised by two professors, one academic and one artist / designer, is concluded after a three-year curriculum. German and English knowledge is required. The final Ph.D.-thesis equally comprises of a scientific and an artistic/design part.

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Toland,  head of the programme; Junior Professor for Arts and Research artsandresearch[at]gestaltung.uni-weimar.de

Application deadline is March 31st; the programme starts in the winter semester.

Open Online Consultation for all who want to apply: 10 November 2023 | 2 pm 09 February 2024 | 10 am

For insights in the program, please see " Working Titles ", the online journal for practice-based and led research initiated by Ph.D. candidates enrolled in the Ph.D. program for art and design at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. 

More information about the doctoral program you can find on the website  of the Ph.D. program.

European Urban Studies (International Doctorate Programme)

phd in urban planning europe

From 2002 until 2020, the IPP for European Urban Studies was counted among the nationwide network of International PhD Programmes, which, within the framework of the programme "Doctorates at Universities in Germany (PHD)", were endorsed by the German Research Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service. Supported in years 2002 to 2007, the IPP European Urban Studies was the only IPP in Germany that was dedicated to urban research. It dealt with topics that are tested against such current models as the "European City," "Compact City," "Social City," "Net City," or "Zwischenstadt". The International Doctorate Programme “European Urban Studies” was then focusing on research on Urban Housing and Forms of Living with a focus on (multidimensional) housing policy, in the context of current societal challenges – such as climate change, social fragmentation, spatial disparity, cultural differentiation, immigration and the transformation of the real estate economy – and what these challenges imply for the cities of Europe.

Please note: Until further notice, the program is closed. You can find out more about the individual doctoral opportunities in the field of "European Urban Studies" on this homepage .

UrbanHist - History of European Urbanism in the 20th Century

phd in urban planning europe

"UrbanHist − History of European Urbanism in the 20th Century" is a multidisciplinary research and training programme run by four universities in Germany, Spain, Slovakia and Sweden in cooperation with 13 partner-organizations and funded within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action - Innovative Training Networks (ITN) as European Joint Doctorate (EJD).

It aims to develop and sustainably promote a joint understanding of 20th century urbanism in Europe. 15 Early Stage Researchers will be researching in 8 thematic fields, embedded into a network of high-profile academics and practitioners.

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar; Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach, Slowakei; Universidad de Valladolid, Spanien sowie die Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Schweden.

2016 – 2020

www.urbanhist.eu

Please note: Currently no applications are being accepted for this programme.

Kompetenzzentrum Medienanthropologie (KOMA)

Period:  April 2015 bis September 2019

Das aus Mitteln der ProExzellenz-Initiative des Freistaates Thüringen finanzierte Kompetenzzentrum Medienanthropologie soll eine innovative und interdisziplinäre Medienanthropologie vorantreiben, die die Erforschung der Medialität, der Medienbedingtheit und Medienverfasstheit menschlicher Daseinsvollzüge ins Zentrum stellt. Dabei ist das Konzept der Anthropomedialität forschungsleitend. Anthropomedialität beschreibt mit der Verschränkung von Menschen und Medien ein eigenständiges Drittes, das jeder Unterscheidung von Mensch und Medium als deren Ursprung vorausgeht.

Im Rahmen des Forschungsprogramms wurden 10 StipendiatInnen bei der Arbeit an ihrer Promotion unterstützt. Die Arbeit des Kompetenzzentrums mündete erfolgreich in der Beantragung eines DFG-Graduiertenkollegs zum Thema Medienanthropologie , das im April 2020 gestartet ist.

Sprecherin: Prof. Dr. Christiane Voss  (Professur Philosophie audiovisueller Medien) Stellvertretender Sprecher: Prof. Dr. Lorenz Engell (IKKM)

Weitere Informationen zum Forschungsprogramm und zu den beteiligten WissenschaftlerInnen finden Sie hier .

Tim Othold M.A. Coordinator/ Research assistant Cranachstraße 47, room 005 Tel.: + 49 (0) 36 43/58 40 03 Fax: + 49(0)3643 / 58 40 01 tim.othold[at]uni-weimar.de

Christiane Lewe M.A. Coordinator/ Research assistant Cranachstraße 47,  room 006 Tel.: + 49 (0) 36 43/58 40 06 Fax: + 49(0)3643 / 58 40 01 christiane.lewe[at]uni-weimar.de

Urban and Regional Research (German-Argentinian Doctorate Training Group)

Copyright: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Foto: René Lenz

Duration: 2013- 2020

The German-Argentinian Doctorate Training Group "Urban and Regional Research" is a cooperation between the Institute for European Urban Studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Design and the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba /Argentinia.

The aim of this doctorate training group is to give a selective group of young researchers the opportunity and the academic support to achieve results in urban research that can enrich the academic debate in this field both in Europe and in Latin America. Doctorate students in the program receive bi-national academic advising and take part in a structured study programme. Successful completion of the programme results in the awarding of the academic title of Dr. phil or Dr. Ing in combination with a doctor title from the partner university. This doctorate training group is the first of its kind at a Thuringian university and one of few in Germany. A stipend funded by the Deutsch-Argentinischen Hochschulzentrum covers travel and living costs for the academic year abroad.

Currently no applications are being accepted for this programme.

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phd in urban planning europe

We have 25 urban planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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urban planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Ai to the rescue of climate change, modelling air quality for cleaner urban planning, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Big data and machine learning for urban energy and sustainability assessment and design

Barriers and opportunities of regional planning collaboration in china: mapping subjective landscape in implementing integrated watershed revitalisation in the yangtze river delta, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Intervention without violation of natural order: A complex adaptive systems (CAS) perspective of sustainable urban development

Phd study in the department of urban studies and planning, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Social Sciences Research Programme

Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Spatial Housing Market Spillovers in the UK

Spatial analysis and augmented reality, a morphotypological investigation of chinese "new towns" for harmonized remodelling. the case of "one city-nine towns" project, building resilience through imagination and children’s knowledge (ref: abce-kc1-24), energy-efficient multimedia data analysis with tsetlin machines, terrestrial robotic solutions for high-resolution environmental monitoring, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Data-Centric Solutions for Earth Observation Challenges: Developing Cutting-Edge Techniques for Remote Sensing Analysis [SELF-FUNDED STUDENTS ONLY]

Fully funded phd opportunities in engineering sciences, 4 year phd programme.

4 Year PhD Programmes are extended PhD opportunities that involve more training and preparation. You will usually complete taught courses in your first year (sometimes equivalent to a Masters in your subject) before choosing and proposing your research project. You will then research and submit your thesis in the normal way.

Valuing green and blue urban landscapes

Re-configuring the sustainable city: an evidence-based framework for an inclusive and healthy community (sf24/ee/abe/ozbil torun).

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  1. 32 PhD programmes in Urban Planning in Europe

    Find the best PhD programmes in the field of Urban Planning from top universities in Europe. Check all 32 programmes.

  2. List of PHD Programs in Urban Planning in Europe

    Find the list of all PHD Programs in Urban Planning in Europe with our interactive Program search tool. Use the filters to list programs by subject, location, program type or study level.

  3. Best Universities for Urban and Regional planning in Europe

    Below is the list of 100 best universities for Urban and Regional planning in Europe ranked based on their research performance: a graph of 1.68M citations received by 122K academic papers made by these universities was used to calculate ratings and create the top.

  4. MPhil/PhD Regional and Urban Planning Studies

    The MPhil/ PhD in Regional and Urban Planning Studies is part of a vibrant, innovative and interdisciplinary graduate training programme that addresses the opportunities, problems, politics and economics of urban and regional planning in cities around the world. Our emphasis is on "understanding the causes of things", to quote the School's motto. We do this by employing analytical skills ...

  5. PhD Research

    PhD work forms a major part of Urbanism research. The research programme is organised in research themes, and all proposals must demonstrate how they will contribute to the themes. The overall Urbanism Research Programme can be viewed here. PhD candidates participate in a four-year programme. In the first year, the candidate prepares a ...

  6. PhD programme

    PhD programme. We are part of the national research school NETHUR (Netherlands Graduate School of Urban and Regional Research) and a leading international centre for the multi-disciplinary study of urban and regional development. PhD programme of the department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning.

  7. Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies

    The doctoral programme at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, is dedicated to exploring contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical frameworks. This programme is designed to foster critical discourse and nurture ...

  8. PhD programme Urban Development and Governance

    About the programme IHS provides an environment that stimulates inspiring ideas at the crossroads of theory and practice in urban development and governance. Urban professionals grow as individuals and as academics. The knowledge and ideas they develop at IHS will contribute to them making a positive impact on the world. The IHS PhD programme provides a refreshing academic-to-practice ...

  9. Urban Planning (europe) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

    FindAPhD. Search Funded PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Architecture, Building & Planning, Urban Planning, europe. Search for PhD funding, scholarships & studentships in the UK, Europe and around the world.

  10. Urban Planning, Design, and Policy

    By establishing a dialogue with the best European and International schools, the UPDP PhD programme is the place for research and innovative approaches to urban studies, spatial planning and urban design. Based on a multi-disciplinary approach, the main objective of educational activity and the individual research training is to offer PhD ...

  11. PhD Urban Development and Governance

    Why study this programme? Part of the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities (EGSH), the PhD programme offers a chance to earn your doctoral degree from the high-ranking Erasmus University (#72 globally). Participants learn from and with urban policy advisers and real-life cases, connect with like-minded people from all over the world and expand their professional network.

  12. urban planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for ...

    Inclusive community-led Place Plan development. Cardiff University Welsh School of Architecture. This PhD aims to co-produce, pilot and evaluate innovations in inclusive community-led Place Plan development, focusing on how participatory action research can elevate long-term quality, equity, and sustainability in urban communities.

  13. PhD positions in Urban Planning, Design and Policy (UPDP) @DAStU

    By establishing a dialogue with the best European and International schools, this PhD programme is the place for research and innovative approaches to urban studies, spatial planning and urban design.

  14. Urban Planning

    Urban Planning research and teaching at the University of Amsterdam focuses on the relationships between the social, spatial, and environmental dimensions of urban processes, and on ways of purposefully and positively impacting on them.

  15. Urban Studies

    Urban Studies PhD Urban Studies at Glasgow is widely recognised as a world-leading centre for innovative, interdisciplinary urban research with high international impact. The UK funding council ranked us joint 1st in the UK in research excellence in the Research Assessment Framework (REF, 2014), with 100% of our output assessed as internationally excellent or better.

  16. Planning MPhil/PhD

    Planning MPhil/PhD. London, Bloomsbury. The School is internationally distinguished within the planning field and offers a unique hands-on learning environment for students, involving interaction with some of the leading urban planning academics and practitioners, through close supervision, creative project work and teaching innovation.

  17. PDF PhD Programme in Urban Planning Design and Policy

    ScholarshipsCall for applications 2021 now open!The PhD programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy grants five PhD posi. .The four scholarships are organised as follows: Three positions allow candidates to freely choose their own research topic. One position is based on predefined research topic "Study of Smart Working and popu-lation ...

  18. Urban Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

    We have 28 Urban Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhDs in Urban Planning are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of urban development and planning. Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of urban design, sustainable development, and the impact of planning policies on ...

  19. Urban and Regional Development, Ph.D.

    About The interuniversity Ph.D. programme in Urban and Regional Development from Politecnico di Torino is designed to train highly-qualified doctors in socio-spatial dynamics of development.

  20. AESOP

    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 ...

  21. Urban Planning (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes ...

    The University of Manchester Faculty of Humanities Doctoral Academy. This exciting interdisciplinary project focuses on the relationships between people, places, public policy, and the environment. It will be jointly supervised by colleagues from Geography (Stefan Bouzarovski), Politics (Paul Tobin), and Sociology (Faye Wade).

  22. Bauhaus-Universität Weimar: Doctoral Programmes

    Doctoral Programmes The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offers structured doctoral programmes in addition to the individual doctorate. An intensive support aims at a degree within three years. Supplementary courses impart disciplinary as well as transferable skills. Especially young researchers benefit from manifold assistance: teamwork, curriculum, supervision by several professors and practical ...

  23. Sustainable urban planning needs stronger interdisciplinarity and

    1 INTRODUCTION: URBANIZATION MODIFIES THE LOCAL CLIMATE, AND URBAN EXPANSION RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE HABITABILITY OF CITIES. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas (UNDESA, 2018).The combined effects of population growth and increased attractiveness of cities are responsible for diverse and major structural anthropogenic pressures on urbanized landscapes (e.g ...

  24. urban planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

    Dalhousie University Faculty of Computer Science. In this project, we explore how spatial analysis techniques traditionally used in architecture and urban planning can support authoring, implementing, and evaluating building-scale immersive augmented reality experiences. . Read more. Supervisor: Dr D Reilly.