Advanced Urban Development

Technische Universität Berlin has established a satellite Campus in El Gouna to act as an academic hub and research centre at the Red Sea in Egypt, the heart of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The exceptional location of the TU Berlin Campus El Gouna provides a state-of-the-art environment for studying and research, while serving as a bridge for scientific and intercultural exchange between Europe, the MENA region, and the other parts of the world.
All two-year study programmes comprise 120 Credit Points (ECTS) and are taught in English. Students graduate with a full Master's degree from the Technische Universität Berlin. Aside from time spent studying in El Gouna, students spend up to one year at TU Berlin's main campus in Berlin.
The Master's degree programme in Urban Development focuses on specific aspects in the field of sustainable urban development, urban planning, and urban design. This field of study is of enormous importance for Egypt and the world. It is based on scientific study methods and is highly application-oriented. The programme is designed to foster a process-oriented and interdisciplinary approach among students. The programme content includes not only current trends and methods, but also complex semester projects in which interdisciplinary teams deal with typical problems in a real-world environment.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme in Urban Development comprises a three-semester study period, in addition to a fourth semester in which students write their Master's thesis. The first and third semester take place in El Gouna, Egypt, while the second semester will be in Berlin, Germany. The location of the fourth semester depends on the student's interests in the Master's thesis and can be chosen according to the respective subject.

The Master's degree programme in Urban Development covers the following core study areas:
(I) Urban Planning
(II) Project Management
(III) Technical Infrastructure
(IV) Interdisciplinary Studies and Intercultural Competence
(V) Master's Thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

The programme comprises a three-semester study period, in addition to a fourth semester in which students write their Master's thesis. The first and third semesters will take place in El Gouna, Egypt, while the second semester will be in Berlin, Germany. The location of the fourth semester depends on the student's interests in the Master's thesis and can be chosen according to the respective subject.

Internships

An internship of six to eight weeks is to be completed during the summer break between the second and third semester. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Pursuing a progressive approach to teaching, interdisciplinary courses, field trips, internships, integrated semester projects, and an internship in planning companies or public administration complement conventional methods such as lectures, seminars, and self-study. At the end of each course, written and oral examinations, group presentations, or reports are graded by the professors and lecturers.

Course objectives

The Master's degree programme Urban Development offers advanced education for students and young professionals with a prior Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications under the general principle of sustainable development, with special competences in the following areas:

• Comprehensive planning, design and operation of complex systems and appropriate technologies
• Perception and professional competence in the protection of resources
• Management skills, competence and capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary framework

The objective of the programme is to provide students with shared theoretical and practically oriented knowledge in the field of Urban Development, taking into account students' varying levels of previous knowledge. The programme aims to teach students how to take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach in line with the principles of sustainability. Students in the programme should acquire the ability to design and structure ambitious projects and to realise these projects efficiently.

Language requirements

The language of instruction is English. Hence, a formal language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) is compulsory.
English native speakers are not required to supply a proof of English language ability. If English was the official language of instruction of your previous degree, a certificate from your university is sufficient.

Academic requirements

An academic background in the form of a relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent is an obligatory requirement for all Master's programmes at TU Berlin Campus El Gouna. As professional experience is considered to be a valuable asset for the course profile, practical work experience in a subject-related field is also mandatory. Additional qualifications, such as social commitment, publications, participation in extracurricular academic events, language abilities, and IT skills will also be taken into consideration.
Qualification in a city-related discipline is required: architecture, urban planning, environmental planning, geography, urban design or landscape planning. Candidates with a background in civil engineering, law, political science, business administration, sociology, or economics are also encouraged to apply.

Costs of living

Approx. 500 EUR per month to cover personal expenses in Berlin, Germany and approx. 250 EUR per month to cover personal expenses in El Gouna, Egypt

Job opportunities

There are many possibilities to earn money during your studies. You can find job ads on the "Schwarzes Brett" (notice board) on campus or you take a job at a department, library or other facility at our university. Waiting on tables in cafés and pubs is a typical student job. Other students accompany visitors at trade fairs, work as delivery drivers or cycle couriers, or take on odd jobs cleaning, babysitting, working in copy shops, etc.

Funding opportunities within the university

TU Berlin Campus El Gouna was founded as a non-profit public-private partnership between TU Berlin, Orascom Development Holding (ODH), and Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD).
ODH, SFSD and partners offer several scholarships to students. Furthermore, our scholarship page summarises various scholarship opportunities.
http://www.campus-elgouna.tu-berlin.de/v-menu/admission_process/scholarships/

Accommodation

Study period in El Gouna, Egypt:
Student halls of residence are provided for TU Berlin students by Orascom Hotels & Development (OHD) in immediate proximity to the campus. The apartments are rented to students at reasonable rates of approx. 150 EUR/month for shared rooms. An average apartment is approx. 20 square meters in size including bathroom and kitchenette. A common room and laundry facilities are also available in the dormitories.

Study period in Berlin, Germany:
As Berlin is an internationally renowned and popular place to study, various types of accommodation are available. TU Berlin Campus El Gouna staff will be pleased to support students in finding a place to live.