Sustainable Urban Technologies

Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Technologies at the University of Duisburg-Essen offers an interdisciplinary education focused on developing innovative solutions for the sustainable development of urban environments. This program prepares students to address complex challenges related to urbanization, resource management, environmental protection, and technological advancement. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of urban systems, including their ecological, social, and economic dimensions, and learn to integrate sustainable practices into the planning, design, and management of urban spaces. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing the use of cutting-edge technologies such as renewable energy systems, smart city infrastructures, green building solutions, and environmental monitoring tools. Throughout the program, students will engage in project-based learning, collaborative research, and internships that connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges faced by cities worldwide. The program aims to cultivate interdisciplinary thinking, technical proficiency, and sustainable innovation, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning, environmental consultancy, governmental agencies, and private sector companies dedicated to urban sustainability. With state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative workshops, and access to extensive networks within the industry and academia, students will have ample opportunities to develop specialized expertise and contribute to the transformation of urban spaces into more sustainable, resilient, and livable environments. Graduates of this program will be equipped to develop strategies that harmonize urban growth with environmental conservation, ensuring the well-being of future generations and promoting sustainable development on a global scale.

Educational organisation

This Master's course and its twin course "Urban Culture, Society and Space" are modularly structured and include disciplinary introductory, intermediate and advanced-level modules: the focus in the "Sustainable Urban Technologies" course is on engineering and natural sciences; the focus in the "Urban Culture, Society and Space" course is on the social sciences and humanities.
Both programmes also overlap considerably in terms of interdisciplinary approaches and content. These overlaps are primarily placed in the integrative modules and the complementary modules in the first and second semesters of study as well as in the practical project in the third semester. In particular, the complementary modules and the practical project both impart special knowledge of the subject areas focused on in the parallel programmes.
The fourth semester is devoted to the writing of a Master's thesis. The thesis is of crucial importance to the entire course of studies, as it demonstrates a student's ability to productively address central urban issues while applying academic/scientific expertise with a clear view towards creating interdisciplinary connections and links to other areas related to urban systems.

Study abroad unit(s)

Possible

Internships

During their course of studies, students do an internship of at least three months (Module 7) to prepare them for future professional work.
The internship project presents students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in transdisciplinary project work while also enabling them to reflect on real-world praxis from an academic/scientific perspective through work on exemplary large-scale urban projects (urban development, design, and restructuring, city planning, city management, infrastructure projects, city administration, urban research, etc.).
Students will receive intensive guidance in looking for appropriate internships. This guidance will be provided by the Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) and the Centre for Logistics and Traffic (ZLV) (both part of the Main Research Area Urban Systems), both of which have long-standing contacts to companies and authorities.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exam, presentation, written report

Course objectives

The goal of the Master's programme Sustainable Urban Technologies (and Urban Culture, Society, and Space) is to educate future experts for urban developments and projects who are able to effectively communicate and take action. Our interdisciplinary expert profile is to be implemented through two discrete courses of study, which are nevertheless integrated in terms of content and subject matter. This means that there are significant overlaps between the two programmes; one programme focuses on engineering, urban planning and design and the other focuses on the humanities, social sciences and education. This dual approach is rooted in acknowledgement of the importance of specialisation in particular fields despite the necessity of promoting interdisciplinary qualifications.

Language requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of English need a proof of English skills according to level C1 of the Common European Framework (CEF) for languages.

Academic requirements

The admissions requirement for the "Sustainable Urban Technologies" Master's programme is a BSc (Bachelor's degree) in the natural sciences, engineering, or planning sciences from a degree-granting institution of higher education. Similar degrees will be accepted if the board of examiners can verify that the degree is equivalent to a BSc. Candidates must also take an aptitude test (for more information, consult the applications page) and certify their English skills.

Enrolment fees

There are enrolment fees of approx. 280 EUR per semester. These include

• a public transport ticket for the entire region of North Rhine-Westphalia
• fees for providing social, financial and cultural support services ("Studentenwerk")

Costs of living

Approx. 1,000 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

The Master’s program in Sustainable Urban Technologies at the University of Duisburg-Essen is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the complex challenges of urban sustainability. The program focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable development in urban areas, integrating interdisciplinary approaches from engineering, environmental science, and urban planning. Students gain an understanding of infrastructural systems, resource management, ecological considerations, and the integration of technologies that promote energy efficiency and environmental protection in urban settings.

Throughout the course, students engage with theoretical concepts and participate in practical projects that simulate real-world urban problems. The curriculum covers topics such as sustainable mobility, green building design, renewable energy applications, waste management, water supply systems, and smart city solutions. Emphasis is placed on technological innovation, data analysis, and policy development to support sustainable urban growth.

The program also offers opportunities for international exchange and collaboration with industry partners, preparing graduates for careers in consulting, urban planning, environmental management, and technology development sectors. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable urban projects, contributing to environmentally responsible and resilient cities.

The length of the program is typically two years for full-time study, with options for part-time study depending on the student’s circumstances. Admission requirements include a relevant undergraduate degree, proficiency in English, and a motivation to work towards sustainable urban futures. The program's innovative approach and connection with current urban challenges make it a compelling choice for students aiming to influence the development of smarter, greener cities.