The programme offers training in urban and regional planning, with a focus on strategic urban and regional planning. Core elements are identifying and managing planning issues within complex social, environmental and economic realities. This helps you develop skills in conducting studies, formulating strategies and coordinating overall planning at various levels of society. Our teaching profile is integrated with advanced research in urban and regional planning. The programme offers direct contact with ongoing research and there is a close collaboration with public and private employers offering real-world learning opportunities. As a student you can tailor your studies in your area of interest, profession or field of expertise. During the third semester of the programme, you can choose elective courses, studies abroad and internships, at businesses, organisations, or research institutes in Sweden or abroad.
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, Master's Programme
120 creditsOur cities and regions are currently facing fundamental challenges related to climate change, globalisation, urbanisation, digitalisation and social inequality. Strategic urban and regional planning is one of the most powerful local instruments to (re)shape long-term urban and regional development and create sustainable cities and regions of tomorrow.
Strategic Urban and Regional planning, Master's Programme - First and main admission round
Autumn 2025 / Full-time / Linköping
Syllabus and course details
Course details
The programme runs over two years and encompasses 120 credits, including a thesis.
Semester 1 and 2
In the first two semesters the programme consists of compulsory courses (60 credits) characterised by both knowledge and skills within strategic urban and regional planning. The second term concludes with a course to prepare for writing a thesis in strategic urban and regional planning.
Semester 3
In the third semester, the programme allows students an individual specialisation through studies abroad, internships and elective courses. The elective courses give the student opportunities to deepen the students’ knowledge and skills in, for example, health, visualisation, foodscapes, urban sustainability, and the politics of planning. The internship can be performed in Sweden or abroad where the students carry out a specific task which links to the activities of the chosen organisation and the students’ future professional interests.
Semester 4
The topic of the master’s thesis is decided together with the supervisor. The master’s thesis shall be written within the main area of study, urban and regional planning and should integrate the knowledge, skills, and theoretical approaches garnered in the first three semesters.
Further information
Webinar
This webinar covers the programme structure, the master’s thesis, examination forms, job opportunities, related research, and what it’s like to live in Sweden.
Student insights
Wenjing Wang, China
Planning for cities and dealing with the challenges of sustainability and climate transformation is very important under the circumstance of globalization. I would like to play a role in this process and plan for smart cities in the era of digitalization. Linköping University support me in this ambition. It provides med with the academic and theoretical knowledge and I have learned how to corporate with others by participating in the group works.
Alumni stories
News on the programme
Research
Application and admission
Application document checklist
- Diploma(s) of your degree(s) from an internationally recognized university, or a Final year certificate.
- Transcripts of completed courses and grades for each semester included in your degree. If you have had courses credited/transferred from previous studies, you must also submit official transcripts for those courses.
- Proof that you meet the specific entry requirements, for example relevant pages of course syllabuses (course descriptions), if the required courses/subjects are not clearly stated on your transcript.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of your passport.
Much of what you need to submit – and how – is based on where you completed your studies. Find out how to do things right on University Admission: Country instructions!
University Admissions: Provide application documents
Letters of intent or recommendation are not required.