Department of Urban Planning and Urban Green Infrastructure

Last modified: 30. November 2025

NEW! Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Program in the

Urban Systems Engineering MSc

A program in English

Our new English-taught Urban Systems Engineering MSc focusing on Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Program, starts in September 2026!
Find more details about the course and the application process on the application information site of MATE!

 
 

The Master's degree program is the only one of its kind in Budapest and is offered at the Buda Campus of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The program offered by the Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art puts emphasis on the environment and sustainability considerations of urban development.

The training program that redefines urbanism in a broader sense, expanding the field with fresh perspectives while providing a solid foundation in urban and rural planning. Guided by the principles of sustainable and ecological urban planning and design, the training also embraces sustainability in its economic dimension, preparing participants to shape future-ready communities.

The Hungarian version of the Program has a history of more than 20 years, and since 2003, we have been continuously developing it based on feedback and experience. Our goal is to expose students to the latest information, urban challenges, and trends.

This Master's degree is for you! - if you are interested in:

• developing the city of the future, which is sustainable, just and inclusive

• managing the systems of the city

• preserving historical heritage

• working on green, sustainable living in urban environments

• planning with the community

• mitigating the effects of climate change

• building community via creating inclusive spaces

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The Program spans four semesters and 120 credits, granting urban planning qualifications recognised in Hungary. The programme has a project-based structure and is organized into thematic modules, ensuring a comprehensive and practice-oriented learning experience. Throughout the program, special attention is given to current labour market demands, with teamwork and rapid, practice-focused assignments playing a central role. Short, intensive planning and design workshops held at the beginning of the autumn semester and the end of the spring semester help develop quick problem-solving skills. With the involvement of numerous international lecturers, the program offers not only diverse perspectives but also valuable opportunities for professional networking through actual project work. Every autumn and spring, immersive field trips to nearby major cities open the door to discovering the latest urban development projects through guided professional tours—combining hands-on learning with inspiring real-world experiences.

Applications are accepted with broad range of educational backgrounds (BSc or MSc degrees in different fields of engineering, geography and earth and environmental sciences, and also in social sciences with some minimum requirements*):

Modules of the studies:

• Urban Planning Module: incl. strategic urban development, international context of spatial planning, polity and policies of planning, contemporary issues of urban and regional planning

• Design Module: incl. project design, zoning plans, architecture, site development design

• Environmental Module: incl. environmental protection, urban ecology, green infrastructure design, nature and landscape conservation and management

• Art History Module – Art History, Contemporary Architecture, Urban History

• Social Science and Economics Module: incl. sociology, spatial economics and geography, urban management, regional development, real estate development, EU Regional Policy

• Technics Module – geoinformatics, transport planning, public utility planning

 
 

As an Urban Planner and designer, you will become an expert in urban systems and can easily work in an international context in the diverse fields of the profession such as planning, research, management, and development!

The Program takes place in Budapest, the capital city and a cultural and university centre with countless opportunities.

Tuition fee per semester: find more on this link.

Find more details about the application, the curriculum of the programme, and the subjects of the Program.

Application should be submitted through the DreamApply platform.

As part of the admission process, applicants will be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their previous work. This may include designs, drawings, written pieces, and any other materials that reflect their creative practice. The portfolio should also contain a short biography and a motivation statement. Based on the submitted materials, applicants will then be invited to an interview as the next step of the selection process.

We always post the latest information on our Facebook and Instagram page!

 

*Minimum requirements for admission to the master's degree program. Minimum 50 credits obtained during former BSc or MSc studies in the following areas:

- natural sciences (including mathematics, drawing, descriptive geometry, materials science, environmental science, computer science, basic engineering) /maximum 20 credits/;

- economics and humanities (basic economics, social sciences, public administration and law, architectural history) /maximum 15 credits/;

- professional subjects (urban planning, geodesy, architecture, geographic information systems, road and utility systems, environmental protection) /maximum 45 credits/.