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AD2UPX Degree Project in Urban Planning and Design, Second Cycle 30.0 credits

The main objective of the thesis work is to provide an opportunity for the student to conduct an independent research and/or design proposal related to a specific interest in the field of Urban Planning and Design. 

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus AD2UPX (Spring 2011–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The thesis work is based on a rigorous sequence of research and studio work which lie in the heart of the program and cover a broad range of topics in both Nordic-European and international settings.

Particular emphasis is placed upon the questions of sustainability, which is the core of the program itself. Masters’ thesis work is structured around the process of thorough research and practice .

At the beginning of the thesis process the students have an option to choose between working on theoretical study and/or design proposal.  The following options are available to students:

1. Thesis in Urban design Theory

2. Thesis in Applied Urban Design

3. Applied Research and Design

During the fall semster before the start of the thesis work, students are expected to develop their thesis interest topic and to write an essay describing the following:

  • Topic of research and/or design project
  • Formulated thesis question and problematic
  • The project site and the description of problematic of the site
  • Clear agenda on how to pursue the design and/or research
  • Methods and tools proposal for working on the project
  • Preliminary program for the project (design thesis)
  • Time schedule for working on the thesis

During the process of thesis examination there are two important moments around which the program is structured. The intermediate presentation at the end of March and and the final presentation during the last week of May. 

Intended learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to enable students to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills and methods gained from previous courses within Urban Planning and Design. The main objective of the thesis work is to provide an opportunity for the student to conduct an independent research and/or design proposal related to a specific interest in the field of Urban Planning and Design. The student shall learn to formulate research and/or design problem, define researchable questions and develop solutions for the defined problems.

While working on their thesis projects students will implement their knowledge on an advanced level and demonstrate an in depth capacity to address challenges stemming from the complex ways in which cities function, grow and develop. The students will gain the professional and theoretical tools to conduct an in depth research as well as to implement their skills and knowledge through the process of design.  

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

The thesis project shall form a deepened study in the field of Urban Planning and Design as part of fulfiling requirements towards receiving Master of Science in Urban Planning and Design. This means that in order to become elligible for the thesis project the student has studied and completed the major part of the programme courses in specialisations of Urban Planning and Design. It is the duty of the examiner to check that the prerequisites have been fulfilled. Students from KTH-Schools besides School of Architecture and Built Environment need to get approval from their School in order to be registered on a Master's Project in Urban Planning and Design.

Recommended prerequisites

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Equipment

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Literature

Course literature list will be announced at the start of the course.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • HALV - Half-time Seminar, 15.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • SLUT - Examination, 15.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Urban Planning Design studio and/or research project & critique presentation, 30.0 credits, grade scale:A, B, C, D, E, FX, F.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Architecture

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

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