AG211X Degree Project in Urban and Regional Planning, Second Cycle 30.0 credits

The main purpose of the thesis work is to expand and deepen knowledge about the conditions and driving forces of the development of society, about the issues that planning deals with, and about the methods that are used.

The thesis work should develop the student’s ability of independent work, and ability to approach an individually chosen topic, define and analyze a problem, and find and critically discuss possible solutions. Through the thesis work, the student is trained in the traditions of the scientific society in terms of work and presentation.

Subject description

Regional planning is a cross-disciplinary subject that covers a broad range of issues. The subject concerns planning on different spatial levels, from the local to the national and cross-national. The field of knowledge includes theories and methods connected to social science as well as to technique and design, and aim towards analyses of societal conditions and societal processes that may be influenced through physical planning or other types of planning.

The cross-disciplinary character of the subject means that choice of problem, choice of theory and choice of method may be connected to varying forms of planning, societal processes and structures. The field of study may concern the organization of state, regional or local sector and cross-sector planning, but also organization of other actors that influence – and are influenced by – planning. The field of study may also concern built and natural structures of varying kinds.

After completing the course requirements, the students should:

• To a given problem, be able to apply relevant knowledge and skills, which are acquired within the subject of regional planning.
• Within given constraints, even with limited information, independently analyze and discuss complex inquiries/problems and handle larger problems on the advanced level within the subject of regional planning.
• Reflect on, evaluate, and critically assess one’s own and others’ scientific results. Be able to document and present one’s own work, to a given target group, with strict requirements on structure, format, and language.
• Be able to identify one’s need for further knowledge and continuously develop one’s own competencies.

The thesis work should include at least information search, literature studies, theory and methods description, and critical reflection and discussion of the results of the study. The thesis work shall constitute the equivalent of 20 weeks full-time study.

A proposal for thesis topic is formulated by the student, the teacher or by an external interested party. The proposal shall briefly present the background and the suggested task, and shall connect to knowledge that the student has acquired in connection to previous courses.

The Department suggests a suitable scientific supervisor and examiner. Supervisor and examiner may only under specific circumstances be the one and same person, which should then be decided by the Head of the Department.

In consultation with the supervisor, the student develops a project plan in which the aim of the study and the design of the work should be presented clearly.

The thesis work shall result in a report that shows that the student has fulfilled the learning outcomes. After consultation with the supervisor, the draft report shall be presented at a seminar. At least the student, the examiner, a student opponent and the supervisor shall participate at the seminar. In connection to the seminar, the examiner decides which possible revisions/additions the student will need to make.

The thesis work may thereafter be approved by the examiner without being presented at a new seminar.

The thesis work is performed independently by the student, with the support of a scientific supervisor.

The Department provides a series of seminars concerning topics and elements that are assessed to be of common concern to the majority of the students. This seminar series aims to support the student, and runs in parallel with the individual supervision.

The thesis work shall constitute part of a specialization within the main field of study to fulfill the requirements for a degree in architecture or engineering. This normally means that the student has studied Urban Planning within the program Civil Engineering and Urban Management, the Master programs Sustainable Urban Planning and Design, or Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure. Also students within the Nordic master program Sustainable Urban Transitions are eligible, as are students from the previous master programs Spatial Planning, and Urban Planning and Design. Students that have acquired equivalent knowledge elsewhere may also be eligible.

To begin the thesis work, 240 credits are usually required of engineering students and 60 credits of masters students. The examiner decides whether or not the student has sufficient knowledge within the field.

A student registered at a School other than Architecture and the Built Environment that wishes to perform the thesis work within the subject of Regional Planning, must be granted permission by the examiner and by the Director of Undergraduate Education at the own School.

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

• XUPP - Thesis Assignment, 30.0 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.

Thesis assignment, (XUPP; 30,0 credits)

To pass the examination, the requirements that shall be fulfilled are approved final report, presentation of thesis at a seminar, and approved participation as an opponent at another student’s thesis seminar. The student should also prepare the document for publication in DiVA.

Maria Håkansson

Jonathan Metzger

• 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 about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.