21 ECTS credits
630 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4018868FNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
1st and 2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English, Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Geography
Educational team
Kobe Boussauw
Michael Ryckewaert
Promotor . (course titular)
Activities and contact hours

630 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The master thesis consists of an original research and/or design project that deals with a clearly defined urban design or spatial planning problem. In principle it has a prospective, problem solving and/or design oriented dimension. Strictly research driven projects are also possible if motivated and approved by the examination committee.

  • The results of the project are reported in writing following the requirements of a scientific work or paper:
  • Start from a concrete problem statement and/or working hypothesis
  • Deal with a clearly defined subject
  • Deal with sources in a scientifically correct way

The list of master thesis topics is presented in the course of the second semester of the academic year that precedes the presentation of the master thesis.

Students can chose a topic from the list or can propose their own subject and supervisor. A supervisor attached to the master program guides the research and/or design project. If an external supervisor is chosen, a co-supervisor from the program is appointed.

The master thesis proposal is submitted to the titular of the master thesis in the course of April/May (deadline is communicated together with the list of master thesis topics).

The choice of master thesis subjects is finalized prior to the June exam session and approved by the program council. Changes to the subject after his period have to be motivated.

In the related course subject ‘Seminar Master Thesis’ (see detailed description under that course) the necessary competences in terms of research design and methodology are provided. Students are required and guided in formulating a research question en the elaboration of the research.

After submission of the master thesis the student presents the results of his research and/or design project orally and defends his thesis.

Additional info

See also the article dealing with the master thesis in the university education and examination regulations and the supplemental faculty examination regulations of the faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Goals

After completing the course Master Thesis Urban Design and Spatial Planning, the student is able:

  • to formulate research questions according to scientific standards or identify a design assignment based on societal or area-specific challenges;
  • to develop a research outline and translate the research question into a methodological approach of logically consecutive and concrete research steps, or to elaborate a spatial analysis framework at different scales;
  • to apply qualitative or quantitative research methods, or research-by-design methods;
  • to independently collect, select, synthesize and interpret information in response to the research question or design assignment;
  • in the case of a design thesis: to develop a logical link between analysis and theory on the one hand, and design on the other; project the future functioning of the design; present the design in a graphically qualitative way;
  • to report both in writing and orally at an academic level with respect to the research approach, the results of the conducted research or the elaborated design, as well as a personal reflection on it;
  • to reflect critically on the chosen topics within the field of Urban Design and Spatial Planning, both with regard to research and with regard to application or design.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Master Thesis determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Master Thesis category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Masterproef with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

None

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)