Program Objectives

Students will be equipped with conceptual and practical tools to develop holistic (rather than purely technology-oriented) approaches towards sustainable urban planning — combining environmental and social approaches to urban transformation. The program will provide access to a wide range of advanced expertise in the fields of participatory planning and building, energy-efficient construction, integrated aspects of landscape and infrastructure planning, urban management and governance. It will thus enable students to combine principles of ecology-oriented science and engineering with a social approach to the design of urban landscapes and buildings, and to urban and regional planning. This degree also provides eligibility to register for PhD programs in Germany and the rest of Europe.

IUSD Program lines

The IUSD MSc Degree is an international 2-year master program hosted and organized by the two partner universities; University of Stuttgart (USTUTT), Stuttgart Germany and Ain Shams University (ASU), Cairo, Egypt. The offered MSc IUSD degrees program lines include the following:

IUSD Double degree at the University of Stuttgart and Ain Shams University: The first year taught in Stuttgart and the second year taught in Cairo.

For details please click here

IUSD Cairo Program at Ain Shams University, Egypt: The two years taught in Cairo, with a potential opportunity of exchange of a limited number of students between Ain Shams University and University of Stuttgart in the second year for a double degree based on self-finance. Furthermore, single degree students could have the opportunity for an exchange semester at one of the international partner universities.

For details please click here

IUSD Stuttgart Program at University of Stuttgart, Germany: The two years taught in Stuttgart, with a potential opportunity of exchange of a limited number of students between the University of Stuttgart and Ain Shams University in the second year for a double degree based on self-finance.  single degree students could have the opportunity for an exchange semester at one of the international partner universities.

For details please click here

IUSD Teaching Philosophy

The teaching philosophy of the program seeks to provide the students with support and guidance in expanding their individual expertise in the field of “Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design” while at the same time learning to work on complex, practice-based case-studies in interdisciplinary teams. The students come from a range of professional backgrounds and are expected to already have a degree and work experience. The program does not seek to award a professional degree in architecture/ urban planning or engineering. It aims to equip the students with the necessary practical and conceptual skills to develop holistic, interdisciplinary, collaborative and innovative approaches to sustainable urbanism and design – and to apply this knowledge to practical tasks in order to solve complex problems in a collaborative way. To promote critical thinking and the ability to bring several people “to the table”, students are trained to become generalists with a specialty” with the ability to link engineering considerations with architectural, environmental, and socio-economic approaches to sustainable shaping and management of man-made environments, navigating the complexities of the field and exploring their interrelationships and mutual dependencies. As the program progresses, the teaching methods shift from a more theoretical approach to the study of concepts and tools to practical application of the acquired knowledge and tools to the design tasks. The teaching methodology combines:

1) Knowledge-based learning 

Students will acquire a broad understanding of the various facets of Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design, learning to relate environmental knowledge, technical expertise, design competence and socio-cultural awareness (compulsory core modules) and expand their individual expertise by specializing in specific topics selected according to their varying pre-qualifications and personal learning goals. Building up on the compulsory core modules, students will use their electives to pursue a specific track (specialization modules). Students are encouraged and given guidance to develop a track, which will strengthen their analytic skills, broaden their intellectual outlook, and test their acquired insight in real-world applications. The program also strives to nurture intellectual independence, self-reliance and personal growth.

2) Application-based learning 

Students will learn to apply their knowledge to practical tasks of varying complexity in an interdisciplinary hands-on learning environment based on the design approach (Integrated Research and Design/ Integrated Case Study Studios). In the second semester they will refine the acquired skills working on an integrated research and design project on different scales in small student groups. In the third semester they will complete a large case-study project. The application-based learning approach is closely linked to the course’s partner institutions and enables the students to develop close relationships with them. Thus, students are encouraged to be an active part of project development and decision-making processes.

3) Learning outcome and prospects/career options

Program graduates will be equipped to work in international organizations, in national and local governments and urban agencies, non-profit agencies, non-governmental organizations and planning/ design companies. They will also be prepared for academic careers and be well positioned for PhDs and international research projects.

Program

The 4-semester MSc is hosted by Ain Shams University. In the second year of study, students will have the possibility to study abroad at international partner universities (Cooperation partners of IUSD- Ain Shams University). There are opportunities  funded semester exchange with University of Stuttgart  through Erasmus+ Student Exchange program. For more information on this program, refer to financial issues\funding opportunities section.   In order to apply for the MSc IUSD Cairo program at Ain Shams University, please submit the documents detailed below only online to the application portal no later than July 29th  2023, 11:59 pm (Cairo Local Time: GMT+2).

Degree

The participants receive a degree Master of Science »Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design«, issued by Ain Shams University.

Language of instruction

English

Start of the program

For the Fall Semester 23/24, the study period will start on October 1st 2023

Application

In order to apply for the MSc IUSD Cairo program at Ain Shams University , please submit the following documents online to the application portal no later than July 29th .

1 Application forms

   • Application form Ain Shams University (download through the portal) >> Complete the form, sign it personally, scan and save as PDF

2 Copies of qualifications

  1. University transcript (English)
  2. University degree (English)
  3. English proficiency (English)
                Please Note: With the exception of proof of English proficiency the copies of these documents need to be officially authenticated/certified and translated into English.                Only IELTS (general or academic, min. band 6) or TOEFL (min. score 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 79 internet based) are accepted. Due to Covid 19 situation, IUSD admission committee accepts alternative language certificates:
  • TOEFL at home special edition, find out more here.
  • IELTS indicator, find out more here.
      d. Scanned copy of your National Passport.
> Kindly scan the documents and save them as PDFs

3 Motivation, professional and academic experiences

a. Portfolio (English, no longer than 6 pages in A4 Format)

Please Note:  your portfolio should  feature a list of projects or a sample of work (student or professional projects) relevant for the IUSD course content with  written description and (if available) graphic illustration of selected projects in terms of their content and your contribution/role  in  the respective  project. To ensure equal treatment of all applicants, portfolios of more than 6 pages will not be considered.

      b. Letter of motivation (English, no longer than 350 words)

Please Note: Recommended content for your motivation letter are; Why are you interested in this specific program – its content and its focus? What special qualifications and skills did you gain through your previous academic career that are relevant to this program and that you can build on? What specific professional experience do you have that will contribute to the aims of this program? How do you hope to develop your career after receiving the masters degree?

 (In case you also apply for the IUSD Double Degree program, please indicate why you are interested in the programs contents and its focus on Germany and Arab countries in the MENA region).

       c. Two letters of recommendation (English, no longer than 350 words each)

Your letters of recommendation can be academic, professional or, if possible, from a current employer. Letters need to be signed and dated.

         d. Curriculum Vitae (please use the Europass Specimen Form for the CV) >> Kindly save documents as PDF, max. 2 MB file size. The portfolio may be up to 5 MB

Submission

Please upload a complete set of these files to the Ain Shams online application portal. The Application Portal Manual will guide you through the application process. Please do not send any hard copies until you receive an offer. Offers are conditional on timely submission of all hardcopy documents required for admission to Ain Shams University. We advise candidates to start preparing their documents in advance.

Study Fees

For details on study fees, click here

Funding opportunities

For info on funding opportunities , click here.

Program

The MSc IUSD Double Degree program covers a period of four semesters and is hosted and organized by the two partner universities - University of Stuttgart and Ain Shams University, Cairo. Both Universities jointly supervise the master thesis in the fourth semester. Applicants who applied and got acceptance at both universities are eligible to participate in the Double Degree program. DegreeThe participants will receive two degrees Master of Science »Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design«, issued by the University of Stuttgart and Ain Shams University.

Language of instruction

English

Start of the program:

In Stuttgart:  mid-October, introductory program starting October 1st In Cairo: Mid September , introductory program starting Early September. Please Note: EPOS scholarship holders have to begin in August 1st with their mandatory German language course (EPOS requirement) in Stuttgart.

Application

To apply for the IUSD Double Degree program students need to apply at both Online portals of both universities in parallel:
>> for list of required documents by Ain Shams University, click here.
>> for a full Application Manual to the IUSD Ain Shams Uni portal,

Link: Click here to read

Please NOTE: In case of  applying  to EPOS scholarship, you need to apply at both universities as well as submit your EPOS application and  documents in parallel through the University of Stuttgart University via e-mail; epos@iusd.uni-stuttgart.de and attach the following separate documents: Please note:  You need both registration numbers of both universities to fill out the form.

Program

The program covers a period of four semesters. During the second year of study students will have the possibility to study abroad at international partner universities (Cooperation partners of Stuttgart University). There are opportunities  funded semester exchange with the Ain Shams University Cairo through Erasmus+ Student Exchange program. For more information on this program, refer to financial issues\funding opportunities section. The program follows the above-described teaching philosophy. IUSD students will have the chance to benefit from a wide choice of design studios and elective modules offered by the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning as well as other faculties of the University of Stuttgart.

Degree

The participants receive a degree Master of Science »Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design«, issued by the University of Stuttgart.

Language of instruction

English, possibility to also choose German electives from the modules offered by the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Start of the program

Mid October, introductory program starting October 1st.

Application

In order to apply for the MSc IUSD program at the University of Stuttgart, please submit the following documents online to the application portal no later than October 15th .

1. Copies of qualifications

  1. Higher education entrance qualification (English or German)
  2. Bachelor / Master degree (English)
  3. Transcript of records (English)
  4. English proficiency (English)

Please note: With the exception of proof of English proficiency the copies of these documents need to be officially authenticated / certified and translated into English. "Higher education entrance qualification" means your school-leaving certificate.

Only IELTS (general or academic, min. band 6) or TOEFL (min. score 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 79 internet based) are accepted.

>> Kindly scan the documents and save them as PDFs  

2. Motivation, professional and academic experiences

a.Portfolio (English, no longer than 6 pages A4)

Please note: your portfolio must show besides a list of projects or a sample of work a description of your previous professional development. You should present student or professional projects relevant for the IUSD course content as a written description and (if available) graphic illustration of selected projects in terms of their content. To ensure equal treatment of all applicants, portfolios of more than 6 pages will not be considered.

          b. Letter of motivation (English, no longer than 350 words)

Please note; Recommended content for your motivation letter are: Why are you interested in this specific program? What special qualifications and skills did you gain through your previous academic career that are relevant to this program and that you can build on? What specific professional experience do you have that will contribute to the aims of this program? How do you hope to develop your career after receiving the Masters degree? (In case you also apply for the IUSD Double Degree program, please indicate why you are interested in the programs contents and its focus on Germany and Arab countries in the MENA region).

>> Kindly save documents as PDF, max. 2 MB file size. The portfolio may be up to 5 MB.

Submission

Please upload a complete set of these files the online application portal. The Application Portal Manual will guide you through the application process. You are only required to submit a complete hardcopy version of the required files if you receive an offer for a place on the MSc IUSD program. Please do not send any hard copies until you receive an offer. Offers are conditional on timely submission of all hardcopy documents required for admission to University of Stuttgart. We advise candidates to start preparing their documents in advance.

Erasmus+ Student Exchange

Students enrolled at USTUTT have the opportunity to benefit from Erasmus+ programme to travel for a One-Semester Exchange at ASU during their third semester. Students will be offered travel allowance and monthly stipend for a period up to 6 months.
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