The double degree master course MUNDUS URBANO contributes to capacity building in urban development planning especially in countries of the South and the East. It places a second focus on rules and practices of international cooperation projects, where the unsatisfied demand for qualified experts is evident and in which European culture, politics and professional knowledge remain a key element.

Finally, the MUNDUS URBANO course chooses a highly interdisciplinary approach combining physical planning, economic and social development aspects, which all impact equally on the fate of cities. Especially professional staff in a leadership positions – like a director of a municipal planning office or a consultant working in a cooperation project (typical careers for graduates from this Master course) – need to develop the capacity to comprehensively understand urban development processes and to conceive possible strategies for intervention.

The main objective of this Master course is to prepare both, professionals and academics, for critically analyzing and assessing the growing problems in urban areas internationally and to increase their capacity to develop appropriate solutions in terms of architecturally, socially, economically and ecologically sustainable urban development.

Other elements of the program include joint research projects, an EU-supported scholarship program and PhD supervision.

Eligible Candidates

Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of a first university degree or the equivalent to a bachelor degree in the European Community. The marks obtained in previous university studies must be ‘good’ or better.

Representing the level of an advanced ‘masters’ study, MUNDUS URBANO specifically invites applications from applicants that have previously completed a full 5-year graduate university career.
Basic understanding of urban development and/or international cooperation issues are an essential asset to benefit most from the courses offered in the MUNDUS URBANO program. Such understanding is best witnessed through a minimum of one year previous work experience in a profession related to the subjects of study.

If the work experience is shorter or in a different field, the experience may be compensated by a relevant subject studied for a previous university degree (for example urban planning, architecture, urban sociology, geography, urban economics, politics etc.) or by relevant own publications

University degrees and positions held on their own do not always serve as reliable indicators for the suitability of an applicant for an interdisciplinary education course. Therefore a motivation letter (one to two pages) written in English by the applicant is requested in order to illustrate his or her good understanding of the course’s objectives and it’s usefulness for the applicant’s personal career.

In addition to the motivation letter a standard CV in table form is requested from all applicants to the MUNDUS URBANO course.

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum TOEFL score for applications: 570 (paper based),88 (internet based) or 213 (computer based) Details of the TOEFL- test can be obtained from the website www.toefl.org

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is available from the British Council Office in your country or from the IELTS Liaison Unit, English Language Division, British Council, Medlock Street, Manchester, M15 4 PR, United Kingdom. You can also have a look at the website of the British Council: www.britishcouncil.org Minimum IELTS score for acceptance is an average of 6,5.

Required documents

• Online application form
• Mundus Urbano application form
• Academic degree in the original language, and a certified translation
• Transcript of records for each semester in the original language, and a certified translation
• Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, UNICert
• III (or proof that previous university studies were conducted in English)
• Copy of your valid passport or identity card
• Proof of at least one year of relevant work experience – certified by your employer(s)
• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae

In addition, an electronic version of your documents must be submitted to the following email address (scanned copies): mail@mundus-urbano.eu

NOTE: Please click here for a step-by-step guide on completing the online application form at here.

In the past Erasmus Mundus scholarships were only available for Non-EU citizens. This has been changed, and now ERASMUS MUNDUS SCHOLARSHIPS are also available for candidates from the EU! Full scholarships (2 years) are available for non-EU students, Western Balkan coutries and Turkey, to cover the tuition fee and all expenses of study (48 000€) Part scholarships (2 years) are available for EU students (20 000 € / year).

All scholarship applicants (whether non-EU or other students): Scholarship applications for the 2011-2013 cycle are now open. Application Deadline is January 4th 2011.

Contact Technische Universität Darmstadt
Fachbereich 15, PAR El-Lissitzky Str. 1
64287 Darmstadt
Germany
Email address: mail@mundus-urbano.eu