Objectives and competences

The master's degree in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management is based on the integrative approach of geography itself, aiming to develop theoretical and applied skills in the field of spatial planning and environmental management, applicable to different environments and geographical scales including urban and rural environments and coastal, inland and mountain areas.

The master's degree in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management, recognized at European level, is addressed to graduates interested in a professional or research career in areas dealing with the complex relationship between society and territory.

Based on the integrative approach of geography itself, the course aims to develop theoretical and applied skills in the field of territorial planning and environmental management, applicable to different environments and geographical scales including urban and rural environments and coastal, inland and mountain areas.

The degree is addressed to graduates interested in developing the theoretical and applied skills required for professional practice and research in the fields of spatial analysis, territorial planning and environmental management.
Classes are taught through the department of the Faculty, with guest lecturers from various universities in Spain and abroad and the participation of experts in local management, urban and regional planning, and environmental issues.

The programme combines theoretical content with the analysis and resolution of practical cases, and one of its particular strengths is the inclusion of field trips, which contribute to the broad scope of the training in spatial planning and environmental management.

In particular, the degree is designed for graduates with previous studies in the analysis of physical and human processes relating to the complex and changing framework of interactions between society and territory.

Basic information

TypeMaster's degree
Faculty or schoolFaculty of Geography and History
Branch of knowledge
  • History, archaeology, geography, philosophy and humanities
  • Interdisciplinary
Mode of delivery
  • Face-to-face
Credits60
Number of places available35
Length of course1 academic year
Language(s) of instructionCatalan: 10%, Spanish: 80%, English: 10%
Approximate price per credit27.67 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2023-2024
CoordinationALBERT SANTASUSAGNA RIU
E-mailmaster.planificacio@ub.edu
Course detailsIndicators
Open pre-enrolmentYes
Open enrolmentNo
Lead to doctoral studiesYes
Admission for applicants not holding a degree qualificationNo
Bridging coursesNo
Specializations
  • Evaluation, Environmental Management and Landscape
  • Local and Regional Development Planning
  • Open Pathway
  • Urban Dynamics and Urban Planning

Objectives and competences

Objectives

  • Develop the applied theoretical skills for professional practice and research in the field of spatial planning and environmental management, focusing on different scales and different geographical settings.
  • Acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical know-how to use the main tools of spatial analysis, planning and management and to propose action plans for local and regional development founded on the ethical, responsible and sustainable use of local resources.

Competences

The teaching methods are specially designed to ensure that students develop the necessary general competences. As such, upon completion of the course, successful students will be able to:
  • Analyse, synthesize and manage information related to the areas of study covered by the course.
  • Display a capacity for critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis in tackling complex questions.
  • Work in interdisciplinary and international teams.
  • Take decisions confidently and independently.
  • Display a feel for and commitment to quality.
  • Make original contributions to the field in research or professional practice.


The following values will be fostered during the training process:
  • Respect for human rights and democratic principles.
  • Application of the principle of equality between men and women.
  • The principles of solidarity and protection of the environment.
  • The principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination and accessibility.


Additionally, students will develop the following competences related to the basic principles of spatial planning and management:
  • Capacity to act in accordance with the principles of sustainability, and social and regional responsibility and equality.
  • Ability to integrate and interconnect the various components of spatial planning and management.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret social and regional structures and dynamics.
  • Understanding of the legal and political frameworks within which spatial planning and management are situated.
  • Basic skills in the management of spatial software techniques.
  • Mastery of spatial analysis, planning and management tools applicable to different scales and different geographical settings.
  • Ability to draft reports and papers on regional, sectoral and strategic plans; urban development plans; natural space management plans; and land-use plans.
  • The skills to manage plans and spatial management and planning instruments.

Access and admission

Applicant profile and access requirements

Recommended applicant profile

Given the multidisciplinary nature of the course content, candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply. All candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in geography, environmental sciences, architecture or engineering, or in any other field that covers aspects of spatial planning and environmental management.
As well as providing advanced training in spatial planning and environmental management for recent graduates, the degree also offers practising professional in related areas the chance to retrain and specialize. These candidates may be working at different levels of the public administration or in the private sector, but have not received any formal training in the field.

Access requirements and conditions

General requirements
In accordance with Article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, students wishing to be admitted to a university master's degree must hold one of the following qualifications:

  • Official Spanish university degree.

  • A degree issued by a higher education institution within the European Higher Education Area framework that authorizes the holder to access university master's degree courses in the country of issue.

  • A qualification issued by an institution outside the framework of the European Higher Education Area. In this case, applicants must request homologation of the degree to its equivalent official Spanish university qualification or obtain express approval from the University of Barcelona, which will conduct a study of equivalence to ensure that the degree is of a comparable level to an official Spanish university qualification and that it grants access to university master's degree study in the country of issue. Admission shall not, in any case, imply that prior qualifications have been recognized as equivalent to a Spanish master's degree and does not confer recognition for any purposes other than that of admission to the master's degree course.

Specific requirements
There are no specific requirements. Holders of an official university degree in any subject may apply.

Pre-enrolment

Calendar

- First period: 16 February - 16 April 2024.

- Second period: 18 April - 20 June 2024.

Notes:

  • Pre-enrolment fee: A pre-enrolment fee of 30,21 euros is charged. Students who apply to more than one master's degree must pay the fee for each pre-enrolment request. Pre-enrolment requests cannot be processed until this fee has been paid.Fees will only be refunded if the master's degree in question is suspended.
  • Reserved places: A maximum of 5% of the new places of the master's degree are reserved for students who meet the general and specific access requirements and accredit the recognition of a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

Required documentation

  • Pre-enrolment application
  • Photocopy of degree certificate or equivalent qualification. In case of admission, foreign degrees that require so should be translated and authenticated through diplomatic channels before completing the enrolment.
  • Other specific documentation related to the selection criteria

Selection criteria

Admission to the master's degree must be approved by the Admissions Committee, which studies applications in accordance with the following criteria and weightings:
  • Suitability of academic profile (up to 3 points): special consideration will be given to candidates with previous studies in the fields of geography and social and environmental sciences as well as to applicants holding degrees related to the study and knowledge of the region and social and spatial processes.
  • Grade point average (up to 4 points).
  • Suitability of professional profile (up to 2 points): special consideration will be given to candidates with proven experience in the areas of spatial planning, regional planning, urban and regional development and environmental management.
  • Any additional criteria established by the Admissions Committee (up to 1 point), such as the award of grants and scholarships, participation in research projects, previous collaboration in spatial studies, etc.

Notification

The Academic Committee will announce the results of the selection process during July and will contact successful candidates to notify them of their admission.

Enrolment

As a general rule, at the UB you will be required to enrol online. Remember that you can lose your place if you do not enrol on the day you have been assigned

Course curriculum

Subjects and course plans

Distribution of credits

Type ECTS
Compulsory 15
Optional 30
Compulsory placements 0
Compulsory final project 15
TOTAL 60

List of subjects

Subject Type Language Credits
Specialization: Evaluation, Environmental Management and Landscape
Agriculture, the Environment and Development Optional 2nd semester 5
Climate Change and Variability Optional 1st semester 5
Demographic Dynamics and Urban Migrations Optional 1st semester 5
Environmental Management Compulsory 1st semester 5
Fieldwork Project Optional 2nd semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Forestry Planning and Management Optional 1st semester 5
Housing Policies and Planning Optional 1st semester 5
Institutional or Company Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Local Management Optional 1st semester 5
Natural Hazards Optional 2nd semester 5
Natural Mountain Systems: Analysis and Management Optional 2nd semester 5
Planning and Management of Urban Areas Compulsory 1st semester 5
Planning and Territorial Development Compulsory 1st semester 5
The City as a Social Space Optional 2nd semester 5
Tourism in Local and Regional Development Optional 1st semester 5
Tourist Itineraries and Local Development Optional 1st semester 5
Urban Heritage Optional 2nd semester 5
Specialization: Local and Regional Development Planning
Agriculture, the Environment and Development Optional 2nd semester 5
Climate Change and Variability Optional 1st semester 5
Demographic Dynamics and Urban Migrations Optional 1st semester 5
Environmental Management Compulsory 1st semester 5
Fieldwork Project Optional 2nd semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Forestry Planning and Management Optional 1st semester 5
Housing Policies and Planning Optional 1st semester 5
Institutional or Company Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Local Management Optional 1st semester 5
Natural Hazards Optional 2nd semester 5
Natural Mountain Systems: Analysis and Management Optional 2nd semester 5
Planning and Management of Urban Areas Compulsory 1st semester 5
Planning and Territorial Development Compulsory 1st semester 5
The City as a Social Space Optional 2nd semester 5
Tourism in Local and Regional Development Optional 1st semester 5
Tourist Itineraries and Local Development Optional 1st semester 5
Urban Heritage Optional 2nd semester 5
Specialization: Open Pathway
Agriculture, the Environment and Development Optional 2nd semester 5
Climate Change and Variability Optional 1st semester 5
Demographic Dynamics and Urban Migrations Optional 1st semester 5
Environmental Management Compulsory 1st semester 5
Fieldwork Project Optional 2nd semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Forestry Planning and Management Optional 1st semester 5
Housing Policies and Planning Optional 1st semester 5
Institutional or Company Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Local Management Optional 1st semester 5
Natural Hazards Optional 2nd semester 5
Natural Mountain Systems: Analysis and Management Optional 2nd semester 5
Planning and Management of Urban Areas Compulsory 1st semester 5
Planning and Territorial Development Compulsory 1st semester 5
The City as a Social Space Optional 2nd semester 5
Tourism in Local and Regional Development Optional 1st semester 5
Tourist Itineraries and Local Development Optional 1st semester 5
Urban Heritage Optional 2nd semester 5
Specialization: Urban Dynamics and Urban Planning
Agriculture, the Environment and Development Optional 2nd semester 5
Climate Change and Variability Optional 1st semester 5
Demographic Dynamics and Urban Migrations Optional 1st semester 5
Environmental Management Compulsory 1st semester 5
Fieldwork Project Optional 2nd semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Forestry Planning and Management Optional 1st semester 5
Housing Policies and Planning Optional 1st semester 5
Institutional or Company Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Local Management Optional 1st semester 5
Natural Hazards Optional 2nd semester 5
Natural Mountain Systems: Analysis and Management Optional 2nd semester 5
Planning and Management of Urban Areas Compulsory 1st semester 5
Planning and Territorial Development Compulsory 1st semester 5
The City as a Social Space Optional 2nd semester 5
Tourism in Local and Regional Development Optional 1st semester 5
Tourist Itineraries and Local Development Optional 1st semester 5
Urban Heritage Optional 2nd semester 5

Previous years

Placements

Placements in a company or another type of organization are an integral part of university studies, providing first-hand experience of working methodologies in students' chosen professional fields. They offer invaluable practical experience for the transition into work after graduation.



Placements are supervised by tutors and subject to assessment. They are therefore included in the academic record.  There is also an option to complete non-curricular placements of up to 500 hours, which can be extended to 900 hours. For both curricular and non-curricular placements, an educational cooperation agreement is signed between the UB and the company, institution or other organization at which the placement will be carried out.



Institutional information


Career opportunities

What can you work on ?

The main career opportunities can be found in spatial and regional planning and management in the public sector (city councils, county councils, public consortia, etc.) and in private companies, and particularly in consultancy firms specializing in regional and environmental issues. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of:
  • Technical studies and projects in spatial management and planning.
  • Urban, commercial and tourism studies.
  • Conceptualization and execution of cartography projects.
  • Management of regional databases and information (environmental, economic, demographic).
  • Use of regional information tools and instruments.
  • Technical studies and projects on regional impacts.
  • Location analysis.
  • Research in the field of regional sciences and disciplines.

Access to the labour market

Data from the university system in Catalonia

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