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Bachelor in Urban Studies

Lead the future of cities and society

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Bachelor in Urban Studies

duration4 years

languageEnglish

locationSegovia and Madrid

intakeSeptember

Mode of studyFull-time

FormatIn-person

duration4 years

languageEnglish

locationSegovia and Madrid

intakeSeptember

Mode of studyFull-time

FormatIn-person

A UNIQUE BACHELOR IN URBAN STUDIES

Cities are today more relevant than ever. They play an increasingly important role in climate change, inequality, safety, and health. This bachelor will prepare you to become a problem solver, developing real-life answers to current and future urban challenges.

Bachelor in Urban Studies | IE University

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

BACHELOR IN URBAN STUDIES STUDY PLAN

YEAR 1

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: URBAN AND TERRITORIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: SOCIAL GROUPS AND STRUCTURES

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: URBAN STRUCTURE AND TERRITORIAL RELATIONSHIP

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

THEORY AND CRITIQUE OF THE ARCHEOLOGICAL CITY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS FOUNDATIONS

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

GRAPHIC EXPRESSION AND COMMMUNICATION

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

CITY LAB I: ECOSYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

THEORY AND CRITIQUE OF THE HISTORIC CITY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

THEORY AND CRITIQUE OF COMPLEXITY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

DATA SCIENCE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

HUMANITIES

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

YEAR 2

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: HABITAT

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: URBAN DEMOGRAPHY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: HOUSING

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

THEORY AND CRITIQUE OF THE CONTEMPORARY CITY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

ADVANCED PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

TECHNOLOGY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

CITY LAB II: HABITAT AND HOUSING

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

Courses

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Professors

Type

Core

ECTS

YEAR 3

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: URBAN AND TERRITORIAL FLOWS

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: ACCESSIBILITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: URBAN AND TERRITORIAL ACTIVITIES

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

CITY LAB III: ACCESSIBILITY

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

IE CHALLENGE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

ELECTIVES

Professors

Type

Elective

ECTS

YEAR 4

1ST SEMESTER

Courses

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT AND LIFE CYCLE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: CITY GOVERNANCE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: URBAN PLANNING

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF URBAN AND TERRITORIAL STRUCTURES

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

2ND SEMESTER

Courses

CITY LAB IV: GOVERNANCE

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Professors

Type

Mandatory

ECTS

Courses

FINAL PROJECT

Professors

Type

ECTS

Components

Credits

CORE COURSES

MANDATORY COURSES

138

ELECTIVES COURSES

FINAL PROJECT

CREDITS NEEDED TO GRADUATE

240

* This study plan is under review and is subject to change.

CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT FOR DETAILS AND UPDATES

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BACHELOR IN URBAN STUDIES

First year - Bachelor in Urban Studies | IE University

FIRST YEAR - FRAMEWORK. ECOSYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES.

The first year builds the foundation for your Bachelor in Urban Studies journey. We begin by looking at ecosystems, social structures, and urban and territorial structures. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the basic principles and foundations of the city.

Second year - Bachelor in Urban Studies | IE University

SECOND YEAR - WAYS OF LIVING. HABITAT AND HOUSING.

In this second year, we approach the concept of the habitat from multiple, complementary perspectives. We’ll consider how our daily lives are part of an ecosystem (habitat), a physical structure (housing) and a social structure (urban demography).

Third year - Bachelor in Urban Studies | IE University

THIRD YEAR - ACCESSIBILITY. FLOWS AND MOBILITY.

In the third year, we’ll look at the concept of accessibility, understood in its broadest sense, which includes the flow of goods, people, energy, and access to basic services and needs. In addition, we’ll study the relationship of cities to their surrounding territory and other cities. As our program has an international scope, study abroad and internships are encouraged to expand even more your horizons.

Fourth year - Bachelor in Urban Studies | IE University

FOURTH YEAR - TOOLS AND GOVERNANCE. YEAR

In the final year, we’ll address tools for the sustainable, fair and efficient management of cities. These include understanding concepts about our ecological footprint, governance of cities, and urban planning. During this year, you’ll also undertake an independent research project on contemporary urban issues.

THE DUAL DEGREES OF IE UNIVERSITY

Develop a multidisciplinary profile and specialize in two distinct, yet connected fields, by combining another bachelor degree with your studies in Urban Studies.

DUAL DEGREE IN ECONOMICS + URBAN STUDIES

The Dual Degree in Economics and Urban Studies is aimed at individuals with an interdisciplinary mindset: passionate about analytical thinking, data and economics, but also determined to tackle the challenges associated with cities and urban development.

Discover more

Undergraduate Degrees | English | five years

Learn more about our dual degrees

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM

Check here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the characteristics of urban studies?

Characteristics of Urban Studies include interdisciplinary approach, focus on urban environments, analysis of social, economic, and cultural aspects of cities, examination of urban policies and planning, and emphasis on addressing urban challenges and fostering sustainable development.

How useful is an urban studies degree?

An Urban Studies degree is highly useful as it equips individuals with a comprehensive understanding of urban environments, urban planning, and related disciplines. It provides valuable knowledge and skills applicable to various careers in urban planning, community development, policy analysis, real estate, sustainability, social services, and more. The degree offers opportunities to address pressing urban challenges and contribute to the development of livable and sustainable cities.

What subjects do urban planners study?

Urban planners study subjects such as urban planning and design, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban economics, GIS and spatial analysis, housing and community development, urban policy and governance, sustainable development, public engagement, and urban sociology.

How long is a Bachelor of Urban Studies?

The duration of a Bachelor of Urban Studies degree can vary depending on the educational institution and country. Typically, it is a four-year undergraduate program. However, there may be variations in the program length, such as three years or extended programs that include internships or co-op experiences. It is advisable to check with the specific university or college offering the program for accurate information on program duration.

Is studying urban planning hard?

Studying urban planning can be challenging as it involves a combination of technical, analytical, and creative skills. It requires a deep understanding of urban systems, policy frameworks, and design principles. Additionally, urban planning involves addressing complex social, economic, and environmental issues. However, with dedication, critical thinking, and a passion for creating sustainable and inclusive cities, it is certainly achievable.

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