Master of Science in Human Settlements

  My profile | Admission requirements | Study programme | Studying abroad | Assets | Career prospects| Registration fee | More information | Application

Fact sheet

The Master's

The Master of Human Settlements addresses rapid urbanisation in the developing world and contemporary urban transformations within the scope of sustainable development.

This intensive programme is to be completed in one full year, starting in September. It focuses on issues of housing, building and urban development in a context of development with scarce resources and pressing social and environmental constraints. Architecture, Urbanism and Spatial Planning are the core disciplines of the programme. Contributions from economics, geography and anthropology, amongst others, complement this core. The Master of Human Settlements is recognised by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) as an International Course Programme (ICP). It is partly funded by the Directorate General of International Cooperation (DGIC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

My profile

Upon the successful completion of this programme, you will have acquired:

• A deep understanding of the dynamic and multifunctional aspects of the constructed environment through critical analysis of scientific and design approaches in urban design and spatial planning, complemented with approaches in architecture and construction, thereby transcending conventional professional boundaries and accentuating concepts of sustainable development.
• An understanding of the approaches and possibilities of related disciplines such as urban geography, social and cultural anthropology, material culture, urban sociology and have acquired the necessary skills to relate these disciplines to Human Settlements.
• A strengthened capacity to deal with problems of Human Settlements as related to modernisation. Hence, you will be familiar with specialised methods and skills for intervention which reflect context-responsive concepts of sustainable development, deal with the different levels of the constructed environment (from individual buildings to entire cities) and use.
• The ability to operate as a ‘reflective practitioner’, meaning promoting approaches that include reflection (theory, history, critique) as well as action (in the form of design research and strategy development).
• A profound scientific knowledge of Human Settlements and gained the experience necessary for mastering research methodologies and practices in the field of Human Settlements. Consequently, you will have learned to use written sources and to approach problems in a scientific way and to acknowledge the potential of design.
• The ability to apply basic up-to-date techniques (e.g. GIS, cost control at different scale levels) that are required for relevant professional involvement in urban development.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and team studio work in order to prepare for constructive action/work in a multilevel, multi-sectoral environment
• The ability to operate both at the local level and at the international level in the field of Human Settlements, having the necessary international and intercultural background

Admission requirements

To the definitive admission requirements
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Study programme

The programme’s main components are the following:

• a core package of compulsory courses dealing with human settlements in development, developmental and managerial aspects of sustainable development, design studio’s, study tours and a thesis;
• a range of courses from which you choose a minimum of 10 credits, focusing on subjects such as Architecture and Urban Studies, Rational Design and Construction or Urbanism and Strategic Planning;
• further elective courses to be chosen from a broader selection.

In addition to the regular staff, international visiting scholars support the programme.

The programme adapts easily to the cultures, backgrounds and interests of all its students.

Design Studio work is an important part of the MaHS programme. Two full days are spent in the studio every week on a particular project for a full semester. Students will work in teams, and also complete an individual project exhibited at the end of each semester.

Guest lectures and seminars form another important part of the programme. Some are compulsory, while others are optional. The programme benefits from its organisers' worldwide contacts in the fields of human settlements and urbanism, offering students a unique combination of expertise and case studies through weekly lectures

To a detailed overview of the programme

Studying abroad

Study trips to various destinations are organised throughout the academic year, as a compulsory part of the MaHS programme. You will be able to observe and experience the area being studied and will have a unique opportunity to link your theoretical knowledge to daily practice and fieldwork. The trips include visits to sites, lectures by local experts, as well as a range of assignments. Recent study trips in Europe have been made to Paris-Lyon (France), Amsterdam-Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Zurich-Frankfurt (Switzerland/ Germany) and London (UK). In addition, one-day visits within Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Gent) are organised to support courses and provide an understanding of current trends in Belgian urban transformation. Moreover, as a key feature of the Master of Human Settlements, a study trip and studio-related fieldwork sessions are offered in a non-Western context. You will be given the opportunity to travel to the non-European studio context for field work and visits to relevant best practices and other relevant sites for about two weeks.

Assets

As one of the seven departments undertaking research and teaching within the Faculty of Engineering, the structure of the Department of Architecture, Urbanism, and Planning (Dutch-language abbreviation: ASRO) allows parallel streams of research in the related fields of architecture, urbanism and urban design, conservation, and urban and regional planning to support its undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate teaching programmes.

The Postgraduate Centre for Human Settlements, renamed the MaHS MaUSP Centre in 2005, is known by specialists worldwide and has a remarkable history covering over thirty-five years. Its activities have been broadened to co-ordinate both the Master of Human Settlements and the Master of Urbanism and Strategic Planning. Other activities include a doctoral programme, capacity-building projects, and consultancy on human settlement policies and projects.

Career prospects

Potential areas of employment for graduates from the MaHS programme are numerous and widespread. Many alumni work as civil servants in urban development agencies in cities or national governments. Others are independent professionals in the field of urban design, planning, and community development. They display highly recognised professional expertise in private architecture offices as well as in leadership and policymaking positions in regional, national, and international human settlements institutions, such as UNCHS or UEPP.

Several graduates have started an academic career by obtaining a PhD, and some have become professors. The MaHS programme produces interdisciplinary graduates capable of understanding and managing the complexity of urban development as well as promoting sustainable territorial transformations.

Registration fee

To the definitive registration fees

More information

Extra admission requirements upon application

• A letter of motivation and, if possible, a portfolio clearly demonstrating the applicant’s sound professional intentions and relevant experience

Visit this programme's website

If you have other questions, contact:

MaHS/ MaUSP Secretariaat
KU Leuven - ASRO Department
Kasteelpark Arenberg, 51
BE-3001 Heverlee (Leuven)
tel. + 32 16 32 13 91
fax + 32 16 32 19 81
 

Application