Master in Urban Planning (English)

Brief Introduction

The discipline of Urban and Rural Planning at Southeast University traces its origins back to 1923. It belongs to the School of Architecture, which represents one of the earliest institutions in China to offer modern architectural education. Guided by the university motto “Striving for Perfection” and adhering to the principles of “Practice, Integration, Critical Thinking, and Inheritance with Innovation,” the discipline has developed distinctive characteristics: “rigorous standards, equal emphasis on theory and practice, core disciplinary grounding, and openness to integration.” It has been designated as a National Featured Specialty by the Ministry of Education, a National First-Class Undergraduate Program Construction Site, and recognized as a Key Discipline, Priority Discipline, and Brand Program in Jiangsu Province.

The professional Master’s program in Urban Planning was established in 2011. This program emphasizes the interdisciplinary and innovative practical nature unique to urban and rural planning, integrating humanities, science, and engineering technologies. It aims to cultivate practice-oriented leaders in urban and rural planning who combine innovative capabilities, humanistic sensibilities, scientific spirit, and an international perspective. The program places equal importance on technological innovation and international collaboration, and strongly integrates theoretical research with planning practice. Key training areas include urban planning design and theory, regional development and territorial spatial planning, history of urban and rural planning and heritage conservation, planning of urban and rural residential communities and community development, and urban and rural planning technologies and management.

Objectives

This professional degree program adheres to the educational philosophy of “integrating learning with practice and focusing on cutting-edge developments.” It highlights the distinctive, innovative, and practice-oriented nature of urban and rural planning, which inherently integrates the humanities, sciences, and engineering technologies. The program is committed to cultivating leading professionals in urban and rural planning who combine a strong sense of national commitment with innovative capabilities, humanistic literacy with scientific spirit, and local awareness with a global perspective.

Aligned with national strategic priorities and at the forefront of disciplinary advances, the program broadens students’ interdisciplinary and international horizons. It emphasizes the integrated development of four core competencies: planning and design, research and analysis, policy formulation, and international engagement. Through close collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions, the program nurtures versatile, forward-looking talents equipped to embrace future technological advancements and meet the evolving demands of urbanization.

Research Areas

(1) Urban and Rural Planning & Design

(2) Regional Development and Territorial Spatial Planning

(3) Urban and Rural Heritage Conservation

(4) Neighborhood Planning and Community Development

(5) Urban and Rural Planning Technology and Management

Training Approach

The program has a duration of three years, with a maximum extension option of up to four years.

Thesis

The thesis should be based on investigative research and address a topic of certain academic value and relevance to national economic development. Research activities related to the thesis must span a period of no less than one year.

During their studies, master's students must actively participate in at least two academic seminars or discussions within their discipline. The requirements for outcomes shall follow the relevant regulations of the School of Architecture, and upon passing the assessment, one credit will be awarded.

Thesis standards must comply with the "Detailed Rules for the Awarding of Master’s and Doctoral Degrees at Southeast University" and other relevant degree management documents. The thesis format must strictly adhere to the official templates for graduate theses provided by Southeast University.

Students must fulfill all credit requirements stipulated in the program curriculum, complete all required training components and thesis work, and must apply in advance for plagiarism checking and blind peer review procedures. Only after passing the random inspection can they proceed to the thesis defense.

The defense shall be organized by the department or school and conducted within the designated unified timeframe. Among the thesis reviewers and members of the defense committee, at least one external expert holding a senior professional or technical position must be included.

Upon successful completion of the thesis defense, students may submit an application for the degree. The degree will be conferred following approval by both the School’s Degree Evaluation Subcommittee and the University’s Degree Evaluation Committee.

Curriculum