Master of Human Settlements
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,771 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EEA|non-EEA fee
Introduction
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In an era of rapid change, space is an increasingly limited resource. The Master of Human Settlements addresses rapid urbanization and contemporary urban transformations. Our intensive program examines the multi-faceted challenges facing contemporary human settlements worldwide while he
The Master of Human Settlements provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of worldwide settlements in an era of rapid change. The intensive program seeks to expose the multi-faceted challenge of contemporary human settlements, from multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar perspectives. It develops a critical and interpretative approach towards developing their own position within the field.
The Master of Human Settlements addresses rapid urbanization in the developing world and contemporary urban transformations. Architecture, urbanism, landscape architecture, and spatial planning are the core disciplines underpinning the program. Contributions from economics, geography, and anthropology, among others, complement the core, to better understand the interplay of human and natural ecosystems. The program thrives from its truly international body of students and the faculty's long-standing research expertise in worldwide contexts.
The development of MaHS as an ICP program is supported by several partners across the globe: the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), the University of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa), the University of Guayaquil (Ecuador), the Technical University Kenya (Nairobi, Kenya), Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique) and Birzeit University (Palestine). Every year, partner co-production reinforces the unique and distinctive trait of the MaHS, namely that of an integrated approach to urban development that finds its best expression in the design studio where real-world problems are tackled. These intensive and shared design experiences are jointly organized with ICP partners as a way to balance fundamental and applied knowledge within a research-oriented approach.
Curriculum
Design studios form a significant component of the program. They are organized as two full days of work on Mondays and Tuesdays providing an intensive and immersive working environment, as is the norm in most professional practices. A balance between teamwork and individual contributions is developed and students are subdivided into small, mixed groups from the outset. Core courses are directly related to studio practice. A research thesis can be developed in line with a specific program profile and supporting courses.
Compulsory Courses
- Human Settlements in Development
- Theory and Practice of Urbanism since 1945
- Studio Urban Fabrics
- Critical Review of Sustainable Development Policies and Planning
- Urban Studies
Ideal Students
Student Profile
The program aims to provide insight into the problems of Human Settlements as related to rapid change and to the interaction between modernity and tradition, formal and informal city-making. It also aims to strengthen capacities to tackle the growth of spontaneous settlements and the design of large-scale projects in a complex urban context with up-to-date insights and techniques. Its graduates have a thorough understanding of the dynamic and multifunctional aspects of the built environment, they have the skills to devise interventions that are context-responsive and sustainable and are at ease in moving back and forth between academic theory and day-to-day professional practice.
Applicants with some years of relevant professional experience will be preferred. Students aim to prepare themselves for a possible international career in the field of human settlements.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 60 ECTS
- Degree Type: Advanced Master
- Specifications: Master of Science.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
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Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
The Program produces interdisciplinary graduates capable of understanding and managing the complexity of urban development as well as promoting sustainable territorial transformations. The MaHS Program's graduates find employment across numerous and widespread areas.
Many of our 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. Yet others join private architecture or urban design offices or take on in leadership and policymaking positions in regional, national, and international human settlements institutions, such as UNCHS or UEPP. A small number of graduates continue the academic trajectory by obtaining a PhD.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.