Integrated Urban Development and Design (IUDD) Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

With our international Master's programmes, going back to 1999, we attract an international league of dedicated students with different cultural backgrounds and multiple perspectives on the "urban" and interest in digital tools. We expect our applicants to be committed to further develop and exchange their knowledge while bringing a strong personal and professional interest in the field of urban design in practice, applied research and parametric urban design.

With the special notion on system approaches students are trained in using and applying computational urban design tools in support of analysing and simulating urban design scenarios in an interdisciplinary way. 

The Master's programme in "Integrated Urban Development and Design (IUDD)" enables students to learn innovative solution-oriented strategies and digital instruments to apply those in practice. The studies are project-related, application-oriented and research-based. Aiming to integrate a multitude of key factors in urban development students are trained to become skilled in applying innovative, data-based approaches through digital planning methods (algorithmic design and analysis models as well as artificial intelligence methods). The degree programme places particular emphasis on learning and applying computer-aided, system-based planning techniques.

Taking holistic, ecological, social and cultural aspects into account, the theoretical foundations are taught in the first semester, while these are deepened in the second semester applying innovative digital methods for urban analysis and modelling in the Study Projects. Students acquire explorative-experimental as well as research-related and application-orientated skills. In the third semester, both approaches are applied in practice through the Model Projects by choosing the "Reflective Urban Practice" study focus. The supervised compulsory internship takes place in architecture and urban design or planning offices, research institutions or municipalities that have been cooperating with our programme since the year 2000. Alternatively, the learnings are further expanded in the academic context at a partner university (previously through the double degree "Advanced Urbanism" with CAUP, Tongji-University Shanghai, operating starting in 2004 and closed in 2022).

The programme concludes in the fourth semester with an academic thesis, and graduating students are awarded the title "Master of Science (MSc)". See examples of Master's theses. Graduates are employed in international architecture, planning and engineering offices, research institutions and international organisations and authorities.

Both the international profile of the student group and the study specialisations with the possibility of further international profiling in the third semester are characterised by a close interweaving of content, especially with the research area on digital methods, which enables students to adopt a variety of perspectives.

IUDD study programme — "Reflective Urban Practice" with international practice partners

IUDD study programme — The "Advanced Urbanism" (double degree) with international partner universities is currently paused and will be reoffered as international academic mobility.

Yes: The international "Model Projects" – IUDD "Reflective Urban Practice" 

Since 1999, in cooperation with outstanding, worldwide “model project partners”, we have been offering a targeted practical and reflective experience in the Master’s programme that is tailored to our students – with the module of international Model Projects, "Reflective Urban Practice".

Those are covering a large variety of working areas in urban design, strategic planning, urban research, and computer-based, "parametric" urban design/analysis tools and applications, mostly under the aspect of sustainable, integrated urban development. The annual Model Project Forum is a highlight of the curriculum, during which the students and partners bring their praxis experience back to the academic realm with the aim to discuss current projects and challenges in the practice of the built, physical environment.

Non-EU applicants
Apply online until 15 May via uni-assist: 
https://www.uni-assist.de/en/

EU applicants (including Switzerland)
Applicants with citizenship from EU countries or possessing a first degree from a European country apply online by 25 June via the campus portal: https://campusportal.uni-weimar.de/.

Applications are only accepted online through the above portals.

Find out what the requirements are to apply for the IUDD Master's programme here: 
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar: Application

The semester contribution is approx. 340 EUR per semester. This is allocated to student services & the student council. It includes the "Deutschlandticket", which provides free regional public transport (bus and train) in all of Germany. Moreover, it provides student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria, for theatre and museum tickets, and access to the university sports complex. Additionally, the student ID card costs 20 EUR (one-time fee).

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget approx. 1000 EUR per month:

• Health insurance approx. 160 EUR
• Books and stationery approx. 70 EUR
• Rent approx. 350 EUR
• Meals approx. 220 EUR
• Other expenses approx. 200 EUR

Students coming from outside the EU need to provide proof of financial resources amounting to 992 EUR per month in order to obtain a residence permit.

There are opportunities for students who are looking for teaching and research assistantships at the university or part-time jobs with local companies and within the service sector of the city. 

Jobs are offered on the "Pinnwand" message board of the university, on the job portal operated by the Career Service, and on the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen's" Job Search platform.

International students from outside the EU are only allowed to work a limited number of hours in Germany (140 full days or 280 half days per year). Student jobs at the university are exempt from this rule. 

There are scholarships granted by the university as an institution. There are scholarships based on academic merit and/or social engagement for second-year and more senior students.

The International Office grants scholarships through the Erasmus+ programme that support students (including international ones) who are going abroad for studies or internships.

You can find accommodation in Weimar through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen", which manages more than 1,000 apartments in the student halls of residence. These halls of residence are located at various locations in the city and are geared towards different needs and preferences. Accommodation costs between 250 and 350 EUR per month, depending on the size and location. The university itself does not provide accommodation.

If you want to rent a room through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" – which we strongly recommend to all newly arriving students – it is paramount to apply as early as possible as spaces are limited.

Further information: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html
Online application: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/application/online-application.html

Typically, between two and up to five students share an apartment. Students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and a bathroom. Most rooms are furnished (bed, desk, chair, cupboard, shelf), but kitchenware and appliances are not included. Mentors for international students provide assistance in settling in during the first couple of days and also organise events.

Students advertise private and shared flats on the message board ("Pinnwand") on the university website: https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/aktuell/pinnwaende/bereich/wohnen/.