Master of Arts in Urban Cultures (URC) University of Augsburg
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- EnglishOther teaching languageSpanish
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- None
- Language level required
- English: C1German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
- English
- Other teaching language
- Spanish
English, Spanish and Portuguese
Programme description
The international research-based Master of Arts in Urban Cultures (URC) is addressed to students with an interest in urban cultural studies, striving to acquire transdisciplinary competencies regarding European and Latin American cities and urban regions. In addition to the study of respective urban theories and practices, the Master’s curriculum concentrates on the importance of culture, creativity, and the arts for sustainable and inclusive urban planning and management, taking into consideration not only urban governance and policy measures but also the constituent role of urban imaginaries and aesthetics for urban identities and creation processes.
Contents:
- Urban Aesthetics & Discourses
- Urban Spaces & Governance
- Urban Transformation & Diversity
- Transatlantic Urban Cultures & Practices
For further information on compulsory and optional modules, see the course website.
Programme structure
All students start in October their first URC semester in Augsburg/Germany (Humanities), then continue in the second semester in Santiago de Compostela/Spain (Geography), and in the third semester in Coimbra/Portugal (Sociology), which is their Urban Cultural Studies.
For the last semester there are several options, where students can decide whether they want to accomplish their Master’s thesis with placement in Augsburg, Santiago de Compostela, or Coimbra (tracks one through three); or combine their thesis with a Latin American study activity in Buenos Aires or São Paulo between the third and fourth semesters (tracks four through nine).
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
In cooperation with
University of Coimbra (UC), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), University of El Salvador (USAL, Buenos Aires), University of São Paulo (USP)
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Three European semesters in three historic UNESCO cities (Augsburg–Santiago de Compostela–Coimbra) with optional Latin American study activity in Buenos Aires or São Paulo
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- Content-related regional focus
Projects with partners in Europe and Latin America, international co-teaching, translocal transfer
Integrated internships
There is an optional practical module for internships in the fourth semester (depending on track choice).
Application and admission
Application period(s)
No application deadline
Academic admissions requirements
BA Degree or higher in Geography, Literary/Cultural Studies, Sociology, Applied Linguistics, Ethnology, History, Political Science, Urbanism, Space & Urban Planning, Architecture, Design or similar
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL Essentials
|
Total: 10 / 12
Reading: 10 / 12
Listening: 10 / 12
Writing: 10 / 12
Speaking: 10 / 12
|
TOEIC
|
Total: 945 / 990
Reading: 455 / 495
Listening: 490 / 495
Writing: 180 / 200
Speaking: 180 / 200
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: C1 Advanced
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 7 / 9
|
Requirements for other languages
Spanish OR Portuguese in equivalence to a C1 level of the CEFR
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Approx. 177.25 EUR per semester (including a ticket for public transport and general student services)
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Specialist counselling
- Help with finding accommodation
- Support with registration procedures
Accommodation
Application possibility for accommodation @Studierendenwerk Augsburg (via Online Application: https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/)
Contact
Faculty of Philology and History, ISLA Institute of Iberian and Latin American Studies
- Name
- Prof Dr Victor A. Ferretti
- Address
- Universitätsstr. 10, 86159 Augsburg