Studies – Master in Applied Spatial – Urban Planning

The Master’s Program (M.Sc.) in “Applied Spatial – Regional Planning” of the Department  of Planning and Regional Development has been operating since the academic year 2025-2026, following the decision of the University of Thessaly Senate in its 308th session on  June 28, 2024, and in accordance with the provisions of Law 4957/2022, as amended and in force.

Aim and Purpose

The objective of the program is to provide specialized postgraduate knowledge in a field with significant demand, addressing a gap in higher education in Greece, as there are no postgraduate programs specifically related to applied spatial planning and urban planning. The main advantage of the Master’s Program is that it pertains to a scientific field that is of particular interest for the coming decades in Greece. It aims to fill the gap  in postgraduate education in the country, especially regarding Spatial Planning, Urban Planning, and the essential preparation and response to contemporary challenges in environmental issues, development, and social justice.

The goal of the M.Sc. in “Applied Spatial – Regional Planning” is to prepare students to address modern challenges in spatial planning and development. It focuses on applied spatial planning and urban planning issues, examining real-world examples.

The program also aims to inform and familiarize students with issues promoted and implemented by central and decentralized administration, the two levels of local government, as well as the private sector.

The program complements the undergraduate studies offered by the Department of Planning, and Regional Development, providing an in-depth academic experience and equipping students with the necessary knowledge and tools for further studies at the  doctoral level.

The M.Sc. awards a Master’s Degree in “Applied Spatial Planning – Regional Planning.”

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes and qualifications awarded upon successful completion of the
program are as follows:

• Mastery of methods and techniques for the analysis and evaluation of spatial parameters.
• Understanding the significance of spatial planning in the country’s developmental trajectory.
• Understanding the application of spatial planning tools.
• Understanding the structure and factors involved in shaping and implementing urban planning policies.
• Gaining a competitive advantage in applied urban planning and effectively meeting the demands of the labor market (both public and private sectors).
• Understanding the integrated approach to site selection for projects and activities (in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, industry, aquaculture, etc.).
• Acquiring an applied understanding of justice in spatial management and environmental protection.
• Gaining expertise in the search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information,  utilizing the necessary technologies.
• Mastery of policies and priorities of a supranational character in spatial planning at  national and supra-regional levels.
• Understanding the concept of climate change adaptation at various spatial scales, and gaining expertise in proposing risk management measures with a focus on urban and spatial planning policies

Duration of Study

The Master’s Program “Applied Spatial Planning – Regional Planning” is structured into three (3) academic semesters, which include ten (10) courses and the preparation of a thesis.

The minimum duration for obtaining the Master’s degree is set to three (3) academic semesters, while the maximum duration is five (5) academic semesters.

Students are provided the option to complete the program on a part-time basis if they wish. In this case, the 10 courses can be completed in 4 semesters, and the thesis in two (2) semesters. The maximum duration of studies in this case is six (6) semesters. The choice is made upon initial registration.

Admission Process

The selection of students is conducted in accordance with the applicable legislation, the  Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies Regulations of the University of Thessaly (UTH), and the provisions  of this regulation.

Each year, an announcement for the admission of postgraduate students to the Master’s Program  is published and posted on the program’s and university’s website. Applications, along with the required  documents, must be submitted to the Master’s Program Secretariat during the June–July period (PHASE I).

This deadline may be extended by a decision of the S.E. (PHASE II). Applications that do not include the  required certificates or documents will not be considered during the selection process.

Required documents include:

1. Curriculum Vitae.
2. Clear photocopy of the degree or diploma.
3. Clear photocopy of the official transcript.
4. Clear photocopy of proof of English language proficiency. The level of English proficiency must  be at least equivalent to the B2 level of the State Certificate of Language Proficiency under Law  2740/1999, as amended by paragraph 19 of Article 13 of Law 3149/2003. Exemptions are made  for holders of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees from English-speaking countries.

The registration of successful applicants with a foreign degree is completed only upon submission  of a certified copy of the diploma (through any legal means).

In the case of applicants holding a first-cycle foreign degree, the Master’s Program Secretariat, as  defined by the applicable legislation, will check if the institution of origin is listed in the National  Registry of Recognized Foreign Institutions, and whether the degree type is included in the National  Registry of Degree Types for Recognized Institutions posted on the official website of the Hellenic  NARIC (DOATAP).

If the foreign degree is included in the DOATAP list under Article 307 of Law 4957/2022, the Secretariat  must request a Certificate of Studies from the foreign institution. Applications in which the place of  study is listed as Greece will be excluded unless the studies were conducted in a public Greek university  (according to Law 3328/2005).

The evaluation of applicants and the selection of admitted students is based on the following  criteria and weighting (1 – 100 scale)

Number of Admissions

Applicants to the Master’s Program are accepted from graduates of first-cycle higher education  degrees (undergraduate degrees) from Greek universities or recognized equivalent institutions abroad,  with degrees in Engineering, Geography, Economics, Law, and Environmental Studies.

The maximum number of students admitted to the Master’s Program is set at 25 students in total.

In addition to the standard number of admissions, the following candidates may also be admitted: one (1) scholarship recipient from IKY and one (1) foreign scholarship recipient from the Greek state.

The program cannot operate with fewer than five (5) students