Geographies of Economies: Urban and Regional Planning

Course Overview

This course provides insight into how economic geography shapes urban and regional development, and how planning can address today's social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Course Details

• Level: Master's
• Language: English
• Place of study: Lund
• Course code: SGEM23
• Credits: 7.5

Overview

In this course, students deepen their understanding of how urban and regional planning relates to contemporary theories in economic geography. The course examines how economic, social, and ecological processes interact in different types of regions and how planning can support sustainable development in diverse territorial contexts.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching includes lectures, seminars, and excursions. Lectures introduce the theoretical foundations of economic geography and planning, while seminars encourage critical reflections on these perspectives and their application to real-world developments relevant for sustainable urban and regional planning. Meetings with practitioners through visits, guest lectures, and excursions provide insight into how planning challenges are addressed in practice.

Assessment

Active participation in seminars, guest lectures, and excursions is compulsory. The course is assessed through a written take-home exam and seminar contributions.

After the Course

After completing the course, students will be able to analyze current developments in urban and regional planning from an economic geography perspective and evaluate their implications for sustainable development. Students strengthen their ability to communicate scientific arguments, monitor research developments, and critically assess planning approaches and their theoretical foundations.

Career Opportunities

These skills prepare students for further master's studies, research-oriented work, or professional roles where advanced knowledge of planning, sustainability, and regional development is essential — for example, in public planning agencies, consultancy, regional development, policy analysis, or international organizations.

Requirements and Selection

Prerequisites

• At least 150 credits, including a Bachelor thesis in Human Geography or the equivalent.
• English 6/English course B.

Selection Criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100%.

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. The full program/course tuition fee is SEK 15,625, with the first payment also being SEK 15,625.

No Tuition Fees for Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Lund University

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Overview:

Lund University is a renowned international university located in Sweden. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, exchange programs, and doctoral studies. The university is known for its strong research and innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration and excellence.

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Services Offered:

Lund University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Student services and support:

This includes assistance with IT resources, literature and libraries, study skills, language and academic writing, examination, study guidance and career, grades, credits and certificates, and more.

International Desk:

Offers support for international students.

Student Health Centre:

Provides healthcare services to students.

International opportunities:

Offers exchange programs, traineeships, fieldwork opportunities, summer courses, and grants and scholarships for students seeking international experiences.

Financial matters:

Provides information on tuition payments, banking in Sweden, and scholarships for current students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lund University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students.

Lund as a student city:

The city of Lund is known for its rich history, cultural activities, and student-friendly atmosphere.

Student organizations:

Students can participate in various student nations, the Academic Society, student unions, and associations.

Sport and exercise:

The university offers opportunities for sports and exercise.

Cultural activities:

Students can engage in a variety of cultural activities.

Faith and spirituality:

The university provides support for students' faith and spirituality.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International reputation:

Lund University is highly ranked internationally and recognized for its academic excellence.

Diverse academic programs:

Offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines.

Strong research and innovation:

Provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

Vibrant student life:

Offers a lively and supportive campus community.

Beautiful and historic location:

Located in the charming city of Lund, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

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Academic Programs:

Bachelor's and Master's studies:

Offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in various subject areas, including architecture and design, area studies, business, economics and management, engineering and technology, environment and sustainability, fine and performing arts, humanities and languages, law, medicine and health, science, service management, and social sciences.

Exchange and study abroad:

Provides opportunities for students to study abroad at partner universities.

Doctoral studies:

Offers doctoral programs in various fields.