Master thesis

The master thesis is a written examination showing that the candidate is able to adequately describe and solve a problem on his own. The topic has to be related to the field of spatial planning and processed within a limited time and by using methods learnt during the studies.

The conduction of the master thesis is usually carried out in the 4th semester. After having written the thesis, the results additionally have to be presented and discussed. The final grade for the students comprises the written component on the one hand the oral disputation on the other hand.

The master thesis can be written in single or in teamwork (max. 2 people).  Writing in teams of two students is only possible, if a clear distinction between each part can be seen and be assessed individually.

Formal requirements are described in the master examination regulations for Master programs Urban and Reginal Development / Environmental Planning and Law.

Details on writing a synopsis for the master thesis can be found here.

Guidelines of the department of International Planning Systems regarding layout and quotation can be found here.

Time allowed for completion: 12 weeks

Amount of pages: ca. 80

Achievements: Written report and disputation


Suggestions for topics

The department International Planning Systems offers several subjects for theses. 

A list of overall categories and topics is given in the link above and can be found here as PDF. In case of interest, all topics can be transferred to other states than stated.

Additionally to the suggested topics, we are of course also open for self-formulated ideas and topics.


Completed Master Theses

Here you can find a list of already completed master theses of the department International Planning Systems. For part of the theses you will also find summaries.

 

2023

  • Yannik Weber

Use of subsidies as a revitalisation strategy in structurally weak cities - Using the example of urban development funding for the city of Kaiserslautern

 

2022

  • David Lahm - June 2022

Right-sizing shrinking cities - potentials of strategies for deconstruction and re-use of fallow land, illustrated by the examples of the cities of Leipzig and  Cleveland

 

  • Michel Modert, Maximilian Miebs - September 2022

Cross-border cooperation – Guide to manage cross-border mobility using the example of the Greater Region
 

  • Felix Unruh - November 2022

Smart City Strategy as an urban development policy for structurally weak cities? An analysis of selected cities
 

  • Leonie Claar - December 2022

Climate resilience beyond municipal borders? – Contribution of climate adaptation strategies to deal with flood risks
 

  • Isabella Krahnert - December 2022

Potentials of healthy urban development for shrinking cities, illustrated by the case study Gera, Thuringia


2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2014

2013