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

IUDD study programme – "Reflective Urban Practice": international practice partners

IUDD study programme – "Advanced Urbanism": international partner universities

All of the programmes at IUDD are offered in English.

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". 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 corresponding 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.

Every year in the winter semester, starting 1 October
It is only possible to start this programme in the winter semester.

Non-EU applicants apply online by
15 May via uni-assist:
https://www.uni-assist.de/online/?lang=en.

Applicants who hold citizenship status from EU countries or possess a first degree from a European country should apply by 25 June via https://campusportal.uni-weimar.de/.

Taking holistic, ecological, social and cultural aspects into account, the theoretical fundaments 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 conferred the title "Master of Science (MSc)“. See some Master's theses examples. 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.

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.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution is approx. 280 EUR per semester. This is allocated to student services & the student council. It grants free regional bus transport in Weimar, Erfurt, & Jena as well as train transport in Thuringia. Moreover, it provides student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria & for theatre and museum tickets, along with access to the university sports complex. An additional fee for the "Thoska" student ID is 20 EUR (one-time only fee).

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget approx. 960 EUR per month:

• Health insurance approx. 140 EUR
• Books and stationery approx. 70 EUR
• Rent approx. 350 EUR
• Meals approx. 220 EUR
• Other expenses approx. 180 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.

Information about applications:
General: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar: Application Integrated Urban Development and Design (IUDD): Reflective Urban Practice (MSc) (uni-weimar.de)

In detail: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar: Application

Proof of English language proficiency according to B2 (minimum requirement) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages : 

• TOEFL-test, minimum 80 points (internet based)
• Cambridge Certificate, (First Certificate FCE), Grade C- IELTS, Band 6.0
• or others according CEFR B

Non-EU applicants apply online by
15 May via uni-assist:
https://www.uni-assist.de/online/?lang=en.

Applicants who hold citizenship status from EU countries or possess a first degree from a European country should apply by 25 June via https://campusportal.uni-weimar.de/.

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.

A part-time job can be a good way to supplement your finances during your studies. 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. International students should be aware that a good command of German is necessary for working outside the university (and for many jobs within the university as well).

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. Either way, during the lecture period, students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. The minimum wage is 12.82 EUR per hour and is standard for student jobs.

If you earn more than 556 EUR per month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.

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/.

Supervision of internship and coaching in the third semester

More support programmes of "Studierendenwerk Thüringen":

• student services
• counselling students and offering advice on studying
• psychosocial care and legal counselling service
• service for students with special needs
• service for students with children

https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a small, renowned, and very international university with a very distinctive range of subjects. It is located in the historic city of Weimar and emerged from two progressive institutions: The "Saxon-Grand Ducal School of Art Weimar" and the "State Bauhaus", founded here in 1919.

Various personalities from different countries have shaped the institution and developed ideas that are recognised and respected worldwide. At the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, we continue to follow a unique path that offers unrivalled opportunities by combining science and technology with art and design.

The international and interdisciplinary approach encourages experimentation and offers space for creativity, which attracts an above-average number of international students to Weimar. The university specialises in study and research in the fields of architecture and urbanism, civil and environmental engineering, art and design, and media.

We offer an ideal space for creative academic and artistic work, supported by laboratories, workshops, studios, libraries, online teaching facilities, and a favourable student-teacher ratio. Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is connected worldwide due to a large network of partners, which our students benefit from through programmes such as study abroad periods as well as international projects and excursions. Among more than 200 international partners are universities and schools throughout the European Union as well as in Ethiopia, Japan, Switzerland, and the USA.

Here are some important facts from the history of the university: In 1919, Walter Gropius created the "State Bauhaus" in Weimar. Four years later, he called for the search for the "new unity of art and engineering". That meant combining the vanguard of art and design with modern industry. With this approach, the Bauhaus became the most famous school of architecture, art, and design in the 20th century.

Our university flourishes through its experimental environment, familiar atmosphere and especially through the people, who study, research, and work here at the university. The best way is to experience this special atmosphere yourself. Join our "Welcome to Weimar" online crash course or visit us, for example, at the annual Bauhaus Spring School or the Bauhaus Summer School and learn about what lies behind the following numbers:

• Four faculties – Architecture & Urbanism, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Art & Design, Media
• 42 degree programmes
• Approx. 4,000 students, including doctoral students
• Approx. 30% international students
• 87 professors
• More than 200 partner universities and more than 500 student exchanges
• Many opportunities for funded short-term stays at partner universities

https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/international/to-weimar/fulltime-students/preparing-your-studies/

The historic city of Weimar is a cosy town that has had a profound influence on Europe. This becomes most evident in architecture, art and design, music, and literature.

Weimar is situated right in the middle of Thuringia, the "green heart of Germany", and it is about 300 km from both the German capital, Berlin, and the German financial centre, Frankfurt am Main. Today, Weimar is a lively town with about 66,000 inhabitants and a town centre where you can reach everything within 15 minutes. The green areas of the town, such as the park on the Ilm River, include many sights, e.g. Goethe's summer house and the palaces of Tiefurt, Ettersburg, and Belvedere. Among many others, the famous German writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller walked in the park along the Ilm River. The famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt stimulated modern music, and the architects Walter Gropius and Henry van de Velde initiated modernism.

Weimar has much to offer art lovers, culture lovers, revellers, lovers of nature, and gourmets. There are more than 20 museums, three cinemas, a national theatre, various cabaret theatres, student clubs, concerts, and multifaceted cultural events, such as the traditional folk event and the "Zwiebelmarkt". Additionally, one can enjoy Thuringian delicacies like "Rostbratwurst" (sausage), "Rostbrätel" (marinated grilled meat), and "Thüringer Klöße" (dumplings). During the spring and summer, Weimar hosts the annual Bauhaus Spring School and the Bauhaus Summer School as well as Yiddish Summer Weimar (featuring klezmer music) and several art festivals. Other highlights include the "summaery" annual exhibition at the Bauhaus-Universität and the "Master classes" at the "Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt". According to the International Student Barometer survey, 95.4 percent of international students commend the exceptional quality of life in the city of Weimar. We hope to welcome you to Weimar soon!