Master in Critical Urbanisms

The tuition fee is 1,700 CHF per year, and the deadline to apply for the Aug 2027 intake is Apr 1, 2027.

The Master in Critical Urbanisms at the University of Basel is a 2-year program that trains students to think and act beyond divisions of urban versus rural, and North versus South. It is taught in English and offers a Master of Arts degree.

The curriculum trains students to develop theoretical and practical competencies, with a focus on addressing the complex challenges of urbanization in the twenty-first century. Students will learn to develop scholarly and public platforms to address these challenges.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Urban Planners, Geographers, Sociologists, Architects, and Policy Analysts in fields such as government, non-profit, and private sectors, working on urban development and planning projects.

The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland's oldest university and a center of academic excellence located in the city of Basel. With approximately 17,000 students and a strong international presence, the institution blends a long intellectual tradition with contemporary research strengths across the humanities, natural sciences, law, and medicine. Basel's central European location and urban campus make it an appealing choice for students seeking high-quality education in a multilingual, multicultural setting.

Basel offers a compact range of undergraduate and graduate programs with about 15 distinct study tracks, many of which are research-oriented and tied to regional hospitals, institutes, and industry partners. The university attracts a sizeable international cohort, with thousands of students coming from abroad, and provides dedicated support services for exchanges, housing guidance, and language courses. Research opportunities and laboratory access are a hallmark for students pursuing scientific and medical careers.

International applicants benefit from clear admissions pathways, strong career services, and a network of academic collaborations across Europe. The university's emphasis on critical inquiry, interdisciplinary study, and professional preparation ensures graduates are well positioned for postgraduate research or careers in science, policy, and business. For students prioritizing a historic institution with modern research facilities and international engagement, the University of Basel is a compelling option.