Why Università Iuav di Venezia

Università Iuav di Venezia has long been recognised as one of the best Urban Planning Schools in Europe and across the world.

The only university in Italy to provide thorough education and training in urban planning, architecture, design, visual arts, theatre and fashion, Iuav combines a renowned tradition with a strong commitment to permanent innovation.

Thanks to a unique workshop format, students have the opportunity to interact daily with world-level professors and professionals.

Iuav is strategically and conveniently located in the heart of Venice historical centre, which greatly benefits students in terms of cultural and sport opportunities.

The list of well-known scholars and professionals who have taught at Iuav include Edward James Blakely, Manuel Castells, Saskia Sassen, Luca Mercalli, Oriol Nel-Lo, Fred Bauman, Andreas Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos, Loren Landau, Raquel Rolnik, Serena Vicari, Jean-Bernard Auby, Alberto Montaña Raúl Letelier, Miguel Beltrán, Wang Lan, Zhang Long JLAN, Francesc Muñoz, Ombretta Romice.

Studying Urban Planning in Venice means entering the tradition of the first school in Italy that established a master’s degree programme in this field, in 1970.

Today’s world demands a greater awareness of environmental and social issues, with a primary focus on urban resilience. Iuav MS programme in Urban Planning for Transition offers a new vision of urban transition and innovation that considers cities and cultural heritage as common goods to be preserved despite the global change.

Students can explore both theoretical and practical aspects thanks to the collaboration with local and international organisations, to investigate new challenges related to sustainability, climate change, urban metabolism, disaster recovery planning and post-disaster rebuilding.

Students can also spend an international mobility period in one of the many partner universities in Europe, thanks to the Erasmus+ scholarship programme.

Double degree opportunities are also available: by studying 2/3 semesters in a partner university, students can obtain a double degree issued both by Iuav and by the partner university.

Partner universities for the double degree programmes are Tongji University (Shanghai - China) and the University of Reims-Champagne Ardenne (Reims - France).

Careers

Graduates can work as designers and managers of urban, environmental, territorial and social planning at all levels; designers of sectoral, experimental, and strategic plans; designers of public policies and ICT experts.

The Job Placement Office supports students and newly graduates in finding traineeships opportunities in Italy and abroad, by providing information, advice and by organising events to get started with job hunting in the Italian and/or global job market.

The master’s degree entitles graduates to sit the state examination and related license as planners according to Italian law.

Entry requirements

A bachelor’s degree in one of the main subjects related to the programme (urban planning, architecture, engineering, sociology and social sciences, geography, economics, political science and environmental science).

Applications from other backgrounds will be assessed case by case and subject to the teaching committee’s approval. Urban planners and architects are required to produce a portfolio.

A B1 (or equivalent) proficiency level in English is also required.

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