21 Best Urban Planning in Italy for 2024

The English-taught MA provides education and training for internationally oriented architects, in accordance with the Directive of the European Parliament 2005/36/CE. It gives students excellent preparation for the changing demands of society, both in the technical-scientific area and the humanities. It teaches how to cope with present-day problems related to urban and natural landscapes. It focuses on the conservation and transformation of different architectural and urban contexts, with special attention paid to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. MA Architecture prepares students to tackle pressing architectural, urban, and environmental issues in the national and international scenes. It proposes updated visions of architecture and integrates them with ideas from global culture. It employs the most innovative techniques and methodologies to train generations of digital natives. This also means providing cross-disciplinary competences in – urban projects and theories on the city, with their related issues of sustainable growth and sustainable decrease – Italian cultural heritage and its conservation through regenerative projects that can be applied to other countries and contexts – interior and exhibition design – a global asset for today’s architects.

The European master of 1st level, validated by E.A.B.H.E.S., lasting one year-long course is intended to provide a solid education to realize a green area, wisely disposing its elements and organizing each phase. At the end of the annual path, they are released 60 ECTS credits (European credits).

Architecture has always been a must for Italy and Catalonia. For this reason, the undergraduate and master's degree course in Architecture is an international course, in which it is possible, if desired, to also achieve the double Italy-Spain diploma. Architecture is a five-year course.

Area: Architecture, Design, Planning

Iuav - University of Venice has long been recognised as one of the best Urban Planning Schools in Europe and across the world. It is the only university in Italy to provide thorough education and training in urban planning, architecture, design, visual arts, theatre and fashion.

The doctorate trains PhDs on broad themes of Architecture, Earth Sciences and the Planets and Civil Engineering. This interdisciplinary research platform includes topics that concern the natural and man-made environments, the risks associated with them (hydro-geological risk, risks and safety of the built environment at different scales, planning, design and conservation of buildings and urban settlements), and georesources. In this context interdisciplinary, it is possible to develop specific doctoral themes capable of generating repercussions scientific and applicative in line with an increasingly complex society. The research activity follows an initial period of basic training and develops collaborations with research institutions and universities which, where possible, will allow doctoral students to obtain an Italian and foreign qualification (in co-tutorship) and any additional certification of Doctor Europaeus or Network Doctorate International.

Urban Vision and architectural Design are in Cities, territories, and rural and urban systems that make up the built fabric that connects people and places. This milieu is constantly shifting due to geopolitical and cultural trends; perceiving it and changing it is a complicated undertaking. Change comes about thanks to strategies that transform the landscape, methodologies that regenerate urban areas, and design concepts that delineate public and private spaces.

The Master's Degree in Architecture combines the theoretical in-depth analysis of some preparatory subjects for the professional activity with a strong technical design application cut.

The Master's programme offered is open to students coming from inside and outside of the European Union, who wish to obtain a Master's Degree in Architecture awarded by the School of Architecture in Florence, Italy. The courses are held in two languages: Italian and English. The aim of the Master's Degree course in Architecture is the training of an “Architect” according to the requirements of knowledge and skills as defined by the European Union Directive EC 1985/384 and subsequent 2005/36/EC.

The doctorate trains PhDs on broad themes of Architecture, Earth Sciences and the Planets and Civil Engineering. This interdisciplinary research platform includes topics that concern the natural and man-made environments, the risks associated with them (hydro-geological risk, risks and safety of the built environment at different scales, planning, design and conservation of buildings and urban settlements) and georesources. In this context interdisciplinary, it is possible to develop specific doctoral themes capable of generating repercussions scientific and applicative in line with an increasingly complex society. The research activity follows an initial period of basic training and develops collaborations with research institutions and universities which, where possible, will allow doctoral students to obtain an Italian and foreign qualification (in co-tutorship) and any additional certification of Doctor Europaeus or Network Doctorate International.

Cities are fascinating but plagued with contradictions and injustices. Environmental quality and sustainability are crucial, yet landscape degradation is widespread. Urban planners face urgent challenges globally. This degree course trains professionals to interpret, evaluate, and manage urban transformations, combining humanistic knowledge with a strong technical-scientific foundation. The multidisciplinary training develops innovative skills for spatial planning and urban policy design, fostering critical abilities for complex interventions.

The Department of Architecture “dArTe” offers a five-year program (LM - 4) leading to the degree of Master of Architecture. This course is a limited entry with about 150 students each year (for entry to the five-year program students have to complete successfully an exam). The Department also offers independent research leading to the degree of Master of the 1st and 2nd level.

The 2-year practice-oriented and transdisciplinary study course is an educational framework for designers that aims to contribute to more sustainable, resilient, solidary, and just futures — both locally and trans-locally.

An SOS-certified course for those who want to acquire the necessary practical skills to becoming environmental design consultants in the fields of architecture and engineering.

Doctorate in Urban Future Studies. The Doctorate course in "Urban Future Studies" intends to offer young graduates the opportunity to follow a third-level training course with a qualification of excellence and international scope through the acquisition of in-depth methodological, technological, and scientific skills that allow an evaluation, both qualitative and quantitative, of the use of predominantly vegetal solutions in urban and peri-urban systems.

A Master's Degree in Complex Systems Physics focuses on the theoretical and experimental analysis of complex phenomena in physics. Students study complexity theories, nonlinear dynamics, dynamic systems theory, and applications in biology and social sciences. The course integrates advanced theory with practical experiences through mathematical modeling and simulations, preparing graduates for careers as academic researchers, complex data analysts, modeling consultants, and for further advanced studies in theoretical physics, computational biology, or complexity sciences.

A Master's degree in Quantum Engineering focuses on harnessing quantum mechanics for technological applications. Students delve into quantum computing, quantum information theory, quantum materials, and quantum sensors. The program blends theoretical foundations with hands-on experiments and research projects, preparing graduates for careers in quantum technology industries, research institutions, or further studies in quantum physics and engineering. Quantum engineers play critical roles in advancing fields such as cryptography, quantum communication, and quantum computing development.

It specializes participants in the management and optimization of cement production plants. The program covers advanced process control techniques, plant maintenance, and quality management, preparing experts capable of improving operational efficiency and ensuring sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations in the cement production sector.

The PhD programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy (UPDP) aims at exploring the significance and impact of contemporary urban changes and understanding the way these processes can be governed through planning, design and policy making activities. The programme pays specific attention to the transition towards new, more sustainable and equitable modes of urban development as well as to pro-active advancements in planning practices and to potential innovations in traditional urban studies, urban design and policy approaches.

This program focuses on sustainable and inclusive urban design. Students explore urban planning principles that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and community participation. The course trains professionals capable of developing and implementing urban plans that address contemporary challenges such as population growth and climate change, creating resilient and inclusive cities that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.