MASTER OF
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
LEUVEN
In an era of rapid change, space is an
increasingly limited resource. The Master
of Human Settlements addresses rapid
urbanisation and contemporary urban
transformations. Our intensive programme
examines the multi-faceted challenges facing
contemporary human settlements worldwide
while helping you develop a critical and
interpretative approach toward your own
position within the field.
KU Leuven. Inspiring the outstanding.
DURATION
1 year (full-time), 60 ECTS
APPLICATION
• Online application: www.kuleuven.be/application
• Students with a Flemish degree:
www.kuleuven.be/inschrijven
• Admissions are subject to approval by the programme
director.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
1 March (for non-EEA citizens), 1 June (for EEA citizens)
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
• 1st semester: end of September > end of January
(exams in January)
• 2nd semester: half of February > end of June
(exams in June)
www.kuleuven.be/academiccalendar
TUITION FEE
www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
MORE INFORMATION
www.kuleuven.be/ma/mahs
https://set.kuleuven.be/icou/education/mahs/mahs
 Publisher: Marketing and Communication Office, Isabelle Van Geet, Minderbroedersstraat 8, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Last update: September 2020. Changes may have been made since the printing of this fact sheet. Please visit www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes for any updates.
PROGRAMME relevant experience. Preferred candidates are applicants with
some years of relevant professional experience.
Architecture, urbanism, landscape architecture and spatial planning
• Submit two recommendation letters to support the application.
are the core disciplines underpinning the programme. Contributions
from economics, geography and anthropology, among others,
complement the core and prepare you to better understand the APPLICATION PROCEDURE
interplay of human and natural ecosystems. The programme thrives
KU Leuven uses an online application system. You can submit your
from of its truly international body of students and the faculty’s long-
application via: www.kuleuven.be/english/admission/forms.htm.
standing research expertise in worldwide contexts.

Candidates should apply for admission to the programme directly

The structure is organised around:
if they obtained a degree in the Flemish Community or from KU Leuven,
• Compulsory courses
Campus Brussels. All required documents can be send to
• Optional courses
mahs-mausp@kuleuven.be.
• Design studios
• Thesis (research or design-based)
Admissions are subject to approval by the programme director.

The design studios form a significant component of the programme.

They are organised as two full days of work on Mondays and CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Tuesdays providing an intensive and immersive working environment,
The programme produces interdisciplinary graduates capable of
as is the norm in most professional practices. A balance between
understanding and managing the complexity of urban development
teamwork and individual contributions is developed and students
as well as promoting sustainable territorial transformations. The MaHS
are subdivided into small, mixed groups from the outset. Core courses
programme's graduates find employment across numerous and
are directly related to studio practice. A research thesis can be
widespread areas.
developed in line with a specific programme profile and supporting
courses.
Many of our alumni work as civil servants in urban development
agencies in cities or national governments, or are independent
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS professionals in the field of urban design, planning, and community
development. Others join private architecture or urban design
Applicants should fulfil the following formal requirements:
offices or take on in leadership and policymaking positions in
• Be a graduate (with minimum 5 years of university education)
regional, national, and international human settlements institutions,
in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering,
such as UNCHS or UEPP. A small number of graduates continue
Spatial Planning and Urbanism, or Social Science (with a strong
the academic trajectory by obtaining a PhD.
spatial planning or policy focus), with a good academic record
(normal level of 70%, or GPA 2.8/3.0, upper second class).
• You should have a good command of both spoken and written CONTACT
English.
Administrative Coordinator: mahs-mausp@kuleuven.be
• Submit a letter of motivation and a portfolio (design or planning
www.kuleuven.be/ma/mahs
analysis case studies, plus spatial analysis case study) which
https://set.kuleuven.be/icou
clearly demonstrate their sound professional intentions and

Truly The highest ranked

international Belgian University

1 In the Reuters ranking of most

innovative universities in Europe

60,057
students of which
45 Times Higher Education
World University Rankings

12,421
international students,
over 140 countries
84 QS World University
Rankings

48 BACHELOR’S PROGRAMMES
(5 IN ENGLISH) 137 MASTER’S PROGRAMMES
(69 IN ENGLISH) 42 ADVANCED MASTER’S
PROGRAMMES (23 IN ENGLISH)

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE

Arenberg Castle Park 1 box 2200, 3001 LEUVEN, Belgium • www.eng.kuleuven.be/en