Master's Degree Programme in Transport and Urban Planning Programme description

The Master's Degree Program in Transport and Urban Planning (TUP) is a full-time course of study over two years with 120 ECTS that is given in English. The program represents a continuation and specialization in relation to the bachelor's degree program in Civil Engineering, under the technical planning course option. This program offers a practical and profession-oriented specialization, extending a bachelor’s in civil engineering in the study field of integrated urban and transport planning, geographical planning, technology or landscape architecture.

In line with expectations from the industry, the program is planned to be cross disciplinary from the start, with a unique focus also on IT, digital tools and skills commonly used and highly needed in the industry, especially tools and skills related to urban and transport analytics and planning, geographical information systems (GIS) and data science.

Society and authorities place increasing demands on environmentally friendly, innovative and sustainable design of mobility and urban solutions. Climate change in the form of increased temperatures, more precipitation and extreme weather exposes constructions, infrastructure and networks to greater and less predictable stressors. Industry and researchers highlight the need of candidates with expertise at master's degree level (engineers) in the fields of smart mobility and urban analytics who have knowledge in environmental issues relating to this field as well as updated skills on new technology.

This study program offers a combination of expert and interdisciplinary knowledge where the students will achieve a high level of proficiency in sustainable urban development as well as achieving strong digital skills and knowledge. Interdisciplinary studies involve the combination of two or more academic disciplines into one activity. The interdisciplinary nature of this program has two major aspects according to the academic professionals developing this program at the faculty. The first related to the knowledge developed in urban planning and design, urban transport and mobility, as well as ethics and sustainability in this field. The second being digital competence, new technologies and tools, like simulation tools AIMSUN or SUMO, or data analysis software Python, R or Weka, or geographical information systems such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

In-depth areas in this master program will be:

Space Syntax (20 ECTS) which will provide in-depth knowledge of how complex architectural and urban systems work, and how spaces can be planned, designed and manufactured to create a better society bringing together the fields of architecture and urbanism. Space Syntax is a theoretical and analytical framework, as well as a modeling tool to design and analyze the human-built environment. Students will investigate spatial morphology and its social implications by a practical, hands-on program of lectures, workshops and a project.

Urban Mobility (20 ECTS) which will provide in-depth knowledge in land use and transportation planning for smart and sustainable cities that meet the needs of all residents. Students will learn how to experiment and test hypotheses and think strategically about multi-modal transport systems, the movement of people and goods, and intelligent transport systems in urban areas. Students will grow their expertise joining a session of lectures, workshops and through work on projects.

The goal with this program is to educate and train candidates who are qualified to address the challenges of both professional life and scholarly enquiry within their specialization as well as being a productive member of interdisciplinary teams.

Graduates from this program will:

understand the role of their specialization in organizations and society

possess deep technical skills from their own specialization that can be applied in a variety of real-life scenarios

understand how their specialization is part of a wider fabric of skills necessary to solve tomorrow's challenges

have a professional and ethical attitude towards their role in the workplace

display creative thinking in real-life situations, leaning both on theoretical knowledge and on pragmatism

plan and execute their work in a structured and independent manner, be it as professionals or as researchers in their field

have expertise that is in high demand in both the private and public sector. The most relevant employers are advisory engineering firms, municipalities or other public agencies, private companies within transport and urban planning industry and research institutes

qualify students for further studies at the doctoral degree level.

More specifically, the graduates will:

Be able to identify needs in the smart society. This particularly means that the students are trained to plan for mobilities and accessibility to/from services, jobs and amenities that are more fluent in times when tele-commuting and online consumption has increased.

Be aware of and sensitive to, and responsive when planning and suggesting policy measures to handle vulnerabilities. Pandemics, 100-year-storms, and similar have proven to be more than fiction. Planning for a resilient society includes planning for alternative transport solutions, and prioritization of lines, roads, and services in case of emergency.

Be able to integrate sustainability in plans, execution, evaluation and circularity of societal development.

Be equipped with tools and methods for planning and implementing integrative urban landscapes. With specific focus on planning for equal opportunities in urban areas where new technologies for participation in and communication with citizens may be used to different extent due to language barriers, age, trust, etc

After completing the education, the student will be especially suitable for:

Employments in urban, regional and transport planning departments in municipalities and public organizations

Jobs in firms and agencies developing stakeholder strategies, meta-data description and tech-mediation between smart-city developers and users

Consultancy firms developing strategies for smart city developments

Creation and analysis of geo-coded data, including statistical analyses

Research and evaluation work

Students who complete the master's degree program will be awarded the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Transport and Urban Planning.

Admission takes place directly to the chosen specialisation. The requirement for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences is a bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree within a specified field, with an average grade of at least C. However, an average grade of C does not guarantee admission. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places on the programme, the applicants will be ranked according to the applicable ranking rules.

Reference is made to the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet. The specialisations will only be run if a sufficient number of qualified candidates apply.

Admission requirements for the Specialisation in Mental Care and Addiction

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree which gives the occupational title of Social Worker, Social Educatorist, Child Wealfare Worker, Nurse, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

Applicants who accept an offer for a place on the programme must submit a transcript of police records.

Transfer Admission 2025

Candidates who have completed interdisciplinary an Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction, 60 credits, according to the regulations on national guidelines for tverrfaglig videreutdanning i psykisk helse-, rus- og avhengighetsarbeid (the Ministry of Education and Research, 2022), can apply directly for admission to the second academic year (full-time) or third academic year (part-time).

In addition, applicants for transfer admission must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent that gives the occupational title of Social Worker, Social Educatorist, Child Wealfare Worker, Nurse, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

Studiet består av to emner

• Emne 1 – PEF01 Praktiske og estetiske fagovergripende kompetanser 1

• Emne 2 – PEF02 Praktiske og estetiske fagovergripende kompetanser 2

Hvert emne utgjør 15 studiepoeng og går på deltid over ett semester (høst/vår). Hvert emne kan tas frittstående. Studiet baserer seg på Kunnskapsløftet LK20 og inkluderer alle fag i grunnskolen og kulturskolen.

1. semester

PEF01 - Praktiske og estetiske fagovergripende kompetanser 1 (15 stp.)

2. semester

PEF02 - Praktiske og estetiske fagovergripende kompetanser 2 (15 stp.)

OsloMet focuses on having a good and developing learning environment that students can thrive in. The work and teaching methods have been developed on the basis of a socio-cultural view of learning, where the overriding principle is to make use of your own thoughts, knowledge and experience. The student's own efforts, individually, or together with others, are decisive for good learning outcomes. Students are expected to prepare ahead of organised teaching activities. Varied work methods are used both in theoretical subjects and in practical training and these can be carried out physically on campuses or on digital platforms. In some contexts, teaching activities only take place on one campus, and students must expect to travel to the relevant location.

The programme also prepares students for the labour market’s requirement of lifelong learning. Students are therefore expected to take ownership of their own learning process throughout the study programme, and will learn to both ‘become a nurse’ and ‘learn how to learn’. Students are also expected to contribute to creating a good learning environment for their fellow students through active participation in the different teaching activities.

Self-study and student cooperation

The attainment of the learning outcomes requires a high degree of self-study. Self-study entails both individual work and cooperation with fellow students, and it entails awareness of how you best learn. Students are recommended to take the initiative to form study groups.

Group work

Group work means working with other students. In the groups, students will discuss each other’s contributions and share knowledge and perspectives. They will gain experience of cooperation and of assessing, developing and disseminating relevant literature. The students will give and receive feedback from others.

Digital learning resources

Digital learning resources are for instance instance OsloMetX https://www.oslomet.no/ub/oslometx, or video clips, podcasts, games, academic texts, articles and interactive assignments used as part of the learning methods. Digital co-writing tools are used in some courses for the purpose of sharing knowledge and producing texts together. Digital self-corrected tests (quizzes) provide an opportunity for the students to practice and test their knowledge of the course content. Students receive an immediate response, which can serve as a basis for their continued learning.

Simulation and skills training (SF-unit)

Simulation and skills training gives the students the opportunity to learn everything from simple practical skills to making assessments in complex patient situations. Simulation and skills training will be a recurring part of the study programme and often taken place in simulation and skills training units (SF-unit) on campus. Reflection before, during and after actions will be emphasised. Some simulations may be filmed. Videos will always be deleted directly after the teaching session unless consent has been given to keep the videos.

Skills training in the programme will not be divided by gender.

Lectures

Lectures are used either to gain an overview of the course’s content or to delve into a specific topic. Lectures are used particularly when introducing new subject matter.

The flipped classroom

The flipped classroom is when the roles of lecturer and students are reversed, and students work with digital learning resources before attending class. Students work on problem-solving activities during teaching sessions, often in the form of group work or seminars.

Seminar/workshop

Students practice formulating an argument, expressing own opinions and reflecting on own attitudes and actions, in addition to presenting and discussing subject matter and assessing other people’s academic presentations.

Project work

Students study a topic relevant to the programme in depth, and develop skills in the systematic use of methods, including theoretical basis, data collection, analysis, discussion, written formulation and verbal communication.

Interprofessional cooperative learning (TPS)

Interprofessional cooperative learning comprises all ways of working where students participate in

teaching sessions with students from other programmes, or carry out educational activities in a practical training establishment that entail cooperation with professionals from other fields. Interprofessional cooperative learning can be arranged at the university, in the practical training establishment and through digital cooperation (webinars) with students in other countries.

Student BEST – Better and systematic team training

Student BEST is a teaching programme under a cooperation between the nursing-, radiography-, biomedical laboratory sciences and paramedic science programme, specialisation in anaesthesia (master programme) at OsloMet and the medicine programme at the University of Oslo. The learning programme builds on simulation in teams and is used as a training method in the admission and stabilising of trauma patients. The main focus is communication and cooperation in interprofessional groups. The teaching takes place at the SF-units at OsloMet.

Studiet har ett arbeidskrav i høstsemesteret (emne 1) og ett arbeidskrav i vårsemesteret (emne 2). Arbeidskravet omfatter en valgfri tverrfaglig oppgave basert på praktiske og estetiske kompetanser.

Besvarelsen har en individuell og en gruppebasert del. Formålet med arbeidskravene er at studentene selv skal erfare det som har vært gjennomgått i et emne gjennom eget praktisk arbeid og utprøving. Arbeidskravene vil bli tilpasset trinnet som studenten har ved sin arbeidsplass, eller fagområdet og aldersgruppe for kulturskolen.

Innfrielse og godkjenning av arbeidskrav danner forutsetningen for å kunne framstille seg til eksamen. Arbeidskrav vurderes til godkjent/ikke godkjent og skal være innfridd innen fastsatte frister. Gyldig fravær dokumentert ved for eksempel legedokumentasjon fritar ikke for innfrielse av arbeidskrav. Studenter som på grunn av sykdom eller annen dokumentert gyldig årsak ikke innfrir arbeidskrav innen fristen, kan få forlenget frist. Studenter som ikke får godkjent sitt arbeidskrav kan maksimum avlegge dette tre ganger. Ny frist for innfrielse av arbeidskrav avtales i hvert enkelt tilfelle med den aktuelle læreren.

Studentene skal jobbe med arbeidskrav mellom to av samlingene. Innholdet i arbeidskravene danner det faglige grunnlaget for å kunne gjennomføre eksamen, og for erfaringsutveksling og det videre arbeidet på samlingene. Det skal gis ett arbeidskrav hvert semester. Formålet med hvert enkelt arbeidskrav er at studentene selv skal erfare det som har vært gjennomgått i et emne gjennom eget praktisk arbeid og utprøving.

Varied and student-active teaching methods are used in the programme. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students’ own efforts. The number of hours of adapted teaching at the university will be relatively low. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and, if relevant, practical skills training. Normal study progress requires students to make great personal efforts. The most important work and teaching forms used in each course in the programme are described below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs. Practical training is described in a separate chapter; see below.

Web-based work and teaching methods

Several forms of digital learning resources are used in the programme, such as digital textbooks, digital lectures, video clips, podcasts, tests, learning pathways and assignments. These resources can be used to prepare for teaching sessions, during seminars using the flipped classroom method, and as part of self-study. This form of teaching requires the students to meet prepared for the scheduled teaching sessions. Interaction can also take place digitally, in the form of Skype meetings, webinars etc.

Self-study and student cooperation/group work

Learning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchanging ideas, presentations, discussions, writing assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Lectures

Lectures are primarily used to introduce new subject matter, provide an overview and highlight main elements and links within different topics, and also to communicate relevant issues.

Seminars

Seminars emphasise dialogue and discussion between the subject teacher(s) and students in order to stimulate the student's academic development. Verbal presentations by students and discussions are emphasised. 

In connection with the master's thesis, seminars are held where the master's theses are presented and discussed. The students receive feedback from their fellow students and teachers, which enables them to learn from each other. Research-related issues, methods and academic supervision are among the topics discussed in the seminars. Seminars can also take place on digital collaboration platforms. 

Written assignments and academic supervision

Through written assignments and the master's thesis, students will formulate research questions for assignments and work on them over time, either individually or in cooperation with other students. They will learn theory and develop skills in using and referencing sources, analysis, discussion and written and oral communication. The primary purpose of this is to develop their ability to reflect critically, see elements in context and develop a deeper understanding of a subject.

Developing academic writing skills is a key aspect of all parts of the programme. Supervision is an important component of the work on the master's thesis. The supervision is intended to ensure that the project complies with research ethics principles and help students to formulate the research question and ensure quality in the collection and analysis of data.

Coursework requirements can be written work, compulsory attendance, oral presentations and tests that are set as a condition for taking the exam/assessment. The coursework requirements are carried out individually or in groups. Coursework requirements are given the assessment approved/not approved. During the practical training, there may be compulsory activities that are included in the overall assessment of the course. Reference is made to the course descriptions for further information on which coursework requirements and compulsory activities apply in the course description.

The purpose is to promote progression and professional development in the programme, stimulate seeking out and acquiring new knowledge and facilitate interaction and communication on academic issues. Coursework requirements and compulsory activities are designed for students to develop competence in line with the learning outcome descriptions in the course.

Normally, there are three attempts at coursework requirements. As far as possible, the second attempt will be given before the ordinary exam/assessment, unless otherwise stated in the course description. A third and final attempt is normally given before a resit and rescheduled exams. Coursework requirements that are not approved must be improved or retaken. The course coordinator/lecturer can assess whether alternative work can be carried out. This is agreed between the individual student/group and the course coordinator/lecturer.

Not approved coursework requirements may result in delays in the programme.

Compulsory attendance

Attendance is compulsory for teaching activities covering subject matter that the student cannot acquire on his or her own. These requirements are made more concrete and visible in the course plans. This means that there is a requirement for attendance of 80 % in theory studies and practical training in scheduled activities that are marked compulsory and 90 % during the practical training period. If the student exceeds the limit for absence, the course coordinator/lecturer will consider whether it is possible to do alternative work, such as oral or written individual assignments. The possibility of this depends on how much absence there has been and which activities the student has not participated in.

Different forms of assessment are used on the programme that are adapted to the learning outcomes of the various courses. The forms of assessment used are intended to support learning and document that the students’ competence is adequate in relation to the applicable learning outcomes. During the programme, the students will be given advice, supervision and assessments of their performance. It is important and necessary to assess students’ knowledge and skills often, so that the students receive feedback on whether their performance is in line with the programme's requirements and whether they have achieved the learning outcomes.

The assessment of exams and practical training is carried out in accordance with the applicable rules set out in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

All courses taken will be stated on the diploma. In addition, the compulsory interdisciplinary teaching programs are highlighted on the diploma.

Assessment

The grades used are pass/fail or a grade scale with letter grades from A to F, where A is the highest grade, E is the lowest pass grade and F is a fail. Other teaching programs can be graded Approved-not approved. In connection with group exams, all students in the group are awarded the same grade.

Resits/rescheduled exams

Resit and rescheduled exams are carried out in the same manner as the ordinary exam unless otherwise specified in the course description. In special cases, resit and rescheduled exams in courses with group exams may be held as individual exams.

Appeals against grades

Grades awarded for written exams can be appealed. It is not possible to appeal the grades awarded for oral and practical exams. In connection with group exams, the result of an appeal will only have consequences for the candidate(s) who submitted the appeal. The other students will keep their original grade.

Assessment of practical training

Practical training is assessed as pass or fail and is assessed by the practical training supervisors in cooperation with the contact lecturer at the university. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.

The assessment takes its point of departure in given criteria based on learning outcomes for the course, assessment criteria, the continuous assessment, the suitability assessment, and compulsory activities carried throughout the entire course. During the practical training period, a minimum of 90 percent attendance is required to pass the the practical training.

• Less than 10% absence: The student can complete the practical training course as normal.
• Between 10–20% absence: If possible, the student can make up for the practical training missed. This must be agreed with the practical training supervisor and the supervisor at the university.
• More than 20% absence: The student must retake the whole clinical training course.

If the student exceeds the maximum limit for absence and does not have a valid dokumented absence, the practical course will be registered as failed and count as an attempt.

If the student has failed the practical training twice, he/she must normally leave the programme. Reference is also made to the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

One or more of these criteria is the basis for the grade Failed in practical training in bachelor's Programme in Nursing at OsloMet:

The student:

• has not complied with the attendance requirement
• has been absent from practice without a valid reason and without giving notice
• have not achieved the required learning outcomes for the practical training period
• have not completed compulsory activities or handed in written assignments that are stipulated in the assessment form for the practical training period
• has put the patient's life and health at risk by going beyond the limits of their own competence
• has not requested guidance, followed guidance, or shown a willingness and ability to acquire missing knowledge or competence
• shows lack of self-insight
• shows a lack of language and/or communication skills

Suitability assessment

The suitability assessment is a continuous overall assessment that takes place throughout the study programme. Diplomas for the completed programme will only be awarded to graduates who are suited to practise the profession. If the student shows signs of posing a threat to patients’ and/or colleagues' physical and mental health, rights and safety, questions should be raised about whether the person is fit to practice the profession. Staff from the university or the practical training establishment and fellow students can submit a notification of reasonable doubt. Students must be informed as early as possible that the notification has been submitted. They will be given supervision and advice on how to improve, or be advised to leave the programme.

The aim is to assess whether the students have the professional and personal preconditions required to work as a nurse. More detailed provisions about the assessment of suitability can be found here https://student.oslomet.no/en/suitability-assessment

Transfer discussion If a student or subject teacher/contact teacher reports a need for a transfer discussion, an interview can be called before the next course. In some cases, the head of studies and a representative of the Section for Academic Affairs may also attend.

The purpose of the transfer discussion is to clarify how the student can implement their learning outcomes in the best possible way in the next course, by facilitating various learning challenges and guidance needs.

Coursework requirements are all types of work, tests and compulsory attendance that are requirements for being permitted to take the examination. Coursework requirements can be individual or in groups. Required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved. The coursework requirements for each course are described in the relevant course description.

The primary purpose of coursework requirements is to promote students' progress and academic development and to encourage them to acquire new knowledge. The programme's main coursework requirements are in the form of compulsory attendance, written assignments and tests.

Compulsory attendance

Attendance is compulsory in areas where the student cannot acquire knowledge and skills simply by studying literature.

If a student exceeds the maximum limit for absence stated in the course description or do not participate in a group presentation, the lecturer will consider whether it is possible to compensate for absence by meeting alternative requirements. This can e.g. be written assignments or oral presentations, individually or in groups. If it is not possible to compensate for the absence, the student must take the course the next time it is taught. Whether or not it is possible to compensate for absence depends on the extent of the student’s absence and which activities he/she has missed.

Written assignments

Several courses have compulsory written assignments or reports as part of their coursework requirements. Written work that is not approved must be improved before re-submission. If the work is not approved on re-submission, the student cannot take the ordinary examination/assessment.

The students are entitled to a third attempt before the resit/rescheduled examination. If an assignment is not approved the third time it is submitted, the student must re-take the course with the next class.

Quality assurance

The purpose of OsloMet's quality assurance system is to strengthen students' learning outcomes and development by raising the quality at all levels. Cooperation with the students, and their participation in the quality assurance work, is decisive to the overall learning outcome. Among the overall goals for the quality assurance system is to ensure:

• that the educational activities, including practical training and the learning and study environment, maintain a high level of quality
• that the study programs are relevant for the professional fields
• that the quality development continues to improve

For the students, this entails, among other things, student evaluations in the form of:

course evaluations

annual student surveys for all of OsloMet

More information about the quality assurance system is available here: https://student.oslomet.no/en/acts-regulation#etablering-studium-evaluering-kvalitetssystem

Program supervisor scheme

The program supervisor scheme is part of the quality assurance of each individual study program. A program supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study program. All study program at OsloMet shall be subject to supervision by a program supervisor, but there are different ways of practicing the scheme. Reference is made to the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet: https://student.oslomet.no/en/retningslinjer-sensorer