The Master of Planning at AUI is an educational credential for professional planning practice in Iceland and is set up as a two-year program. The programme combines planning theory and practice and the study of Icelandic circumstances, aiming for sustainable development and the creation of a livable environment.

Students will gain a broad, multidisciplinary knowledge of planning. Three quarters of the programme consist of courses and one quarter of a researche project. The courses focus on a skeptical approach to planning with a mixture of courses on planning theory, ethics and a variety of practical methods in order to improve planning solutions which form the frame for a livable community. The students are trained in the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods, spatial design and applied planning approaches which engage a collaboration between various stakeholders. The situation in Iceland is unique in a number of ways and therefore it is important that planners in Iceland have gathered knowledge of the local environment, nature, climate, community, economy, legal issues, technology, culture, aesthetics, history, urban development and the inner structure of the built environment. Upon completion of the studies the students are supposed to have aquired a solid knowledge of planning as a profession and to be able to work independently on consulting, problem solving and development in the planning field.

Students will take courses at the Agricultural University of Iceland as well as in other universities with which the AUI is in collaboration, such as the University of Iceland and univeristies abroad. The program’s flexibility allows for the opportunity to attend other universities, e.g. abroad, during parts of the sudy, as well as allowing for some specialization, e.g. in the fields of urban planning and designing, environmental planning, or rural planning. The study emphasises individual work as well as practical case studies where students tackle real problems, thus practising skills for independent work.

On site teaching is at Keldnaholt, Árleyni 22 Reykjavík for the most part. Some compulsory courses are taught at University of Iceland.

Program Director Harpa Stefánsdóttir