The awarding of the Diploma of Spatial Planning and Development Engineering, requires the attendance and successful examination in courses corresponding to 300 credit units (ECTS).
There are three distinct types of courses: composite studios, laboratory courses and theoretical courses. The curriculum consists of 10 successive semesters organized into 3 stages (2 background semesters, 4 core semesters and 4 completion semesters).
The background and core stage courses are compulsory, while selective courses and an optional practice training course are introduced at the completion stage. The completion of studies include the submission of a research essay and a diploma project thesis.
The curriculum of Spatial Planning and Development Engineering Studies aims to train scientists with all the required capabilities for studying the economic, socio-political and environmental dimensions of spatial organization and transformation. To this purpose the courses employ the most contemporary methodologies and advanced tools for the registration and analysis of all spatial parameters.
On an applied level the curriculum aims to produce learning outcomes and capabilities that enable its graduates to provide services in the fields of analysis, planning, design, implementation and evaluation of plans and policies of spatial interventions including elements of urban and regional planning, economic planning and public consultation and decision making processes.
To achieve the above aims, Spatial Planning and Development Engineering Studies, integrate knowledge of urban and regional planning, physical and human geography, management of statistical and geographical information, location of human activities, management of natural resources, and plan and project management, all of which are considered necessary for the understanding of and effective response to spatial problems and the design and implementation of spatial interventions.
The fully qualified Spatial Planning and Development Engineer, may find employment as a spatial planning professional either in private consulting or as employee in private firms, public utility companies, local government, and public administration.