Master’s Programme in Spatial Planning (SING), University of Palermo

Abstract

EVALUATION REPORT After an in-depth examination of its academic curriculum and teaching pedagogy, the Master’s in Spatial Planning (SING), delivered at the Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, Italy, has been conferred the AESOP Certificate of Quality. The programme was evaluated by two members of the AESOP Excellence in Education Board (EEB) appointed by the Chair. The EEB certifies that the above programme fulfils the Quality Recognition criteria.

Quality in Planning Education The MSc in Spatial Planning (SING) at the University of Palermo is a two-year (120 ECTS) programme distinguished for being the only planning degree taught entirely in English in Southern Italy. It focuses on Global South and Mediterranean planning contexts, integrating themes such as climate change, inequality, migration, and urbanisation. Its pedagogy is based on learning by doing, experiential and comparative learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Workshops and studios engage students with real communities, professionals, and institutions, enhancing civic responsibility through service-learning. The programme is horizontally integrated across modules and emphasises strong links between theory and practice. It includes a mandatory 150-hour internship with a public authority, strengthening students’ professional competences and supporting thesis development.

The AESOP Certificate of Quality and this Evaluation Report are valid for six years (2025–2031). Date of certification: 14 October 2025