Doctoral Studies Between Academy and Profession: A Survey of Doctoral Studies in Planning in AESOP Member Schools in Europe

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive survey of doctoral studies in spatial planning within AESOP member schools across Europe. Conducted by Ingrid Lundahl under the auspices of the AESOP Working Group on Planning Research, it analyses the relationship between planning education and research, institutional structures, and emerging doctoral models across 19 European countries. The study highlights challenges of professional versus academic orientation in planning education, provides statistical and comparative data, and discusses reforms in research training, including examples from France (D.E.A.), the Netherlands (NETHUR), and Germany (Graduate School model). Supported by the Swedish Council for Planning and Coordination of Research and the Swedish Council for Building Research, the publication remains a key reference for understanding the evolution of planning doctoral education in Europe.