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Problem
Based Learning

281million Danish krone

122 million Danish krone

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“I feel incredibly fortunate to have studied in such a great programme. Throughout the architectural master's programme, the emphasis on finding, developing, and strengthening my position in the field of architecture was a key focus.

The diverse range of engineering and architecture subjects, ranging from indoor climate and structural tectonics to materiality, transformation, and sustainability, allowed me to explore my passions, while the interdisciplinary nature of the programme provided invaluable support for this journey.

The PBL approach, which centres around real-world problems and addressing societal challenges, particularly in sustainability, equipped me with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for life after graduation.

Furthermore, collaborative group work was a fundamental aspect of the programme, pushing us to develop the skills necessary to work effectively in a team-based environment. This experience taught me to work alongside people from different disciplines, tackling complex challenges that extend far beyond what any individual could address alone.”

“My master’s experience in Urban Design at Aalborg University was the greatest, thanks to the unique integration of social science and engineering. Engaged teaching and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) enhanced my teamwork skills, an invaluable asset for my future career.

As an urban design graduate, I have gained the ability to tackle complex urban, regional and societal challenges. With interdisciplinary knowledge from both engineering and social science, I am well-equipped to design cities for people that address these future challenges. I also appreciate the flexibility of my field, allowing me to pursue diverse career paths, from city planning and community engagement to engineering firms or small architectural firms. Whether working on small-scale urban details or large-scale city planning, the skills I have acquired empower me to contribute to sustainable and long-term urban development.”

“I really enjoyed project-based learning at AAU, where everyone engages with knowledge like clay, reshaping it into something new throughout the project development process. This approach to learning has continued to help me grow, even after graduation.”

“Studying Urban Design at Aalborg University shaped how I approach real-world urban challenges — the collaborative and problem-based learning still influences my work today.”

David Redondo Vinolo did not expect the MSc to be as customisable as it was. “You really can take it as far as your ambition allows,” he says. “What makes the experience even more valuable is how closely research in this faculty is connected with students, while collaborations with companies open even more doors for building a career.”

Coming from Spain, Vinolo had never felt like an outcast. Aalborg has a large international student community, and most teachers, staff, and students speak English.

“The university also hosted an international welcome week, which made it easy to meet many people right away,” he says. “The lectures are another strong point: the material is genuinely up to date and highly relevant, which is not something you find everywhere.”

When choosing a bachelor’s programme in this field, Dawit Haileab Tadesse Seyoum sought one that would provide a deeper understanding of what is taught in the lecture halls. “AAU’s problem-based learning model has helped me apply what I learn by working on semester group projects that focus on real-world problems,” he says. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with supervisors who are experts in their fields, and, most importantly, fellow students who come from different parts of the world, which has helped me broaden my horizon and be more adaptable to other people’s way of thinking.” 

It’s easy to feel alone when you first arrive as an international student, but not at AAU. “The Danish students were willing to integrate us in their Easter or Christmas Dinners,” says Maria Teresa Cano Varela. “Everything is taught in English and most of the professors are also international, so that helped as they can relate to our struggles not only as students but as foreigners too.”

Like its campus community, the MSc felt just as student-focused. “Professors in general are very humble, and their work is to guide you, but the student is the one who searches for information, validates it and is critical of it before applying it to their work,” she says. “After my previous job experience, I feel like this is the kind of education [prepares] you for real-world challenges.”

Carles Jiskoot Busquets enjoyed studying at Aalborg so much during an exchange programme that he chose to pursue a master’s at the same place.

“What I like most is that we are completely independent but, if needed, there’s always someone willing to help: from the study secretaries to the project supervisors,” he says. “There is also an incredibly close [relationship] between students and world-class scientists, and there is the possibility of extending this learning process by getting a work study [experience] at the university.”

Busquets finds the MSc well-rounded and designed for impact. “The problem-based approach provides hands-on experience on today and future’s challenges, as well as encouraging our curiosity to learn about what we are interested in,” he says.