Bachelor Spatial Planning

Bachelor's Program in Spatial Planning

As a spatial planner, you shape the spaces where we live. You design climate-friendly neighborhoods, plan sustainable mobility solutions, and ensure community involvement. In our practice-oriented Bachelor’s program, creativity and teamwork are just as important as collaboration with municipalities, planning firms, and real estate companies.

Program at a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Science in Spatial Planning

Specializations
Urban Design, Transport Planning, Spatial Development 

Start of Program Studies
Each September during week 38

Duration of Studies
Full-time: 6 semesters
Part-time: 8–14 semesters 

Tuition
CHF 1,000 per semester

Campus
Rapperswil-Jona campus

Registration Deadline
Applications are accepted as long as study places are available.

Good to Know
Since the courses are taught in German, we kindly refer you to the German pages for more detailed information.

Advantages of a Bachelor in Spatial Planning at OST

  • Practical Education: At OST, you’ll experience a hands-on Bachelor’s program in Urban, Transport, and Spatial Planning, applying what you learn directly in a partner municipality that changes annually.
     
  • Specialization Opportunities: In your third year, after completing the foundational coursework, you’ll have the chance to specialize in an area of your interest, tailoring the program to your goals. 
     
  • Contributing to Sustainability: As a spatial planner at OST, you’ll play a vital role in shaping sustainable environments and developing strategies to address and adapt to the effects of climate change. 
     
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Each cohort enjoys dedicated workspaces and cutting-edge technical resources, all located on the picturesque lakeside campus in Rapperswil-Jona.
     
  • Unique Program Offering: OST is the only university in Switzerland to offer a Bachelor’s program in Urban, Transport, and Spatial Planning, giving you the unique opportunity to qualify in this specialized field. 

Contact

Prof. Carsten Hagedorn
Program director Spatial Planning

+41 58 257 49 78
carsten.hagedorn@ost.ch

Program Focus and Content

  • Comprehensive Preparation: Our Bachelor’s program equips you with a broad knowledge base and interdisciplinary skills, preparing you for your career as a spatial planner. 
     
  • Foundational Studies: During the first two years, you’ll gain essential knowledge in spatial development, transport planning, and urban design. As a generalist, you’ll also develop skills in environmental and landscape planning. Alongside lectures, you’ll work on study projects, applying tools like CAD, GIS, and 3D visualization. 
     
  • Specialization in Year Three: In your third year, you can focus on one of three areas of specialization and apply your knowledge to hands-on projects. 

Spatial Development

Spatial Development
  • Infill development
  • Municipal spatial planning
  • Planning processes 

Transport Planning

Transport Planning
  • Street design
  • Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
  • Public transport concept development 

Urban Design

Urban Design
  • Urban development 
  • Urban design concepts 
  • Urban management