What Mutaz says about the Master's in Sustainable Urban Design

Mutaz from Jordan

Could you tell us a little bit about your background?

"I am a Jordanian Architect and Designer and I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Jordan in 2017. Before moving to Lund to pursue my Master’s Degree in Sustainable Urban Design, I worked as an architect for three years. To finance some of my studies, I applied for a scholarship from the Swedish Institute Academy for young professionals and I ended up getting it."

Why did you choose Lund University and why did this particular programme appeal to you?

"Ever since I was I child I have had a great interest in sustainability and outdoor life qualities without even really realising it. Being raised in poor communities means that you have to create your own playing experience outdoors. As I got older, my interest in designing spaces for peoples’ comfort increased. Sweden is a pioneer country when it comes to Urban Design and planning with a strong sustainability profile. I chose Lund University as the programme courses and syllabus seemed to be the closest to what I wanted to learn – two years and nine courses later, this is still the case!"

Why should prospective students choose this programme? Do you have a favourite course?

"The programme is practical and puts you in the working environment right from the start, you learn the theories by actually doing them, which is the best way! One of my favourite courses is Urban Shelter, which is about housing and neighbourhood development. Another favourite course so far is Climate-smart architecture and urban design where you get to learn tools that help you examine your design in terms of its responsiveness to climate settings."

What do you think of the teaching style and the way of studying here? What are the lecturers and professors like?

"The teaching style is the best part about being a student in Lund, there is no strict hierarchy. If you have an idea and justification behind it, teachers will help you to make it even better. The courses include many lectures and workshops with people from the industry, which means you get to learn from people who are specialised in the topic you are studying."

What is the academic/learning environment like?

"Every semester, you have one project or more to do. The early stages of analysis and strategies are based on group work and then you design the final stages individually. There are lectures and workshops conducted by professors and professionals who guide you through the process. The best part about it is that there are no grades, so you basically compete with yourself to improve your own design persona and knowledge."

What it is like to be an international student at Lund University and how international is your programme?

"With 17 students from 15 countries, Sustainable Urban Design is one of the most diverse and international programmes, which offers another layer of learning. During the design process, having input from many points of view, truly enhance the experience and the design becomes more comprehensive. We also do international dinners that made me not only learn about people and become more educated, but also more open-minded when it comes to peoples’ different ideas and thoughts."

What is studying in Sweden like compared to studying in other countries you studied in?

"Studying in Sweden is a unique experience due to the comfortable system and the way the university studies are connected to the professional industry. This makes you more than ready to practice architecture and urban design with full awareness of the up-to-date design methodologies as well as having sustainability and care for earth always in mind."

What are you planning to do after your studies?

"I am learning the Swedish language and planning to apply for jobs in Sweden, as I think learning and digesting the Scandinavian way of designing and planning can only be completed with practising real-life projects."

How do you like living in Sweden? Did you feel welcome here? What has surprised you most about Sweden?

"The environment in Sweden is amazing, people are nice and welcoming and there is a lot going on in terms of activities and places to visit. Student nations play a vital role in this as they do a lot of excellent events that are suitable for everybody. My highlights from living in Sweden so far is enjoying nature, doing hikes and travelling around, and making friends from all over the world!"

Do you have any advice for other students that are considering coming to Lund/Malmö/Helsingborg?

"Learn Swedish as soon as you can, even though pretty much everyone speaks English here, the language can help you to better understand the environment and the culture and also to open great opportunities for you! Good luck!"