Urban Transformation (Turkish) - Non Thesis Program
Tuzla Campus, Turkey
Master of Science in Urban Transformation (Non-Thesis)
Istanbul Okan University
Urban Transformation & Land Management
Program Overview: Urban Transformation (Non-Thesis) at Istanbul Okan University
The Urban Transformation (Kentsel Dönüşüm) Non-Thesis Master's Program at Istanbul Okan University is designed to train specialist professionals who can address the complex challenges of urban renewal, land management, and city planning in Turkey and beyond. The program equips students with a systematic, holistic approach to solving problems related to unplanned urbanization, property valuation, and sustainable city development.
Taught entirely in Turkish, this practice-oriented program combines theoretical knowledge with real-world applications across disciplines such as real estate finance, cadastral systems, geographic information systems, and urban legislation. Students complete 10 courses totaling 30 credits plus a non-credit graduation project within a maximum of three semesters.
Istanbul Okan University, founded in 1999 and located on a modern campus in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, is recognized for its close ties to the business world and its emphasis on preparing graduates for professional life. The program is housed within the Graduate Education Institute and benefits from the university's partnerships with professional bodies in the real estate and land management sectors.
Key Program Highlights
- Practice-focused non-thesis format with a graduation project addressing real urban transformation challenges
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning real estate, law, GIS, land management, and urban planning
- Compact 1.5-year program designed for working professionals and career changers
- Located in Istanbul, one of the world's most dynamic cities undergoing continuous urban transformation
Curriculum & Modules
The Urban Transformation Non-Thesis Master's Program consists of 10 courses (30 credits) plus a non-credit graduation project. The curriculum includes compulsory core modules covering essential urban transformation disciplines and elective courses that allow you to specialize in areas of personal or professional interest.
Land Management (Arazi Yönetimi)
3 CreditsExamines principles and practices of land administration, land-use planning, and sustainable land governance within the context of urban and rural development in Turkey.
Cadastre and Land Registry (Kadastro ve Tapu Bilgisi)
3 CreditsCovers the Turkish cadastral system, land registration procedures, property rights, and the legal framework governing land ownership and transfers.
Real Estate Development and Valuation (Gayrimenkul Geliştirme ve Değerleme)
3 CreditsIntroduces real estate development processes, property valuation methodologies, market analysis, and feasibility studies relevant to urban transformation projects.
Real Estate Finance (Gayrimenkul Finansmanı)
3 CreditsExplores financial instruments, investment analysis, mortgage systems, and funding mechanisms used in real estate and urban renewal projects.
Real Estate Legislation (Gayrimenkul Mevzuatı)
3 CreditsProvides a comprehensive overview of Turkish property law, zoning regulations, construction permits, and the legal framework for urban transformation initiatives.
Urban Transformation (Kentsel Dönüşüm)
3 CreditsFocuses on the theory, policy, and practice of urban regeneration, including case studies of transformation projects in Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The Urban Transformation Non-Thesis Master's Program is open to graduates of four-year undergraduate programs from recognized universities. Admission is based on academic credentials and an evaluation of application documents. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university is required (original or notarized copy of diploma).
- Minimum GPAA cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.50 out of 4.00 is required.
- ALES RequirementALES is not required for the non-thesis program. Students without ALES may be admitted as special students.
- Eligible BackgroundsGraduates from engineering, architecture, urban planning, law, economics, and related fields are encouraged to apply.
- Scientific PreparationApplicants from non-related fields may be required to complete preparatory coursework (e.g., Map Knowledge) as determined by the Institute Board.
Language Requirements
- Language of InstructionTurkish — all coursework and assessments are conducted in Turkish.
- Turkish ProficiencyInternational students must demonstrate sufficient Turkish language proficiency. Contact Uni4Edu for specific requirements.
- TOMER CertificateA TOMER Turkish Language Certificate (Level C1 or equivalent) may be required for non-native speakers.
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Istanbul Okan University offers various scholarship and funding opportunities for postgraduate students. Uni4Edu can guide you through available options and help you secure the best possible financial support for your studies in the Urban Transformation program.
Okan University Graduate Scholarship
Merit-based tuition reductions are available for postgraduate students based on academic achievement and application profile. Uni4Edu can advise on eligibility and application procedures.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Urban Transformation Non-Thesis program are prepared to take on specialist roles in local government, urban renewal project management, real estate consultancy, and construction sector leadership. Turkey's ongoing large-scale urban transformation initiatives create strong demand for professionals with this specialized expertise.
Potential Job Roles
Potential Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Istanbul Okan University is recognized in multiple international university ranking systems and holds accreditations from respected national and international bodies including YOK, MUDEK, and ABET. The university continues to strengthen its position through research output and industry partnerships.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | EduRank | #111 in Turkey |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #109 in Turkey |
| Business | EduRank | #70 in Turkey |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #117 in Turkey |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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