Urban Studies
At Urban Studies, we teach our students to analyse, discuss, and solve the issues arising from cities and the rapid urbanisation in a unique way. By merging together expertise from humanities, social sciences, law, science and language for the first time, we mirror the interdisciplinarity and complexity of urban issues.
First year
During the first year the programme will focus on:
1. The basic concepts and knowledge of cities and urbanization
2. Skills in academic writing and presenting, and basic methodology.
Group mentors will give intensive supervision.
Second year
The second year focuses on four key themes:
1. Multicultural City
2. Safe City
3. Healthy City
4. Sustainable City
You will have the opportunity to discover each of the four themes, by following compulsory introductory lectures alongside electives (knowledge-based and methodological) in two of the themes. Apart from this theme-based research, there is an integrated component focused on introducing the student to the job market by setting up a project for an external partner from the field.
Third year
In the first semester of the third year you can make your own choices: electives, a minor, an internship or studying abroad. Your focus and thesis will be on one of the four themes. By choosing electives that fit your chosen theme, you can determine your own career path. You will also be able to work towards fulfilling the entry requirements of your preferred master’s programme after the BA Urban Studies. In the second semester, you will take a literature seminar and a research seminar, and conclude the programme by writing an interdisciplinary thesis in the theme you specialised in.