Programme features
Highly international study environment with participants from over 45 different nations
Lecturers with long-standing international teaching and working experience in the field
High profile guest lecturers from established institutions such as UN-HABITAT, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Lund University
Unique training methodology of role-playing games, real-life case study analysis, class debates and on-site visits
6 different specialisations offering a unique chance to tailor your study and broaden your career path
Focus on linking theory to real world urban challenges and solutions developed and perfected in IHS’ almost 60 years of experience in the field
Balanced learning environment of guided training and self-study
A step in your career
The Urban Management and Development master programme enables participants to advance their career opportunities by offering a wide range of career paths in six different areas of urban expertise.
IHS graduates work in the fields of urban academia, international consultancy, local and national governments and non-governmental organisations as lecturers, urban planners, sustainable urban development and design specialists, project managers, architects, government officials, urban policy analysis and development experts, capacity building trainers, land use advisors, renowned NGO heads and specialists and many others.
In the almost 60 years of experience in teaching and applying urban management and development knowledge and practices, IHS has developed an extensive network of urban professionals. Programme participants benefit from the immense IHS network including an alumni association with over 8000 members actively engaged in the field. IHS is engaged in over 100 urban programmes and projects at any point in time offering students a direct contact with donor agencies and training centres worldwide.
Our lecturers have long-standing international experience and continue to work all over the world thus creating a possibility to discuss and initiate links to programmes and projects in countries and cities of the participants.
Course Content
The cities of today are complex with interrelated economic, social, environmental and physical challenges which need to be balanced in the ever-changing urban environment.
The intensive 12-month MSc in Urban Management and Development is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to become competent urban managers by offering an in-depth insight into urban issues, policies and trends around the world through a blend of lectures with case studies, discussions, working groups, group assignments and field visits and field work.
The master programme is divided into three main periods: a core period, a specialization period and a thesis period. Below you can find more information about the programme structure and the knowledge you will gain during each period.
Core period (October - January)
The core period of the Urban Management & Development master programme provides in-depth insight into urban theories, policies and trends worldwide. It will study cities from different multidisciplinary thematic perspectives such as “Complex City”, “Spatial City”, “Sustainable City”, “Green City”, “Livable City”, “Informal City” and “Competitive City”.
Specialisation period (January - April)
The specialization period allows participants to gain an enhanced understanding of a certain aspect of urban management and development depending on their academic and professional orientation and interests.
Managing & Financing Urban Infrastructure
Urban Competitiveness and Resilience
Urban Environment and Climate Change
Urban Housing and Livelihoods
Urban Land Governance
Urban Strategies and Planning
Master Thesis period (April - September)
The thesis period opens with Research Methods workshops which offer the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to conduct academic research and complete the Master’s thesis. The students work under the guidance of their thesis supervisor and with the support of the IHS academic staff.
Training methodology
Throughout the course, students participate in interactive lectures, workshops and discussions, engage in group and individual exercises, analyse cases, give presentations and write papers and essays which aim to deepen their knowledge about the concepts and theory. The training methodology of the programme includes field visits, fieldwork, simulation games, discussions, best practices and case studies.
Important note for Chinese applicants
Chinese applicants are required to apply for a "Nuffic Certificate". This is a document that provides an assessment of the applicant`s English language proficiency as well as of the educational degrees and diplomas that are required to be eligible for an entry visa to the Netherlands. Nuffic sends this certificate directly to IHS once it has been issued.
The Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP)
Applicants who wish to apply for the NFP are kindly advised to apply with IHS at least 4 weeks before the NFP application deadline (14 February 2017) so that they can receive the admissions decision in time for their fellowship application.
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