Urban Studies

  Netherlands

Amsterdam

Description: Globalisation, de-industrialisation and the rise of information technology have changed the outlook of the Western world. Cities have become metropolitan areas, internally divided social worlds but at the same time important socio-economic nodes in world-encompassing networks and flows. The master's programme introduces students to this complex reality by offering theoretical as well as research training focused on the problems of metropolitan development. The core courses approach these problems from different angles: an institutional point o view (metropolitan governance and spatial planning), and a social point of view (social challenges in a globalising world). An individual research cum thesis project is part of the programme.

The master's programme in Urban Studies provides the student with a solid theoretical, conceptual, and methodological foundation in urban and regional development. It offers students an interdisciplinary approach to the main challenges facing 21st-century cities. The historical and comparative dimensions emphasized in the majority of the courses train the student to analyse urban issues from various perspectives and to put them in their wide-ranging sociological, political and cultural contexts. The combination of empirical studies with theoretical reflection and reading will provide the intellectual tools and abilities that students need to better understand, analyse and cope with the contemporary problems and complexities of urban development across the globe.

Through regular contact with the academic advisor and the programme manager the student's progress will be reviewed and discussed both individually and during group meetings. During the writing of the thesis, students are expected to participate actively in the thesis seminar and to present their thesis proposals and one or more chapters. Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired profound knowledge of theories and concepts used to research and analyse specific social and/or political problems. They will have learned how to critically analyse and evaluate social science theories, research methods, and results. In addition to this, students will have acquired advanced skills for reading, analysing, and summarising literature within their field of specialisation, and for placing that literature within larger historical and intellectual contexts. They will have learned how to conduct literature and data searches, to design research projects, to write argumentative texts and to present their research findings, scientific papers, and/or policy papers.

In order to complete their degree, students will have applied their knowledge in writing a research proposal and in conducting empirical research for their master's thesis. Being part of an international programme will help the student to acquire the linguistic and social skills necessary to be able to work in an international, multicultural environment.

Highlights: The master's programme in Urban Studies is a high standard, internationally accredited, interdisciplinary, English-taught programme, including education in an international classroom, instruction in small classes, intensive guidance and coaching by staff and faculty concerning both practical and academic issues and an atmosphere which is determined by enthusiasm for study and cultural, intellectual and social involvement. The ISHSS guarantees housing for one year for all international fee-paying students (both degree and non-degree).

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: 1900 Euro EEA residents / 9000 Euro non EEA residents

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Netherlands Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of max 29

Scholarships are Available. - *The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (AMS) specifically designed by the Universit￿ of Amsterdam (UvA) to offer talented and hard-working non-EU/EEA students the opportunity to pursue a degree in one of the academic fields covered by the UvA. *The HSP Huygens Programme open to excellent students from all countries of the world. It is aimed at talented students who want to come to the Netherlands in the final phase of their bachelors studies or during their masters studies. *Other scholarships

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time Is 3 (three) months

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

University of Amsterdam, International School for Humanitites and Social Sciences (ISHSS)'s Mission Statement: The International School for Humanities and Social Sciences (ISHSS) provides English taught, internationally accredited, academic education in the Social Sciences on the Undergraduate and Graduate level. The ISHSS aims to create a learning environment favourable to students and lecturers alike, which makes students from all over the world feel welcome and which lets lecturers and staff feel that their work is appreciated and respected. The atmosphere is determined by enthousiasm for study and cultural, intellectual and social involvement. The ISHSS offers education to exchange students and to fee paying students on undergraduate and graduate level. The ISHSS offers modular education in diverse programmes, short (i.e. summer programmes) or longer (certificate and master's programmes). These programmes are interdisciplinary in nature and intertwined among each other.

Year Founded: 1998