As part of the high-ranking Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Institute for Housing and Urban Management and Development Studies (IHS) offers considerable resources and a well-established international research infrastructure. With IHS' partner universities and over 9000 alumni from more than 140 nations, the institute has built a strong global network of urban professionals.
In addition, IHS has strategic alliances, partnerships and framework agreements with international organisations such as the World Bank, United Nations, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank and the European Union. PhD students greatly benefit from these international collaborative efforts. In a small class environment, they are supported by a supervisory team of high profile international supervisors with many years of experience in the urban development and governance industry.
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What are some special features of this PhD programme?
Next to earning your degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam, an institution that is consistently ranked among the top 3% of the world’s best universities, studying the PhD Urban Development and Governance also means that you can take advantage of:
A tailored PhD programme
IHS takes into consideration the needs and requirements of students in the design of the programme. It takes, on average, four years to complete the PhD programme. However, students are only required to stay in the Netherlands for three months per year. In this way, participants can enjoy a tailored and flexible trajectory.
Variety of research possibilities
The programme is divided into three fields of research, which offers a variety of research possibilities: economics & governance, urban sustainability & resilience,urban socio-spatial development.
Training and Supervision Plan (TSP)
At the beginning of your PhD, you will develop a Training and Supervision Plan together with your supervisor. This plan aims to help monitor your progress and provide you with regular feedback during your evaluation meetings.
Extra-curricular activities
Apart from your regular PhD curriculum, you will also have the opportunity to attend activities of the MSc in Urban Management and Development at IHS. These activities involve attending or giving guest lectures and getting a glimpse of supervising a Master thesis.
Student experience
"IHS provides us with free room to research our own topics of interest, giving us the opportunity to open our vision and mind. Thanks to this stimulating environment, we can work on the belief of better cities."
Min Cai, China
PhD Student
PhD student experience
Tannya Pico is a PhD student at IHS, who is exploring nature-based solutions for her hometown.
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