Sustainable Urban Development

5-week professional development course

General information

Duration5 weeks
Dates

19 February - 22 March 2024

2024-2025 intake will be announced in mid-January 2024

Tuition Fee€ 5,250*
LanguageEnglish
Deadline for OKP applicants (to apply for the course)27 August 2023
Deadline for MSP applicants (to apply for the course)27 August 2023
IHS application deadline   

Non-EU/EEA:Deadline passed

EU/EEA: 31 December 2023

Admissions InformationRequirements and application procedure
OKP/MSP fellowship information

OKP Procedure and deadlines

MSP Procedure and deadlines

Course information and questionsadmission@ihs.nl
Abbreviation codeSUD 2024
Course coordinatorCharmae Nercua

* Please note that for EU participants, the VAT of 21% will apply. The tuition fee stated above is excluding the VAT.
 

United Nations

Urban areas are projected to triple in surface by 2030, and with an estimated 70% of the global population residing in cities by 2050, addressing the complex social, physical, economic, and environmental challenges of urbanisation in a sustainable way has become imperative.

Designed for contemporary urban professionals, the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) programme is a five-week short course anchored in the SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities". It is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyse and develop strategies to achieve the SDG 11 targets, "Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable", and produce localised solutions. By integrating state-of-the-art theories on urban management with practical application through a multi-disciplinary advisory project, this course enables professionals to address the diverse challenges of urban environments effectively.

In line with the SDG11 targets, participants will delve into various aspects of sustainable urban development, including sustainable human settlement planning, safe and affordable land and housing, inclusive urbanization, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, inclusive and gender-responsive approaches, and urban heritage strategies.

IHS

The course is organised into four modules:

  1. Introduction to Sustainable Urban Management and Development: This module establishes a solid foundation by exploring key principles, theories, and practices of urban management, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of urban environments.
  2. Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of strategies and approaches to foster sustainable and resilient cities. Topics covered include climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions, green city principles, circular economy and sustainable energy transition.
  3. Inclusive and Safe Cities: This module focuses on inclusive, equitable and gender-responsive approaches to urban development and management. Participants will discuss and analyse global cases on the concepts of urban socio-spatial justice, urban inequalities, adequate and affordable land and housing, gentrification, urban heritage strategies and the digital divide.
  4. Study Visits, Urban Walks, and Smart City Tours: In this practical course segment, participants will engage in study visits, urban walks, and smart city tours in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Through direct observation and analysis of sustainable urban practices, participants will enhance their understanding of real-life examples and gain valuable insights from practice.

What and how will I learn?

The highlight of the course is the multi-disciplinary advisory project, a hands-on opportunity to work with real-life clients (cities). Engage with local stakeholders, communities, and organisations to develop tailor-made strategies that align with SDG 11 targets. The project culminates in a compelling final presentation of the strategy to the client, showcasing your expertise and innovative solutions.

Led by expert lecturers, the course employs a practical orientation that combines field experience with conceptual frameworks and methodologies. Through lectures, readings, case studies, group discussions, assignments, and exercises, participants will engage in a dynamic and interactive learning process, drawing on the accumulated expertise of both faculty and peers.

Participants will engage with professionals from various sectors, including public and private organisations, NGOs, academia, and international organisations, fostering a rich and diverse learning environment.

Do I have the right profile for this course?

If you're an urban professional seeking to enhance your knowledge of sustainable urban development and apply it to real-world challenges, then this course is for you. Apply now to secure your spot and take a significant step towards becoming an urban change-maker.

Please check our admission requirements to ensure you meet the minimum requirements for the course.

Partners

This course is offered in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE), Municipality of Rotterdam, University of the Philippines College of Human Ecology (UP-CHE), and several Dutch social housing associations, thereby providing participants with valuable networking opportunities and real-world perspectives.

How to apply?

Are you interested in participating in this post-graduate diploma course? Use the "Apply now" button below to submit your application using our new, simplified, user-friendly forms. For further information on the application procedure, admission requirements, and available funding opportunities, visit our information page.

Fellowships

If you are still searching for a sponsor, have a look at our section on available funding opportunities.


Photo credit: Stock photo 

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