General information
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Dates | May/June 2026 |
| Tuition Fee | € 5,575* |
| Language | English |
| IHS application deadline | April 2026 |
| Admissions Information | Requirements and application procedure |
| Course information and questions | admission@ihs.nl |
| Abbreviation code | SUD 2026 |
| Course coordinator | Charmae Nercua |
* Please note that for EU participants, the VAT of 21% will apply. The tuition fee stated above excludes the VAT.
Alumni Discounts
IHS alumni who have completed an IHS Master, PhD trajectory or any of our short courses qualify for a 50% tuition fee waiver. This discount cannot be combined with other discounts.
Employer organisations sending more than 2 participants qualify for a 40% tuition fee waiver.
More about the course
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 four-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, analyze 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 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.
The course is organised into four modules:
- Understanding Urban Complexities: 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.
- Analyzing Urban Policies and Practices: Participants will learn how to critically analyze if a certain SDG11 strategy and/or policy leads to a city that is just, resilient and sustainable. Policy analytical tools will be introduced covering the topics on climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions, green city principles, circular economy and sustainable energy transition.
- Developing Sustainable Urban Strategies and Approaches: Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous modules, this week will challenge the participants to think out of the box and innovative strategies and approaches in achieving the SDG11 targets and indicators. Participants will dive deeper into the themes of nature-based urban development, environmental justice, circular economy and urban heritage development.
- Immerse and advise based on the SUD Principles: In this practical course segment, participants will engage in study visits, urban walks and city tours in Rotterdam and Amsterdam wherein the participants will enhance their understanding of real-life examples and gain valuable insights from practice. This final week will wrap up with a multi-disciplinary advisory project with a real-life client wherein the participants are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the three modules.
What and how will I learn?
The highlight of the course is capstone 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