The study programme in a nutshell
The Urban Environment & Climate Change specialisation is an intensive one-year programme worth 60 ECTS credits, designed to be completed in 12 months. The curriculum balances rigorous academic coursework with collaborative groupwork and independent research, structured into three distinct blocks:
- Block 1: Introductory courses & Specialisation kick-off
During the first months, you will build a strong theoretical foundation. While some core subjects are shared with the Urban Socio-Spatial Transformations programme to encourage interdisciplinary networking, you will also begin your first core modules tailored to your specialisation. - Block 2: Tailored learning trajectories
During the second block, you will delve deeper into your chosen track while shaping your own academic direction through a selection of modules that together form your personalised ‘focal points'. - Block 3: Thesis & research
The final block is fully dedicated to your Master’s thesis. You will receive guidance in refining your proposal and conducting research on a topic aligned with your chosen track.
Beyond the classroom
To ensure a well-rounded professional profile, the programme features a number of extracurricular activities. These include various field trips and Career Days, connecting your academic studies to real-world practice and future employment opportunities.
What the programme entails
Block 1: Introductory courses
Your learning journey begins with a comprehensive introduction to urban theory and methodology. These courses provide the necessary analytical tools for advanced urban research. The courses listed below will be shared with the Urban Socio-Spatial Transformations specialisation.
Introductory courses
- Contemporary Debates in Urban Studies: Explore the current landscape of urban theory.
- Urban Complexity: Master the multifaceted nature of modern city systems.
- Research methods: Foundational courses in both Qualitative and Quantitative analysis.
- Developing an Urban Resilience City Strategy Workshop: Navigate the complexities in resilience strategy development.
Specialisation core modules
In parallel with your research and analysis course, you will begin your track-specific core module. For the Urban Environment & Climate Change track, you must select one of the following:
- Water and Land Synergies
- Atmosphere, Energy, and Planetary Boundaries
Note: Your core module selection must be finalised prior to the start of the programme.
Block 2: Specialisation & focal points
Building on the foundation of Block 1, the second period focuses on tailoring your learning journey even more. This is where you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world urban development cases. The MSc in Urban Management and Development is designed for flexibility. You can shape a distinct academic profile by selecting thematic focal points that align with your career goals and your eventual thesis topic.
To help you navigate your options, we have curated several thematic trajectories:
| Core module | Deepening module |
|---|---|
| Water and Land Synergies |
|
| Atmosphere, Energy, and Planetary Boundaries |
|
Note: You must choose one core module to follow in Block 1, and one deepening module for Block 2.
In parallel with the deepening modules, participants will also follow the courses Research Design and Introduction to GIS. The Research Design (RD) course is essential for guiding students in creating academic research within the social sciences and independently developing their Master’s thesis. While the Introduction to GIS, explains frequently used techniques and demonstrate their applicability across typical cases covered in the MSc programme.
Advanced research methods
Alongside your deepening modules, you will further refine your expertise by selecting one of four specialised research method courses, ensuring you are fully equipped for your final thesis. You can choose one of the following courses:
- Policy Impact
- Machine Learning for Policy
- Comparative Urban Research
- Participatory Research
Note: During Block 1, you must choose one method course that you will follow in Block 2.
Block 3: Thesis
The third and last block will be entirely dedicated to the thesis. It will further guide the writing of the thesis proposal on a topic relevant to the specialisation.
Wondering what thesis research you can do?
- Urban sustainability transitions: Theory and practice in European cities.
- Barriers and drivers of circular economy initiatives in Amsterdam.
- Financing climate change adaptation: Which instruments are most effective?
- Urban water systems and adaptation to climate change in Southeast Asian cities.
- The urban governance of sustainable transport systems.
- Managing urban energy systems to meet climate change objectives: Trends and innovations.
- The roles of community resilience and risk appraisal in climate change adaptation in Chennai.
- Developing an urban resilience index: Application to 10.000 urban areas worldwide.
- Which factors are conducive to successful climate mitigation projects at urban level?
- The effect of city size and population density on CO2 emissions: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration.
- Nature-based solutions for flood reduction in African cities.
- Assessing climate change risk and prioritizing adaptation measures using GIS.