Urban Management and Development

Master programme

About the programme

The MSc in Urban Management and Development is a 12-month English-taught programme offered in four Master tracks. This structure allows IHS students to specialise within their chosen field whilst benefiting from a broader understanding of sustainable urban management offered at IHS.

Cities are in a constant state of unprecedented change. Between now and 2030, urban areas are expected to triple in surface, and by 2050, 68% of the population will reside in cities. Population movements of this scale create physical, economic, environmental and social challenges. To remain sustainable, liveable and competitive, cities need well-trained urban managers in policy development and good governance. The MSc programme focuses on socio-spatial dynamics in planning, climate resilience and sustainability, governance and economics of cities and equitable access to sustainable land and housing.

The MSc programme is designed to provide students with the skills to analyse, understand and solve contemporary urban issues in their countries through forward-looking policy-making. A key feature of the programme is the use of comparative methodologies to discuss urban issues, policies and trends worldwide. Next to high-quality academic content, the programme also equips students with knowledge of popular data analysis software and negotiation skills.

Master tracks

How is your year organised?

The first block shares courses on urban complexity, governance & finance, data analytics and research design with the other master tracks. In the second block, your courses will be track-specific and you will be working more closely with your master track peers. The third and last block will be entirely dedicated to your thesis. It will further guide you in writing your thesis proposal on a topic relevant to your master track.

Why study the MSc in Urban Management & Development?

The programme is a great opportunity to learn from urban policy advisors and real-life case studies while studying at a top-100 university.  

#4 for Public Administration

worldwide for Public Administration Shanghai Ranking

Shanghai Rankings text

#5 for Planning & Development

for Planning & Development Center University Rankings (1000)

Planning and Development number 5 ranking

#99 Worldwide

worldwide Times Higher Education (500)

Worldwide times higher education

What is it like to be a part of the classroom?

The content is delivered through a blend of lectures with case studies, discussions, working groups, group assignments, and fieldwork. Below, you can see a few examples of activities that take place during the courses.

What's it like to study at IHS?

Digital Divide in Carnisse

Who gets left behind in the process of digitalisation? A research project by IHS students.

IHS students presenting their research to the Mayor of Rotterdam.

GLUT - Gaining from Land Use Transactions

Field trips: Jane's walk in Rotterdam North

Students taking part of a Jane’s walk in Rotterdam Noord

field work 3

Virtual experience: Campus

Rabia's experience

Meet the IHS lecturers

Our lecturers spend a substantial amount of time working on real-life projects across the globe. See what they are up to now! 

Dr Maartje van Eerd

Dr van Eerd is a human geographer, specialised in housing and social development.

Lecturer and senior expert

Dr Paul Rabé

Dr Rabé is a political scientist, focusing on land governance and access to land in urban areas.

Photo of Dr Paul Rabe

Dr Beatriz Calzada Olvera

Dr Olvera is a specialist in economics and innovation, researcher and lecturer on data analysis.

Sign up for the course updates newsletter

Sign up for a series of informative emails!

Learn about the programme, lecturers, career opportunities, Rotterdam and more.

Students sitting together in a classroom

Student news

  • Alumni Spotlight: Maria Isabel da Rocha Lima

    An alumni spotlight with Maria Isabel da Rocha Lima, Global Network Builder in the IHS Alumni Board
    Maria Isabel da Rocha Lima
  • Alumni Spotlight with Dhruv Bahl

    Get to know Dhruv Bahl, vice president of the IHS alumni board and an accomplished architect, urbanist, and researcher.
    Dhruv Bahl
  • Alumni Spotlight: Valeria Leyva Reyes

    An Alumni Spotlight with Valeria Leyva Reyes, a passionate urban planner and researcher, who takes the role of Communication Coordinator in the IHS Alumni Board
    Valeria Leyva
  • Alumni spotlight with Jammy Zhu

    Discover the inspiring stories and valuable insights of our alumni board president, Jammy Zhu, working as Asia Studio Manager at MVRDV.

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