Urban Management and Development

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)

• Program description
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• Scholarships
• Related programs

Program description

Become an Urban Management and Development specialist and join IHS specialized Master program.

The master program Urban Management and Development combines theory with practice. The program offers a challenging environment for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the powers at work in cities, a practical focus and worldwide experience connected with international urban research. Through its comprehensive approach, the program takes the economic, social, physical, managerial and political aspects of urban management and development into perspective. It provides a unique opportunity for students to grasp what they need to know to become innovative urban managers. Leaders who are able to analyse and develop cities based on a thorough grasp of urban theory and practise.

Current urbanization trends increasingly mean that urban professionals are in demand. The master program Urban Management and Development prepares students from all over the world for career positions both in the private and public sector, in international organizations, national and international associations, consultancy firms, advisory boards, and other government institutions. Our alumni include businessmen, ministers, mayors, successful consultants and renowned NGO activists. After graduation alumni become part of the large international network in over 140 countries of urban professionals, institutes and capacity building initiatives. The programme also offers a solid basis for students to pursue a PhD in related fields in an academic environment.

Urban Management and Development Study Subjects

The Urban Management and Development program is divided in a core period specializations:

1) Land Development Strategies;
2) Financing Urban Infrastructure;
3) Urban Environmental Management;
4) Urban Infrastructure and Energy Management;
5) Housing Development Strategies;
6) Urban and Regional Development Strategies;
7) Urban Social Development.

Urban Management and Development Program Objectives

At the end of the Urban Management and Development program, participants will operate as innovative urban managers. Innovative urban managers are able to: develop and apply ideas; conduct academic research of an urban problem and to integrate knowledge within a complex multidisciplinary environment in emerging economies; analyse and develop their cities based on a thorough understanding of urban theory.

Urban Management and Development Career Opportunities

Urban Management and Development graduates have excellent career opportunities. IHS alumni include ministers, mayors, successful businessmen and renowned NGO specialists. It provides entrance into international networks of urban professionals, institutes and capacity building initiatives. Participants will benefit from the extensive network of IHS, including an alumni association with over 7,000 members and contacts with donor agencies and training centres. IHS is engaged in over 100 urban programmes and projects at any point in time, enabling a direct link between theory and practice. IHS lecturers have worked all over the world thus creating a possibility to discuss and initiate programmes and projects in your country and your cities.

Urban Management and Development Related Programs

The Urban Management and Development program consists of a range of specializations that can be taken as separate programs. One of these specializations that IHS offers is the Financing Urban Infrastructure course.  

See which programs are related to the Urban Management and Development program

Urban Management and Development Scholarships

Students who would like to register for the Urban Management and Development program will need to have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses. Getting a scholarship could be the first step towards obtaining a top MSc degree at IHS.

See which scholarships you can apply for if you want to do the Urban Management and Development program

About the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies

The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) is an international centre of excellence of the School of Economics (ESE) and the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. IHS operates on a global scale by offering postgraduate education, training, advisory services and applied research.

IHS was selected as the winner for the 2007 UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honour Award for leading the way as a global center of excellence and knowledge through its high quality training programmes in housing, urban management and urban environmental management and planning.

In 2008 IHS celebrated its 50th anniversary of assisting countries, cities and institutions to find suitable approaches to housing and sustainable urban development, and strengthen their capacity to implement them.

More information about Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies

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Admission requirements

Previous education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Professional experience

At least 1 year of work experience.

Language requirements

IELTS overall band: 6, IELTS listening: 5.5, IELTS reading: 5.5, IELTS writing: 5.5, IELTS speaking: 5.5, TOEFL paper based: 550, TOEFL computer based: 213, TOEFL internet based: 79

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