Urban Studies (research MSc)

University of Amsterdam

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Program description

Urban Studies deals with the complex reality of urban centres from a number of perspectives drawn from spatial planning, social and economic geography, and institutional approaches.

Contrary to the earlier ideas about the global economy becoming increasingly 'footloose', large cities and metropolitan areas will remain the most important economic hubs of this part of the world. In other parts of the world like China, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, cities are still growing very fast because of migration from the rural areas to the cities. Some of the largest cities of 'the global South' are becoming serious competitors in the global economy too. Both in the North and South, cities are becoming more international and interconnected. Our programme combines the disciplines of urban geography, economic geography, urban and regional planning, and urban sociology, to provide a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to urban change. An important theme throughout the programme is the international comparison of urban phenomena, as exemplified by a comparative methodology course and the requirement of an international comparison in the Master's thesis. A unique feature of the programme, related to this focus on international comparison, is the semester abroad at one of our exchange partner institutes in Europe, North America or East Asia.

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Admission requirements

Previous education

The Research Master's Programme in Urban Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline closely related to the programme, such as human geography, urban and regional planning and political science.

Those applicants who hold a higher professional Bachelor's degree obtained at a university of applied sciences (HBO) will first need to complete a relevant academic Bachelor's degree before applying to the Master's programme. Completion of a relevant Bachelor's degree however, does not automatically lead to admission. Selection tends to be highly competitive reflecting the number and quality of applications received for each selection round.

Previous education

The Research Master's Programme in Urban Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline closely related to the programme, such as human geography, urban and regional planning and political science.

Those applicants who hold a higher professional Bachelor's degree obtained at a university of applied sciences (HBO) will first need to complete a relevant academic Bachelor's degree before applying to the Master's programme. Completion of a relevant Bachelor's degree however, does not automatically lead to admission. Selection tends to be highly competitive reflecting the number and quality of applications received for each selection round.

Grade average

The programme seeks students with excellent academic records and who are able to handle heavy course loads. Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent level, especially in the fields relevant to the programme. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- /3.5 (American system), first class Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

Grade average

The programme seeks students with excellent academic records and who are able to handle heavy course loads. Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent level, especially in the fields relevant to the programme. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- /3.5 (American system), first class Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

Written request

All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.

Written request

All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.

Knowledge minimum

Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of urban studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Knowledge minimum

Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of urban studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Language test

All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

For more information, please visit our website.

Language test

All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

For more information, please visit our website.

Grade list

All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.

Grade list

All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.

Additional subject

The programme is intended for students who have an active interest in research and wish to pursue a career in research. Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in social sciences research methodology of at least 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Additional subject

The programme is intended for students who have an active interest in research and wish to pursue a career in research. Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in social sciences research methodology of at least 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Language requirements

CAE: C1, CPE: C1, IELTS overall band: 6.5, IELTS listening: 6, IELTS reading: 6, IELTS writing: 6, IELTS speaking: 6, TOEFL paper based: 575, TOEFL computer based: 232, TOEFL internet based: 90

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