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Urban Studies (research MSc) – (M.Sc.)
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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| Application Deadline: | Start in 1 September: March (non-EEA: March). | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,771 ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Amsterdam
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.
What are the consequences of this urban growth and change for urban societies? Are integration, segregation and polarisation increasingly problematic? How can we plan and manage this urban growth and change locally and regionally? What does the shift from 'government' to 'governance' mean for the urban and regional planning process? These are some of the many questions and challenges we discuss in our Research Master Urban Studies. Our programme combines the disciplines of urban geography, economic geography, urban and regional planning, and urban sociology, providing a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to urban change. An important theme throughout the programme is the international comparison of urban phenomena. Thematic courses are combined with advanced research methodology courses, a stay abroad and research projects under supervision of leading experts in urban studies. Students will acquire sound theoretical and methodological knowledge and the research skills to start a career in the social sciences, or to work in relevant policy fields like housing, planning or social policy, or in related commercial sectors like real estate or property development.
Contents
The Master 's programme in Urban Studies is two years long, and consists of a core introductory course, a number of research methodology and thesis preparation seminars, a research apprenticeship, one elective, a semester of fieldwork abroad, a written thesis and a research article. Students are expected to obtain 60 ECTS credits in each year of the programme, totalling 120 ECTS. The first year will be spent in Amsterdam and the second year will consist in a semester abroad followed by a period of thesis writing and research.
Thesis
The curriculum of the first year combines thematic and theoretically oriented coursework with research training, with an aim to preparing students for writing their Master's thesis and for their stay abroad. Half of the second year is devoted to the individual thesis project. The Master's thesis must to be based on empirical fieldwork conducted in at least two metropolises. For practical reasons, the research will usually deal with metropolises in the Netherlands and the country where students spend their semester abroad.
Degree requirements
Upon successful completion of all coursework and the thesis, students will receive an officially accredited Master's degree in Urban Studies, and the title Master of Science.
Courses and methodology
The focus of the programme is on comparative urban studies. The research methodology taught in the first year therefore focuses mainly on international comparisons of urban phenomena. Next to this we offer a wide range of electives on quantitative and qualitative methodology.
Throughout the programme, we work with the following formats:
- Interactive working groups and seminars
- Lectures
- Excursions
- Research apprenticeship
- Individual supervision (Master thesis)
- Co-authorship (research article).
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
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.
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. Urban Studies 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. 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.
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 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. Applicants who are nationals of countries other than the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit an English test score that meets specific requirements. Inability to do so will prevent enrolment. For more information, please visit our website.
Additional language requirements:
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 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
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade A (Score: 80) |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 575 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 232 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 90 |
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands
Funding details
Scholarships / Grants:
Neso Indonesia:
StuNed Scholarships for Master studies, short courses and customized training programmes are available for Indonesian professionals with at least two years work experience in a development-related organization.
For additional information: Website
Fulbright/ NAF:
The Fulbright Center is a bi-national, non-profit organization established by international agreement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It promotes educational co-operation and provides information on study, research and internships in the United States.
For additional information: Website
The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website
U.S. Department of Education:
Loans are no longer being made under this program. All new loans will be made under the Direct Loan program.
For additional information: Website
:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website
:
Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, which has been implemented for 20 years and aims to support Turkey's administrative capacity building efforts for the effective implementation of the EU acquis, is the most prestigious scholarship programme in Turkey.
For additional information: Website
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