Master of Science in Global Urban Transformations

The first year will be in residence at Utrecht University. Students take eight courses, for a total 7.5 EC. Of these eight courses, five are thematic (Introduction to Global Urban Transformations, Urban Social Dynamics, Urban Resilience, Key Thinkers in Geography and Planning and Politics and Governance of Global Urban Transformations). The other three courses are dedicated to advanced methods and techniques and academic skills (Quantitative Methods, Doing Qualitative Research in Geography, and Developing a Master’s thesis Proposal).

The research project in the second year requires students to be independent and innovative in applying theories in practice. This final project has a study abroad component and offers room to enrol in electives or do an internship. The combination of structured learning and individual learning provides students with the optimal setup to pursue a well-tailored programme that fits their interests and ensures high quality. The thesis is written up as an academic article.

Courses

Year 1

• Period 1: Introduction to Global Urban Transformations (7.5 EC)
• Period 2: Urban Social Dynamics (7.5 EC)
• Period 3: Urban Resilience (7.5 EC)
• Period 4: Key Thinkers in Geography and Planning (7.5 EC)

Year 2

• Period 1-3: Master's thesis: guided research abroad and scientific publication (40 EC)
• Period 4: Career Orientation (5 EC)

This programme will equip you with the ability to critically assess research designs and results and policy implications. This will give you an excellent basis for either a PhD research position at a university or a senior position at national or international companies and research institutions.

Many of our recent graduates find jobs in companies (31%), while the second largest group of our graduates choose an academic career by entering a PhD programme in the Netherlands or abroad (26%), or by starting research-teaching activities at a university (10%). A few of our students found employment with non-academic research institutions (18%).

Academic careers

As a graduate of our research Master's programme Global Urban Transformations, you will have an excellent foundation for completing a PhD in the fields of urban geography, economic geography, international development studies, and urban and regional planning.

Non-academic careers

As a graduate of Global Urban Transformations, you will have also developed knowledge, skills and competencies to use at non-academic institutions. You will qualify for senior research functions at international and national organisations, such as the United Nations, Dutch ministries, regional and local bodies, NGOs, and multinational companies.

Here is a small illustration of some non-academic careers available for our alumni:

• National and local Government bodies
• Research agencies
• Housing associations
• Project developers
• Private consultancy agencies
• NGOs

Why in Utrecht

Studying Global Urban Transformations at Utrecht University has several advantages and benefits. The research Master’s Global Urban Transformations:

• The programme is research driven, with theoretical development and advanced method training, and provides you with an excellent preparation for conducting research in academic, policy and consulting environments;
• You are taught by leading scholars who actively participate and bring both expertise and experience from research across the globe. Here you read more about our teaching staff;
• The small-scale setup allows for extensive interaction between you and the staff, and the strong international focus provides you with opportunities to study abroad and/or conduct research in international settings;
• Beyond creating foundations for a PhD, this programme will also prepare you for a career in research-oriented NGO’s, industry, public administration and urban planning, and activism.