Urban Management and Development

Overview

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 Urban Management and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam 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.

How is your year organised?

The first block shares courses on urban sustainability, governance, planning, policy, finance, and data analytics with the other master tracks. In the second and third blocks, your courses will be track-specific. In addition, the programme will strengthen your research skills through research methods courses. The fourth 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.