Programme
When deciding what to study you undoubtedly read a lot of information about your study programme. Leiden University employs various systems to provide information about programmes and courses and to facilitate communication between lecturers and students.
The Prospectus contains information about all the courses within your study programme. Here you can find all you need to know about your programme. Via the online learning environment Brightspace you can communicate with your lecturers and submit assignments.
Year 1
The first year, which is a thorough introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Urban Studies, will acquaint you with the basic concepts and theories of urbanisation. You will gain insights into the emergence and functioning of cities and the important role they play in economic, social, cultural and ecological sustainability. Methodology and acquiring academic skills are also essential parts of the first year.
Year 2
In year two you’ll extend your knowledge by following classes in the programme’s four themes: the multicultural city, the safe city, the healthy city and the sustainable city. You’ll also choose elective courses on two themes, in which, by the end of the year, you will have become specialised. Also in year two, you will acquire methodology skills and learn about the job market by setting up a project for an external partner.
Year 3
The first semester of year three is reserved for electives, a minor, an internship or studying abroad. Your focus and thesis will now be on one of the four themes. By choosing electives that fit your chosen theme, you can determine your own career path. You will also be able to work towards fulfilling the entry requirements of your preferred master’s programme after Urban Studies. The second semester is for two research seminars and your thesis.
Programme Organisation
In this broad and interdisciplinary programme, so-called learning trajectories ensure coherence.
The two learning trajectories of the programme are:
- Knowledge: related to the four themes;
- Methodological and academic (professional) skills.
At Urban Studies, you can choose the themes of your interest (healthy city, safe city, multicultural city, sustainable city) which guarantees sufficient focus. Subsequently, your methodology courses are directly related to your chosen themes.
In the second year of the programme, a dedicated mentorship and professional education course will help you prepare for a specific master’s programme and/or a career. In this course you will learn which choices you should make within the programme to achieve your goals. For example: which courses you should choose to be eligible for a specific master’s programme.
Check out the Prospectus for more information