Explore urban and development studies with this course that brings together various disciplines. You will delve into contrasting epistemological approaches like positivism, critical realism, and constructivism, analyzing ontological assumptions related to terms such as 'urban,' 'development, and 'slum,' while also examining the interplay between structure and agency.

Explore how cities change due to evolving relationships among governments, markets, and citizens. Factors like climate change, technology, and social inequalities drive these transformations. Governments shape cities through policies and planning, while market players and residents also influence changes, impacting resource allocation, infrastructure, and the push for inclusive and sustainable urban development. Grassroots movements challenge traditional power structures, advocating for alternative urban visions.

Spend a semester in a different city and learn to compare urban environments. The course teaches various research methods, from traditional case studies to innovative approaches, focusing on practical skills. Students engage in workshops and seminars to develop their own research proposals and apply comparative techniques.

Explore key debates and evolutions in through the study of cities. From the influential Chicago School to modern critical perspectives you will delve into historical discussions. You will read original texts and modern reinterpretations to grasp the field's evolution, learning how constructive criticism fuels progress without descending into destructive arguments.

Engage in complete scientific research. During this course your tasks will consist of forming research questions, reviewing literature, creating research tools, collecting data, and presenting findings, leading to a final product and presentation to your course group.

Create a complete research proposal for the Urban Research Project. In February, you'll share an initial outline of your Master Thesis concept with your supervisor or program leader. By June, during block 6 of the first year, you will complete the final proposal write-up.

During the restricted choice elective you get the opportunity to choose one of the programme's method electives (see course guide).

During the restricted choice elective you get the opportunity to choose one of the programme's thematic electives (see online course catalogue).