I chose to do the Research Master’s Urban Studies for the simple reason that there is no place better to study all things urban, than in Amsterdam, one of the world’s most livable and innovative cities. It is rare to find a master’s programme that incorporates fieldwork abroad for an entire semester, which allows a student to get to know their exchange destination on a completely different level than during a regular exchange.
The UvA presents students of RMUS with a unique combination of detailed analytical tools and skills, combined with a wide freedom of choice in terms of your personal interests among urban studies. The Research Master enables students to take electives across different disciplines, which they can combine with urban theory and practice under the supervision of highly skilled lecturers.
Students looking to apply should consider their willingness to devote two years to academic research, especially as the second year you will be quite independent in conducting your thesis research. Simply having an affinity towards urban affairs, or cities in general will be enough to make the most out of the courses during the first year, so as long as you want to do research at the highest levels of academia, you should apply to RMUS.