As the world becomes more urban, understanding cities becomes more urgent and relevant.
Urban Studies teaches you how to handle the problems cities are facing today and in the future from different angles.
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This bachelor’s programme is unique in the Netherlands, because it is the only such interdisciplinary programme to combine humanities, social sciences, law, science and language.
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Urban Studies is a broad programme that focuses on four relevant themes, namely, The Multicultural City, The Safe City, The Healthy City and The Sustainable City.
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You will be part of an international classroom of international students and lecturers
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By choosing electives, a minor and an internship in year three, mapping out your career path is largely in your own hands.
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Study in The Hague, the most internationally oriented city in The Netherlands
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An academic education from Leiden University is respected around the world
About the programme
After an introductory first year, in the second year you will learn more about four themes: the multicultural city, the safe city, the healthy city and the sustainable city.
In years two and three you will have elective options, including a minor, studying abroad and an internship.
What others have to say about Urban Studies
John Boy
"I teach research methods with a focus on field methods: how do you study the social worlds of the city on site? In the first year courses it’s mainly about methods like observations and interviews. In the second year we’ll progress to more advanced techniques, like social network analysis and spatial analysis. Because Urban Studies is a broad programme with a foundation in the humanities, it will open up many opportunities. Some students might want to do a (research) master’s programme in Urban Studies after their bachelor’s, others may prefer a more technical master’s."
Comar Beulens
‘You could see Urban Studies as a mix of social geography, planning and urban administration. You actually cover loads of topics. That’s what makes the programme such fun. We’re taught by lecturers from all sorts of faculties. If you have broad interests and like to think about complex issues, this is the right programme for you. There’s a vibrant student life in Leiden and The Hague. Leiden and The Hague are both great cities and it’s a good university. There are more Dutch students in Leiden, whereas The Hague is more international. I’ve got friends from all over the world that I’d never have met otherwise.’
Manon van der Heijden
“It’s through cities’ past that we learn why and how they have become so important. But while history might explain cities as we know them today, it also creates false images. Did you know, for example, that cities are healthier, safer and more sustainable than they’ve ever been? Above all, Leiden University’s Urban Studies programme is about people, their opportunities, beliefs and perspectives.”