Urban Studies (BA)

Why Urban Studies?

In 2050, around 70% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas. Currently, this figure is already 55%. This creates significant social and economic opportunities. At the same time, urban growth brings complex challenges. As a student of our Urban Studies programme, you will develop the academic and practical skills needed to address these issues.

Work on important themes

Urban Studies is built around four core themes that address key challenges in today’s urban environments: the sustainable city, the multicultural city, the safe city and the healthy city. You will have the opportunity to specialise in one or more of these themes in the second or third year.

Each theme focuses on a specific dimension of urban life. The sustainable city addresses issues such as waste management and the scarcity of natural resources. The multicultural city focuses on questions of inclusion and social justice in diverse urban contexts. The safe city examines how urban environments can be made safe and liveable for all residents. The healthy city explores the health risks associated with densely populated urban environments and how these can be addressed.

Understanding cities in depth

In this English-taught bachelor’s programme, you will explore a wide range of urban issues, while working both in the classroom and in the field: the city itself. You will build a solid academic foundation, studying theories of urban development, the historical evolution of cities and future urban trends.

In the course of the programme, you will acquire a solid set of methodological and professional skills in the field of urban studies. This will help you prepare for your future career in fields such as academia, business, or the public sector. Field trips to major Dutch cities, our career orientation programme and individual and group-based research projects provide valuable, hands-on experience.

Tailoring the programme 

You will have the opportunity to tailor the programme according to your personal interests by focusing on one or more of our unique themes: the sustainable city, the multicultural city, the safe city and the healthy city. In the second year, you will choose your specialisation courses. In the first semester of your third year, you will have the opportunity to do an internship, study at a university abroad or do a minor, consisting of a selection of courses of your choice. During the final semester of your studies, you will combine a Research Lab with the culmination of the programme: your thesis.

Step beyond your comfort zone

Urban challenges are complex, which means that solutions need to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Urban Studies programme at Leiden University brings together lecturers from the humanities, social and natural sciences, and law. You will be taught by expert staff with diverse backgrounds, including history, biology, ecology, philosophy, criminology, psychology, pedagogy, law and linguistics. In this way, you will be encouraged to leave your comfort zone in order to gain a broad, out-of-the-box perspective.

Why Urban Studies at Leiden University?

• A multidisciplinary programme, combining insights from the humanities, social and natural sciences and law.
• Teaching by leading experts, whose research informs their courses 
• Fully taught in English
• A prime location in the heart of The Hague, the political centre of the Netherlands and home to many international and national organisations
• Hands-on experience through research projects, field trips and the opportunity to study abroad in your third year.
• A lively international community of students and lecturers
• Flexibility to shape your studies and explore your own interests
• A strong preparation for your future career in academia, the public or private sector

Is Urban Studies the programme for you?

• Are you keen to study urban challenges from multiple angles, looking beyond Urban Planning?
• Do cities fascinate you?
• Do you want to contribute to solving real-world urban challenges? 
• Do you thrive in an international environment?
• Do you want to be challenged to think outside the box and be creative?
• Do you enjoy learning about urban history, psychology, biology, statistics and much more?

Check out the Urban Studies programme

Sonia Dobkowska

Second year student

"This is an interdisciplinary programme, and that is something I really like. When I was younger I was already very interested in cities and wanted to study architecture. When I was researching which Bachelor's programmes would be suitable for me, I realised I really wanted to develop a solid background in urban issues before going into planning or architecture or something similar. The Urban Studies programme in Leiden did not only have a very interesting curriculum, but I also found that it's one of its kind. There are no similar Bachelor's elsewhere."

John Boy

Lecturer in Urban Studies

"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."

Manon van der Heijden

Lecturer in Urban Studies

“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.”

Curious? Try the Online Experience!

Wondering if Urban Studies is for you? Dive into our Online Experience! Watch mini-lectures, tackle small assignments, and see what the first year is all about. This is an easy way to get a taste of the first year of our programme.

Chat with a student

Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the Urban Studies programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!