Urban Studies (BA)

After graduation

Fully equipped for entering the labour market

Labour market surveys show an increasing demand for graduates in the field of Urban Studies, particularly those who have been trained in a broad programme including social and cultural perspectives on cities and urbanisation processes.

After obtaining your bachelor’s degree you can continue with a master’s programme. Your master’s diploma will increase your chances of finding a job at a higher (academic) level.

As a graduate of our programme, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills that are needed to understand the multi-layered  and complex issues that cities face. At the same time, you will also be a good candidate for positions in other fields that value independent thinking and strong analytical skills.

In this video, you will meet three alumni who have followed different paths after studying Urban Studies at Leiden University in The Hague. Get to know Erik, Juliëtte and Matthew! Do you want to see what their jobs are like and how they use their skills? Watch the video and find out!

Your skills after graduation

• Independent thinking
• Writing for different audiences
• Teamwork
• Spatial Analysis
• Critical analysis of information
• Research methods, including statistical analysis
• Designing research projects addressing urban challenges

Erik Kofi Owusu

Graduate

"I look back at it as a meaningful experience where I was able to develop my academic skills and knowledge of the world and its future cities. Whenever I visit a city, it is always interesting to see the different ways that problems are dealt with and how the city is built. I have gained this way of evaluating and viewing cities through the courses I did in urban studies, and I am grateful for that. This year, I am starting a MSc Urban Governance at Erasmus University. I think I would want work within the municipality or within a company of young minds willing to make a change within cities. At some point I will be going back to Ghana as well to contribute to its growing urban development!"

Urban Studies graduates: 'The field is interesting and relevant, and keeps expanding'

After completing their studies, Urban Studies graduates reflect on their experiences and future plans. How do they look back on their studies? And what can we expect from them in the future? Read more. 

Orient yourself on the labour market

Throughout the Urban Studies programme, you will be given insights into the career options open to you after graduating and the steps you can take during your studies to achieve your career goals. 

You will also meet various professionals working in relevant sectors during the programme, which will give you additional opportunities for career orientation. The Urban Studies programme has excellent connections with organisations working on urban challenges. Through guest lecuctures by academic experts and practitioners, you will gain first-hand insight into current urban issues and related career opportunities.

The specialisations that you choose in the second and third year will give direction to your professional orientation, opening up theme-specific career opportunities. At the same time, your chosen specialisations will also determine which master’s programmes you will be admissible to. It is good to know that you can always discuss your choices and opportunities with your study advisor and the Career Service counsellors.

Campus The Hague Career Event

What are your ambitions for life after graduation? The Campus The Hague Career Event is your chance to learn how to find the job you want and how to get it. The event includes workshops on a wide range of topics, as well as opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers and get tips, information and potential job leads.

Check out the aftermovie of the Campus The Hague Career Event 2018!

Our Career Service is happy to help you

Leiden University’s Faculty of Humanities’ Career Service is available for personal advice and guidance about internships and jobs. This service also offers courses and workshops in career-planning, job applications and interviews. The career counsellors can advise which employers may be of interest to you. Internship coordinators and career support you in matching your interests and abilities with suitable internships and career paths. You can make use of the Student Career Services up to six months after your graduation. You can become a member of the Leiden University Alumni Network to find a personal mentor.