Cities are more relevant than ever. They plan an increasingly important role in the issues of this time: climate change, inequality, safety and health. Our Urban Studies programme gives you the opportunity to be a problem solver, teaching you how to develop real-life answers to today’s and tomorrow’s urban challenges.

Why Urban Studies?

In 2050, around 70% of the world population is expected to live in urban centres, while at the moment, cities already are home to 55 %. This offers a vast number of social and economic opportunities, but at the same time, the challenges of urban growth are daunting. As a student of our Urban Studies programme, you will develop the academic and practical skills needed to deal with the challenges of urban life.

Why Urban Studies at Leiden University?

• This bachelor’s programme is unique in the Netherlands in its multidisciplinary approach, incorporating disciplines from the humanities, social and natural sciences and law.
• Lecturers who belong to the top in their field.
• English-language teaching.
• Excellent facilities in the heart of The Hague, seat of government and home to a wide range of international and national organisations.
• Hands-on experience in research projects and field trips. Opportunity for study at a university abroad (in the third year).
• Lively community of international students and lecturers.
• Opportunity to follow your individual interests and map out your further career.
• Perfect preparation for a career in academia, the public or private sector.

After graduation

Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree, you are ready for a next step: continuing your studies or entering the labour market. Completing the Urban Studies programme will give you an excellent preparation for both options.

Fully equipped for entering the labour market

Labour market surveys show an increasing demand for students 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 many-sided and complex issues that cities are faced with. At the same time, you will also be a good candidate for positions in other fields that require an independent mind and sound analytical expertise.

Your skills after graduation

After graduating from the Urban Studies programme you will have acquired invaluable skills that are sought after by employers looking for new staff and by universities selecting candidates for master’s programmes. These skills include:

• Independent thinking
• Writing texts for specific audiences
• Working in teams
• Analysis of spatial environment
• Analysing information
• Methodology, such as understanding and using statistics
• Designing research programmes that relate to urban problems and their solutions