BA Urban Studies

Cities are more relevant than ever. They play 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's 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.

Do you want to know all about cities?

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 the theory of urban development, the development of cities, and the expected further developments. Additionally, in the course of the programme (second and third year), you will work on real-life urban challenges. Together with our non-academic partners and stakeholders, you will develop policy-relevant solutions for concrete urban problems.

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

Uniquely, you will have the opportunity to tailor the programme according to your personal interests by focusing on one or several of our 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 study, you will combine a practical course on urban problem-solving with the pièce de résistance of your Urban Studies experience, your final thesis.

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).
• A lively community of international students and lecturers.
• Opportunity to follow your interests and map out your further career.
• Perfect preparation for a career in academia, the public or private sector.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.