Urban Studies: Planning and Living in Cities

As our conceptions of space and how societal connections change, how do we cope with the evolution and development of cities in regards to housing and urban planning? What does it take to create a liveable urban environment, and how do inhabitants make use of space?

Programme at a glance

Programme description

In this three-week programme students will explore the fundamental issues that are shaping the development and evolution of cities in the 21st century. With a focus on real urban places, set in both contemporary and historical contexts, the course will examine subjects such as neighborhood development and regeneration, housing finance and policy, city planning and sustainability, and the impact of household and demographic change on urban lives and spaces

In this program students will explore housing, planning and policy issues in European cities as well as consider how these apply in other regions of the world. With a focus on real urban contexts, the course will examine subjects such as neighbourhood development and regeneration, housing finance and policy, urban planning and sustainability, and the impact of household and demographic change. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most vibrant and attractive cities, providing a fascinating laboratory for the exploration and examination of urban issues.

This programme includes lectures on the following topics:

• City spaces and urban places
• Homes, housing and household issues
• Neighbourhoods
• Housing and Finance
• City living and social segregation
• Non Profit Housing Associations
• Housing/urban planning/Issues in other countries
• Urban development and redevelopment in a European context

Study load

The programme schedule from Monday to Thursday includes:

• Morning lecture (2.5 hours)
• Lunch break (1 hour; provided by the University)  
• Afternoon workshop (2.5 hours; includes site visits, museums, and walking tours).

On Fridays, participants will go on excursions (participation included in tuition fee). This programme also includes trips to Brussels and Antwerp (included in the tuition fee).

Credit Transfer

As a Summer Institute student you receive a participation certificate with an official seal from the Universiteit van Amsterdam.

Students who wish to earn credits receive an official transcript stating the courses taken, credits earned and grades obtained. The programme is the equivalent of a 6 European Credits (or 3 American credits) module. Students are responsible for ensuring that their home university will accept the credits and final credit conversions need to be made by the home university. If you have questions about credit transfer, or need more information on the programme for your home university's administration, please email us at summer-info-gsss@uva.nl.

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Published by  GSSS Summer Programmes Office