At IHS, the four Master tracks of the MSc in Urban Management and Development combine academic knowledge with real-life examples through field trips during Block 2, the specialisation period. Each track features excursions that allow students to engage firsthand with urban challenges and innovative solutions across The Netherlands. From exploring sustainable urbanisation to analysing social housing policies in action, these field trips are designed to deepen students' understanding of theory while fostering practical skills and global perspectives.
Strategic Urban Planning & Policies
How are the interests and visions of various stakeholders influenced by and influencing urban planning and policies?
Students in the Strategic Urban Planning & Policies Master track explore this question during a field visit as part of their curriculum. During the latest specialisation period, participants visited the "De Kaai" project in Rotterdam, an example of community mobilisation for positive change. The initiative brings together different community members to collaborate on improving the neighbourhood. De Kaai used to be a margarine factory in South Rotterdam, which will now be transformed into a new residential, commercial, and experiential area with approximately 1000 homes.
Urban Housing & Land Justice
How can you better understand equal rights to housing, land and urban services?
As part of the Urban Housing & Land Justice Master track at IHS, students visit a social housing project in Delft, guided by experts from TU Delft, and see firsthand how housing associations operate. During the thesis writing period, participants can join the Research Atelier set up in Chennai, India, writing their thesis on critical issues like housing resettlement, tenure security, and climate change impact while collaborating with IHS' local partner, Anna University.
Urban Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change
How is the Doughnut Economics approach implemented in Amsterdam? Do you know how Rotterdam works towards being more flood resilient?
As part of the Urban Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change Master track, students learn all about these topics and more. Participants in the course have the opportunity to go on field visits in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, where they learn first-hand how authorities and other organisations implement sustainable approaches such as Doughnut Economics. This framework, developed by Kate Raworth, encourages us to view social and ecological transformation in an integrated way.
Urban Digital Transformation & Innovation
Wondering how Dutch infrastructure and the Port of Rotterdam utilise the latest digital innovations in governance?
The Urban Digital Transformation & Innovation Master track explores the digital dynamics of Rotterdam through field trips that offer an in-depth look at Rotterdam's public transport company (RET) and the digitalisation processes in managing city infrastructure. Participants of the Master track also dive into the operations at the Port of Rotterdam to understand its role in global networks and energy transitions. These visits provide a great opportunity to observe and discuss how theory translates into real-world applications right in the heart of Rotterdam.