IHS, Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies is a part of the high ranking Erasmus University Rotterdam (#21 in Europe & #72 globally according to the Times Higher Education ranking) based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. As a multidisciplinary institute, we work closely with the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) and Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and offer a variety of educational programmes.
Our vision for education
We believe that a strong understanding of concepts and theoretical framework goes hand in hand with a rich practical experience. Theory reflects into practice with awareness and relevance to the context and at the same time, fieldwork and research feed into education, providing valuable inputs to support teaching. At IHS you will find the space and support to put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. In our programmes, you'll collaborate closely with your fellow classmates, who come from over 45 countries. Together, you will learn from highly skilled lecturers and guest lecturers from all over the world, through a unique methodology of real case study analyses, games, class debates and more.
Moreover, being located in a masterfully planned city like Rotterdam means closer proximity to learning opportunities. The city is a real-life urban development case study in itself, which means you will often come across countless bold initiatives, innovative solutions and urban experiments to learn from, as well as a large community of experts and a wide array of niche events within close reach.
MSc Urban Management and Development
Tailor your Master's with one of our four Master tracks.
Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities
Master programme offered in collaboration with the Erasmus School of Social & Behavioural Sciences
PhD programme in Urban Development and Governance
This 4-year programme is part of the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Humanities
Short courses
IHS offers courses on green cities, land, local economic development, climate change, housing & more
Online Courses/MOOCs
IHS offers free online courses on infrastructure, climate change & local economic development
Why study in the Netherlands?
Safe & happy country: The Netherlands is among the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index) and is placed in the top 10 happiest countries (World Economic Forum).
- Quality education: All 13 Dutch research universities are ranked in the top 2% of the world's best universities.
- Orientation year: After graduation, you are eligible for a 1-year work permit in the Netherlands.
- English everywhere: English is an unofficial second language here, and nearly everyone you meet will be happy to speak English with you.
